Modern girls take diligent care of themselves to look perfect from the tips of their hair to the tips of their fingers. Hands are what reveal the possibilities of self-care, self-love, and age parameters. Well-groomed fingers, neat manicure - all this can be achieved not only in the salon, but also at home. If you are one of those who do manicures at home, then you know firsthand that this process is quite interesting and at the same time difficult. This is due to the painstaking and multi-stage work. An ideal manicure is, first of all, a correctly chosen high-quality base. In our article we will talk specifically about the base, what its varieties are, the variety of brands, their advantages and disadvantages.
How to choose a base for gel polish
To ensure high quality manicure and extend its service life, you should choose a base based on the following criteria:
- Consistency. The product can be liquid or thick. In the first case, it will reduce the time of work; in the second, it will make it possible to more carefully model the nail plate.
- Type. For beginners, it is important to select self-leveling products; experienced professionals can order strengthening bases for additional extensions. For some girls it is important to tint their nails, for others it is important how easy it is to remove the coating. Based on the goals, the type of means is selected.
- Compound. Many liquids contain hydrolyzed keratin. If the service life of the coating is of paramount importance to you, choose these bases.
- Manufacturer. Experts say that it is best to do a manicure using products from the same brand. At least the base and top must be from the same company, otherwise the result is unpredictable.
Regardless of which base you decide to buy, you should follow the application technique. It is important to carefully prepare the plate on all sides. The product must be applied in a very thin layer, especially if you decide to order a rubber base. The first layer is always applied with rubbing movements, the second serves for leveling.
What is the difference between a rubber base and a regular base in gel polishes?
All bases of this type are distinguished by a thick consistency due to the fact that they contain rubber. With its help, more effective alignment is ensured, thereby simplifying the further process and improving the appearance of the manicure. It also provides proper strengthening, so it is recommended for owners of brittle and thin nails. The product does not roll down or form holes, as happens with conventional coatings.
Based on reviews from real people and the opinions of experts, we have prepared a list of the most popular products with descriptions, photos and main characteristics. Also, when creating the review and ratings, the prices of the bases, the degree of alignment, the compatibility of the bases with other companies and other parameters taking into account the characteristics of a particular category were taken into account. We present to you the top 10!
Which to choose
- Kodi - this manufacturer considers the best glossy finish without a sticky layer. The material has a thick consistency, smoothes the nails and protects them from external mechanical influences.
- RuNail is a Russian-made top coat without a sticky layer. Thanks to the convenient brush, the coating applies perfectly the first time. It has a yellowish tint, which is unacceptable for light-colored varnishes.
- Bluesky is a Chinese version of the topcoat. Despite the rather low cost, it is of high quality. It is very popular among beginners and nail art professionals.
- CND is a world-famous leader in the manicure market. The products are quite expensive, but the quality is also high. It is durable and economical in consumption. One of the few options that can be combined with coatings from other manufacturers. By the way, not so long ago they launched a 2 in 1 product that functions as a base and top.
We got acquainted with base and top coatings. We found out which is the best brand of top and base gel polish to choose. As it turns out, a full manicure is not possible without them. When purchasing, you should not take into account only the price - there are good products in the mid-price category. The main thing is that the varnish, base and top are from the same manufacturer, even when ordering on Aliexpress from little-known companies. Then a good result is guaranteed.
Manufacturers rating
Among the many companies, different companies occupied leading positions. Some of them lost their leadership, others consolidated it, and others took the lead. In 2022, the most popular brands are:
- 1 CND is a brand from the USA that has been occupying a leading position for several years now, and this is not surprising, because with the help of its products, the best masters create incredible nail designs, high-quality and durable manicures.
- 2 In'Garden is a domestic brand that has won the trust of users due to the fact that it offers quality products at affordable prices. All products are easy to use and absolutely safe.
- 3 Entity is an American company that has been using the latest technology for 30 years. The brand's line includes more than 200 shades of varnish and several types of coatings, each of which provides the perfect manicure.
- 4 Vogue Nails is a Russian brand that has become a leader in a short time. Its products have a good quality-to-price ratio and include a wide range of gel polishes and modeling products.
- 5 TNL is a company from South Korea that offers more than 20 different bases, each of which performs its own function. The brand has its own laboratories, where it regularly tests products to improve their quality.
Products from Patrisa Nail, UNO, Beautix, Klio Professional and FOX are slightly less in demand.
Rubber base for nails: how is it different from regular base?
The product contains liquid rubber. The advantage of this product is that when the coating dries, it remains not hard, but somewhat springy, which gives plasticity to the nails. In addition, the presence of rubber makes the composition thicker, which greatly facilitates the process of leveling the plate. With the help of such a base you can even build up a small corner that has become chipped. Although it will not be possible to make a full extension using this material. Another benefit of this foundation is that it doesn't run off the edges, which often happens with liquid foundations. Therefore, they have to be applied in 2 layers.
This does not happen with rubber material. Using this material, you can level the nail plate, which is ideal for thin, brittle nails on which gel polish does not adhere very well and chips 2-3 days after coating. With a rubber base, the durability of the coating will be much better. It is worth noting that almost all companies that produce materials for extensions, as well as manicure, now produce this kind of base, but not all can boast of equally good wearability. Many manufacturers write Rubber base on bottles, although in fact it is the most common, does not smell like rubber, and is liquid.
Canni
The best bases for gel polish price / quality
Beautix Royal UV base gel
- Better grip
- Country: France
- Price: 890 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
The base ensures durability. It does not bake when drying and does not cause allergies. The consistency is quite liquid, so to even it out, you should apply not one layer, but two. For the same reason, you should carefully apply the product so that it does not flow onto the cuticle. The product is easy to remove and dries quickly, saving you time.
Advantages
- Doesn't bake
- Good polymerization
- Doesn't roll down
Flaws
- A little runny
UNO Base Gel
- The optimum ratio of price and quality
- Country: Hong Kong
- Price: 590 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The base is easy to apply to the plate and shows off beautifully when worn. Even if you have thin and soft nails, this coating will not cause peeling. Thanks to innovative technology, there is no harm to nails. You can dry it in an LED lamp for just 30 seconds. The small brush has short bristles, making it easy to level with the product.
Advantages
- Hypoallergenic
- Acceptable price
- Convenient brush
Flaws
- Hard to soak
CND Creative Play Base Coat
- Best quality
- Country: USA
- Price: 765 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
The base is applied quite easily, despite its thick consistency. On the contrary, it provides effective alignment, making the nail look neater. Depending on the type of lamp, the polymerization time ranges from 1 to 2 minutes. You can do without a primer if the artificial turf holds up well.
Advantages
- High quality
- Economical
- Compatibility with other companies
Flaws
- May cause allergies
Causes of allergies
Not every girl can use shellac. This is explained by the fact that it can cause allergies when applied to the surface of the nail, as well as when dried under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Basically, allergies occur with frequent use. In this case, in order to prevent such situations from occurring, you should avoid manicure for a while and give your nails a rest from exposure to chemicals.
The main causes of allergies:
- The component composition of a cosmetic product and its packaging most often contains chemicals that are active allergens - phosphoric acid, rosin, etc.
- Improper handling of shellac. It is necessary to observe the storage temperature - no higher than 26° C. Otherwise, the liquid will begin to change its structure. The best place for storage is a dark box that is not subject to mechanical movement and temperature changes. Experts also recommend tightly closing the jar of gel polish so that it does not dry out from frequent contact with air.
- It is necessary to use polishing objects that are not too hard, which can damage the nail plate. It is necessary to carefully apply the gel for the purpose of extension, without getting on the cuticle.
- Insufficient disinfection of manicure instruments (nippers, scissors, files), which can transmit infectious diseases from other clients.
The best rubber bases for gel polish
Regular bases are applied to one nail and then dried. With this type of coating you will save time due to its thickness. It can be applied to four nails at once, and then dried in a lamp: from 30 to 60 seconds in an LED device, and about 2 minutes in an ultraviolet model. Before drying, you need to wait a little for the product to level on its own.
Klio Professional Extra Rubber Base
- Maximum protection
- Country Russia
- Price: 650 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
Here is an elastic base that levels itself. User reviews confirm that the product is suitable for extensions. It also has good protective functions. The extra-thick consistency allows you to work with problematic nails, achieving beautiful highlights even on such a surface. The product can also be used to fix stones.
Advantages
- Firming effect
- High level of protection
- Comfortable brush
Flaws
- Not recommended for use in 48 W lamps
In'Garden “Perfect Nails” Rubber
- Better alignment
- Country Russia
- Price: 595 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
This is a single-phase product, which means that it is enough to apply it in one layer, which saves time and product consumption. The high quality ensures good adhesion as well as protection against pigmentation. Some people think that the base is too thick, but this is precisely the quality that all rubber coatings have, which is a definite plus. You need to get used to using the product.
Advantages
- Protection against color pigment
- Efficient Leveling
- Uniform application
Flaws
- Not compatible with KODI products
TNL Rubber Base
- Optimal price
- Country: South Korea
- Price: 300 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
Inexpensive, but very high quality base that has earned the trust of many users. It does not flow, which allows you to make the plate even without any effort. Consumers note that in 48 W lamps the product can bake a little, but only in powerful devices. Repeated application does not create lumps or voids.
Advantages
- Easy to apply
- Low cost
- Doesn't chip
Flaws
- Can bake when drying
How to use a camouflage base
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There are two options for using a camouflage base from a technical point of view:
- As a base coat for gel polish;
- As an independent coating, combining both base and color.
Working with the base coat: preparing the nail, applying a base for leveling
Camouflage under gel polish
- Prepare your nail - do a manicure, treat the side ridges, cuticle, file the shape;
- Degrease the nail;
- If your nails are problematic, for example, damp, apply a primer. This step is optional and depends on how the coating is usually kept on the nail plates;
- After the primer has dried, apply the camouflage in a leveling, moderately dense layer;
- Dry in the lamp for 60-180 seconds depending on the type of lamp;
- Without removing the sticky layer, apply colored gel polish of the desired shade;
- Dry the gel polish, apply top coat and dry again. If necessary, remove the sticky layer.
What camouflage will give under colored gel polish:
- Color enhancement. On a camouflage backing, the color will be more saturated, bright, and dense;
- Concealing nail color defects. A camouflage base will help hide blemishes, redness and other color variations. This is especially helpful when working with translucent gel polishes.
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Possible problems:
- Low adhesion . Craftsmen often encounter poor adhesion of camouflages, which leads to premature detachments. To avoid this, apply a thin layer of regular clear basecoat before applying camouflage. An acid primer will also help improve adhesion, but keep in mind that it will not bring any benefit to your nails and it is better not to use it unless necessary;
- "Conflict" of shades . This happens when translucent or stained glass gel polish is applied over camouflage - the color of the base distorts the shade of the gel polish. It is important to choose the right shade of camouflage - a milky base is almost always suitable, since it has a neutral color.
Camouflage without gel polish
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In this case, camouflage replaces both the base and gel polish - a pigmented, colored layer. What you can do with camouflage:
- French;
- Solid nude;
- Nude with design - sparkles, sliders, stickers, painting;
- Baby boomer gradient.
The procedure for the manicure procedure depends on which design is chosen.
- Prepare the nail as usual - treat the ridges, cuticle, file the shape;
- Degrease the nail and apply primer if necessary;
- Apply a thin layer of camouflage base. The layer should be rubbing in and as thin as possible. Dry as always - 60 seconds in LED, 120-180 in UV;
- Apply camouflage again with the second layer, but this time with a leveling layer, dry again;
- Cover your nails with topcoat, dry and remove the sticky layer.
If you are planning a design - French, sparkles, patterns, then create it before applying the top on the second layer of camouflage. Colored camouflages are applied using the same scheme.
If a camouflage manicure doesn’t wear well, as in the first case, try applying a thin, barely noticeable layer of a regular transparent base underneath it.
Layers of coating in manicure - what are they, how to apply them correctly
The best bases for gel polish from Aliexpress
Belle Fille base
- The most popular
- Country: China
- Price: 150 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
This product does not have a pronounced chemical odor and is sold in a 10 ml bottle. On the Chinese site, the product is in demand due to its easy application, lack of yellowness and good leveling effect. The base can be combined with products from other companies and dried in any device.
Advantages
- Lasting results
- Versatility
- Cheap
Flaws
- Not a very comfortable brush
Danchel Gel Base
- Large palette, safest
- Country: China
- Price: 120 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
If you want to purchase a completely safe base at an affordable price, find this product on Aliexpress. The product is enclosed in a bright bottle and has the most natural composition. It works well because the consistency is very thick. Bubbles may appear during application, but they disappear after distribution.
Advantages
- Many shades
- Uniform distribution
- Low price
Flaws
- Sometimes air bubbles form
Lily angel professional nail base coat top
- Better grip
- Country: China
- Price: 250 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
Professional base at a very low price. Lily angel base has a thick consistency and large volume, so you can use the base for a very long time. Delivery takes 30-40 days.
Advantages
- Levels
- Large volume
- Professional quality
Flaws
- Long delivery
The best camouflage bases for gel polish
Naturalness is in fashion, so nude tones are at the peak of popularity. This type of base can hide plate defects and is ideal for creating a gentle French manicure. You can also choose a multi-functional product that contains rubber, which will allow you to even out your nails. Manufacturers offer translucent, matte and transparent options.
Vogue Nails Ultra
- The most beautiful design
- Country Russia
- Price: 550 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
This camouflage base has optimal density, so you can get by with just it and not apply additional gel polish, which will save time. Many women note the increased thickness of the product, so beginners should adapt; it may not be possible to apply it the first time without defects.
Advantages
- Design
- Design
- Natural shades
Flaws
- Almost does not drip from the brush
Runail Elastic base
- Optimal durability and price
- Country Russia
- Price: 280 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
The domestic production base is a real boon for those who care about the family budget. Despite the low price, the product has increased durability. It can be dried in any lamps.
Advantages
- Reasonable price
- Excellent durability
- Very easy to use
Flaws
- May cause cracking when combined with products from other brands
POLE Color base
- The most pleasant smell
- Country Russia
- Price: 350 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.3
The rating of the best bases for gel polish is completed by a product with an amazing banana scent. The manufacturer's palette includes fashionable pastel shades. The base is quite dense in terms of pigment, so it can be applied in one layer; when creating a French coat, it is better to apply two. The product has a medium consistency, which eliminates spreading and ensures ease of application.
Advantages
- Pleasant aroma
- Nude tones
- Optimal viscosity
Flaws
- Not suitable for everyone
Voting for the best gel polish top
Which gel polish top did you choose or recommend?
TNL, Top for gel polish Iron Top
16.67 % ( 1 )
Runail Top Coat Non Sticky
0.00 % ( 0 )
Bloom, Top Strong
0.00 % ( 0 )
UNO SUPER SHINE TOP COAT
33.33 % ( 2 )
I-LAQ, Top for gel polish
0.00 % ( 0 )
Masura top coat with matte effect
0.00 % ( 0 )
VOGUE NAILS VELVET
16.67 % ( 1 )
Masura Basic Extreme Gloss Top
0.00 % ( 0 )
GRATTOL TOP GEL MATTE VELVET
33.33 % ( 2 )
The best fortified bases for gel polish
Any gel polish harms the nail plate, so you should take care to protect it. To ensure care, manufacturers add vitamins to such products. The main ones are panthenol and vitamin E, which are designed to strengthen nails naturally. If your nails are too weak, you can fix the effect with powder, achieving greater strength.
In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally
- Care without chips and cracks
- Country: USA
- Price: 536 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
This fortified base for gel polish, in addition to prolonging the manicure, provides care for your nails. The bottle is made of dark glass, which does not allow rays to penetrate inside. The base is equipped with a comfortable brush and contains vitamin E and D-panthenol.
Advantages
- Quality
- Long wear
- No chips
Flaws
- Thin consistency
MASURA Vitamin Base
- Does not harm nails
- Country Russia
- Price: 239 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The vitamin base contains vitamins E and Panthenol and has a liquid consistency, which makes it possible to apply the product in a very thin layer. After removing the gel, your nails look neat and well-groomed. Some note the fragility of the base, but for most, 10-14 days is enough.
Advantages
- Without smell
- Large volume
- Easy to take off
Flaws
- Durability about 10 days
TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel
- Ideal compatibility with varnishes
- Country: China
- Price: 349 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
The base is compatible with any other brands, which makes it almost universal. All the time you wear it, no clouding occurs, and the manicure can last about 2-3 weeks. The product is recommended for brittle nails, but for greater strengthening it is worth applying acrylic powder.
Advantages
- Compatible with other brands
- Medium thickness
- Saves on budget
Flaws
- Not a very comfortable brush
The most dangerous components
Almost every chemical element included in gel polish can cause a negative reaction.
This phenomenon is caused by the fact that this layer remains unpolymerized, so contact with it must be minimized.
Experienced craftsmen work in disposable latex gloves.
Substances in the composition that can cause allergies.
- Formaldehyde tends to extend the shelf life of the product. It is used mainly in the cosmetics industry. Its functions include fighting mold and bacteria. The packaging should indicate that contact of the substance with skin is not recommended.
- Toluene is used as a solvent. And, as you know, solvents are toxic mixtures. Even if it is added in cosmetology, it is in very small concentrations.
- Dibutyl phthalate is a chemical compound that protects the coated surface from cracking. If you breathe it for a long time, a person may get irritation of the membranes of the respiratory tract.
- Other components, including mythylisothiazolinone , are most often used to increase shelf life.
To protect yourself and your clients from unpleasant situations when covering your nails, you must take all precautions: it is recommended to work in personal protective equipment - a mask and gloves, and also use hypoallergenic varnishes.
The best leveling bases for gel polish
Not all women's nails have the correct and beautiful shape. If you are one of them, give preference to leveling bases. Most often they contain rubber, therefore they are characterized by thickness. For some, especially beginners, this causes problems. With the help of such bases, you can model and build the architecture of the plate, making your manicure even more beautiful.
In'garden Base gel Super easy off
- Very easy removal
- Country: USA
- Price: 555 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.0
This leveling base for gel polish saves you time, it provides long-lasting coverage and is extremely easy to remove if necessary. From the first layer it is applied simply and evenly.
Advantages
- Quickly deleted
- Worn more than 2 weeks
- Levels well
Flaws
- Light scratches may appear on the nails
Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis
- Not only aligns, but also strengthens
- Country: Germany
- Price: 380 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The base not only levels the plate well from the first application, but also ensures high-quality adhesion. It contains rubber, so the consistency is thicker. The product also has a strengthening effect.
Advantages
- Rubber included
- Efficiency
- Does not require cutting
Flaws
- Relatively small volume
Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel
- Designed specifically for allergy sufferers
- Country: Germany
- Price: 385 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
The product quickly levels the plate due to the presence of rubber. With its help, you can securely fix not only the gel, but also the decor. Given the thick consistency, it is better to apply with a special brush. But the main feature is that it does not cause irritation.
Advantages
- Quality
- Hypoallergenic
- Strength
Flaws
- Suitable for some, not for others
What is camouflage nail base?
The composition serves as a base layer for applying the finishing coat. Camouflage comes in different consistencies and shade palettes. Pastel colors are often used because they best match the natural color of human skin. Thanks to this, the modeled nail plate looks as naturalistic as possible.
Natural tones:
- universal;
- always relevant;
- fit perfectly into any dress code;
- fit well with various outfits.
This is the best option for girls with thin and flaky nails. With its structure and density, the camouflage cosmetic composition resembles a natural nail plate. This manicure looks as naturalistic as possible.
The camouflage is polymerized under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp or LED radiation. The nail extension procedure does not take much time and does not require special skills.
The naturalness of a nude manicure based on a camouflage base allows you to successfully combine it with fashionable wardrobe items and accessories, and the variety of body colors allows you to choose a shade to match the color of the skin of your hands and face.
The composition forms a thin and durable polymer film with increased adhesive properties on the nail plate. It is great for doing your own extensions and creating a flawless manicure at home.
The viscous material makes the nail plate absolutely smooth. It provides air access to tissues, preventing the development of fungal microflora and the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the most sensitive area of women's hands.
Which gel polish base to choose?
Each product has its own characteristics. Try to first think about the condition of your nails and the result you want to get. And only lastly about the cost. Often expensive gel polish bases are very economical.
5 questions to ask yourself before buying
- What effect do you want to achieve? Level the plate and fill in uneven spots, save time by doing without gel polish, strengthen your nails or ensure maximum durability of your manicure.
- Is the base compatible with other brands? One of the main parameters, since if the answer is negative, the manicure may lose its original appearance in just a few days.
- Do you need to maintain a budget? Too cheap products do not always ensure the durability of the coating, although they can be used if the coating is changed frequently.
- What is the level of trust in the brand? World-famous companies take good care of their reputation, so they monitor the quality of their products, although worthy competitors can be found in new products.
- How easy is it to apply? If you are a beginner, choose medium consistency products. Thick bases have their own application specifics and require experience.
We recommend watching the video
Allergy symptoms
In the field of cosmetology and beauty industry, both clients and specialists themselves are at risk of infection.
There are 2 main groups that can be observed in girls: respiratory and contact.
Respiratory
This form of allergy can occur due to inhalation of hazardous chemicals contained in the vapors of the product and its accompanying materials.
The girl begins to complain of redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes, burning in the nasal passage, dry throat and cough.
If you do not seek help in time, the client may experience swelling of the larynx, which is life-threatening. The face and neck increase in size and become reddish in color.
Contact
Appears as a result of gel polish getting on the skin. It will not be difficult to notice it, because... Most often the reaction is observed in the area of the cuticle and fingertips.
Signs of such an allergy are blisters filled with liquid or redness of areas of the skin followed by peeling, which periodically causes itching.
Constant scabies can cause a repeat allergic reaction, even if it has almost gone away.
