Every girl wants to look good and for this she does many different procedures, one of which is manicure. Previously, I had to paint my nails almost every three days, but time does not stand still, and everyone’s favorite gel polish appeared. Thanks to a special base coat, the varnish lasts 2-3 weeks. But here’s the problem: which base is suitable for brittle nails, and which for peeling nails? This article contains a rating of the best bases based on urethane rubber.
What is a base?
This is a coating that is applied for better adhesion of colored gel polish and the nail plate. In addition, this is a kind of protection of the nails from the harmful effects of other materials.
There are only three types of base:
- regular;
- rubber;
- camouflage.
The rubber coating is especially popular, since the rubber strengthens the nail, and the coating itself fits tightly onto the plate and facilitates the leveling process.
Let's consider the rating of quality products that are used as a base coat.
Types of tops for gel polishes
Among the variety of tops, the following main types can be distinguished:
- with and without a sticky layer;
- thick and liquid;
- matte;
- with shimmer;
- to secure designs.
Nail tops with and without sticky layer
The tack layer is the residual stickiness after drying the base, color and top coat. This layer is also called dispersion layer. Bases and almost all gel polishes (with the exception of single-phase) have a sticky layer. But top coatings can be either with or without stickiness.
To determine whether the top coat has dispersion, you simply need to touch the dried surface with your fingertip. Of course, it’s better to check this first on a tip, and not at the final stage of the manicure.
Main functions of the dispersion layer:
- improving adhesion between layers of artificial turf: between base and gel polish, gel polish and top;
- giving elasticity to the artificial coating, which is extremely important for soft, flexible nails.
After applying and polymerizing the top, the dispersion must be removed with a special liquid to remove the sticky layer.
Based on the dispersion functions, it becomes clear that topcoats with a sticky layer have elasticity and are ideal for soft nails. On bendable nails, such tops will “move” with the nail, rather than cracking.
Also tacky tops work great with designs like foil print.
Tops without a sticky layer allow you to reduce the time of the procedure and the costs of the specialist, since they do not have a dispersion that must be removed with a special means. They are tougher and suitable for strong nails. On soft, bendable nails and when applied to a soft, plastic base, they will crack.
Non-sticky tops are easy to apply as a rub. If you apply the rub on a sticky layer, it will simply roll up into lumps. If the dispersion layer is removed, then, unfortunately, nothing will work anyway.
Also, tops without a sticky layer are ideal for attaching inlays, bouillons, etc., since removing the sticky layer between them and nearby is extremely difficult and inconvenient!
Thick and liquid topcoats for gel polish
The consistency of tops can be thick or liquid, but these concepts are very relative. Some tops are liquid, like water. Some are so thick that they stick out like chewing gum. You can also often hear the following phrases: “top of medium thickness”, “quite liquid”, “not thick and not liquid”.
To understand the thickness of the top, just take the brush out of the bottle and see how quickly the material flows from the brush and how viscous it is.
Tops have the consistency of water most often without a sticky layer.
Tops with a sticky layer can be either thick or thinner.
Matte nail toppers
There are 2 types of matte tops: velvet and satin.
Matte top without sticky layer VELVET KLIO 15 ml
Top matte Satin without sticky layer Vogue nails 10 ml
Velvet tops are soft, plush, and retain these pleasant tactile sensations throughout the entire time of wearing a manicure.
Velvet tops are porous, and those pores attract dirt. Therefore, it is better to choose them for application on dark and medium-toned colors. The dark coating of dirt will not be very visible, but whitish dust will appear.
But this is a small thing compared to the incredibly pleasant sensations when you run your fingertip along the velvety surface.
Satin tops no longer provide such pleasant sensations. They are simply matte, as if a super soft buff had been passed over the surface. After 1-2 weeks they begin to rub slightly and shine. They are ideal for light shades. Of course, they can get dirty, but in any case not as much as velvet ones.
Tops for gel polish with shimmer (glitters)
Tops with shimmer (glitter) allow you to add glamor to any monochromatic coating! They are very helpful when you are looking for a certain color of gel polish with shimmer, but just can’t find it. Sequins in tops come in different sizes and shades, so you can easily create the effect you want.
Note! It is forbidden to use a base for leveling during pedicure, as excess material puts pressure on the nails and can lead to injury. But what to do if the surface of the toenails is uneven (for example, cuts appeared due to improper operation of the manicure apparatus)? How to hide this defect?
Use gel polishes or top coats with shimmer! They perfectly hide imperfections of the nail plate!
Tops for securing designs
A separate category of tops are tops for securing designs. Thanks to their special formula, they ideally fix designs (slider designs, designs using casting techniques, rubbing, etc.) and, due to their elasticity, ensure long-term wear of the artificial turf without chipping or peeling.
In our retail stores “ParisNail” and online store you can purchase tops popular among nail artists for fixing designs, for example top for slider from “NeoNail”, top for slider from “KLIO”, top for slider from “Vogue nails”.
Top with sticky layer Slider Expert NeoNail 15 ml
Design fixing top For Slider KLIO 16 ml
Top For Slider Vogue nails 10 ml
Top 4 rubber bases for brittle nails in 2022
Bluesky Rubber Base
1 place
The product is easy to apply with a flexible brush, does not flow under the cuticle and perfectly self-levels along the nail plate.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 10 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 1 minute. |
| average price | 100 rub. |
Bluesky Rubber Base
Advantages:
- does not spread;
- economical consumption;
- versatility (combinable with all types of gel polishes);
- price.
Flaws:
- Strong smell;
- lack of vitamins in the composition.
A Chinese-made product that is evenly distributed over the nail plate. The ductility of the product allows you to fill all the cracks. Some masters use the coating as an independent strengthening for brittle nails.
Uno Lux Rubber Base
2nd place
The coating adheres well to the plate and does not require prior application of a primer. Craftsmen fell in love with “Uno Lux” because it is easy to apply, hides all defects and does not cause peeling.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 690 rub. |
Uno Lux Rubber Base
Advantages:
- no bubbles;
- durability;
- the smell does not “hit” the nose;
- no detachments from the edge;
- ergonomic elastic brush.
Flaws:
- difficult to remove when soaked;
- price.
This product is classified as a hypoallergenic base coat. Allergies, of course, can occur in a few, but this material in most cases reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction in people.
Impuls kauchuk Base Liquid
3rd place
The unique coating does not sag, even keeps the unfortunate corners in a square shape. For brittle nail plates, it is recommended to also use acrylic powder for greater strength.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 12 ml |
| Consistency | medium viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 590 rub. |
Impuls kauchuk Base Liquid
Advantages:
- medium viscosity;
- faint odor;
- non-conflicting, works well with other colors;
- comfortable brush for use;
- self-leveling consistency;
- no bubbles.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
A slightly acidic coating is suitable for brittle nails. This product levels well, no special effort is required; but it looks natural, and the nail does not look like a “pie”.
Premiere
4th place
Self-leveling base, evenly covers the nail plate, does not flow under the cuticle. The coating remains durable for 3 weeks without chipping.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 200 rub. |
Premiere gel base
Advantages:
- The brush is easy to use, no lint gets in;
- no nasty chemical smell;
- budget;
- economical consumption;
- easy application;
- persistent.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The coating lays down in an even layer, hiding any unevenness, hardens firmly and strengthens the plate.
Brittle nails are the most common problem for most girls. It is very difficult to grow the desired length with such features or to go through at least a week with a “whole” manicure. Special bases for brittle nails come to the rescue. Manufacturers make a hard, glass coating that does not bend, which ensures longer wear of the varnish.
Top – 4 rubber bases for soft and thin nails
Kodi Rubber Base
1 place
Due to its thickness, the material does not flow under the cuticle and does not spread over the side rollers if you work with it for a long time. In addition, it can also be used in design: reliable fixation of any rhinestones of various sizes.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8, 12, 35 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 600 rub. |
Kodi Rubber Base
Advantages:
- smooth cut on the brush;
- there is a choice of the required bottle volume;
- no pungent odor;
- economical consumption;
- increased adhesion.
Flaws:
- It bakes a lot during polymerization.
A good remedy. Just one layer is enough for the nail to become harder, stronger like glass. It is very important that after removal the plate looks healthy and not dried out. Please note: the coating has a sticky layer.
Bloom Rubber Base
2nd place
Suitable for both professionals and beginners, since due to the thickness there are no streaks, you can easily smooth everything out with a thin brush. Can be used as a primer when using hard gels.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 1 minute. |
| average price | 390 rub. |
Bloom Rubber Base
Advantages:
- plastic;
- efficiency;
- durability;
- price;
- easy to apply;
- no chips.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The Russian-made material holds firmly even on the thinnest nails. It can be used to repair the length of the nail plate (extension), and the product also strengthens, makes the nail tougher and evens out well.
Nano Professional NANLAC GUM
3rd place
The material does not flow from the brush when applied, it is very convenient to distribute over the nail plate. It is also very easy to create the right highlights due to its self-leveling ability.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | very thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 1000 rub. |
Nano Professional NANLAC GUM
Advantages:
- elasticity;
- acid-free;
- easy to distribute;
- a short brush that is convenient to use;
- harmless;
- you can extend the nail;
- self-leveling.
Flaws:
- price.
The German product is particularly durable. It seems to stick tightly to the nail, there are no chips, no detachments, not even shrinkage. The brand even has a whole system designed for soft and thin nail plates (bonder, primer, base).
Rio Profi Rubber
4th place
In addition to the transparent coating, the manufacturer also produces several camouflage colors.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | very thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 300 rub. |
Rio Profi Rubber
Advantages:
- brush;
- durability;
- versatility;
- price.
Flaws:
- on some nails it shrinks after a couple of 2-3 weeks;
- difficult for beginners to work with;
- small bottle.
The product hides absolutely all the irregularities on the nail; applying it is not at all difficult due to its excessive thickness.
All coatings in the rating serve as a strong reinforcement for soft, thin and bending nails.
Rubber top coating for nails Kodi Rubber Top - reviews
Asya
https://kodi-professional.ua/gel-lak-dlya-nogtey/baza-i-top-dlya-gel-laka/rubber-topkauchukovoe-verhnee-pokrytie-dlya-gel-laka12-ml/
It's a pity. But most likely I won’t buy it again. On the second to fourth day it becomes cloudy. After a week, the coating turns out to be very untidy. I began to rub very hard. And all this after changing the packaging. Moreover, the lid does not close completely.
Galina
https://kodi-professional.ua/gel-lak-dlya-nogtey/baza-i-top-dlya-gel-laka/rubber-topkauchukovoe-verhnee-pokrytie-dlya-gel-laka12-ml/
There was some kind of problem with the top, something like this never happened before. Detachments on the free edge, already on the second day for many clients.
jane.kriger
https://nashemnenie.com/krasota-i-zdorove/44218-kauchukovoe-verhnee-pokrytie-dlya-nogtey-kodi-rubber-top.html
Good morning, girls!
I’m finally writing a review about this treacherous top that has been talked about from all sides. They insisted that this was the best top! That nothing better exists! What perfection he is!
I bought this Kodi rubber top in my city in an ordinary manicure store at a price of 1000 rubles for 30 ml. For this top it is very expensive!!
Traditional black jar without a brush. The lid is screwed on. The top constantly leaks from under this cap, the same story with the Codi 30 ml base. The eternally sticky bottle has to be wiped quite often. Although I don’t tip the container or turn it over, it sits on my shelf next to the varnishes.
The top is very liquid. It is impossible to level the nail plate and create beautiful highlights. Because if you apply a little more liquid, it flows under the cuticle and side ridges. Horror.
In addition, when applying this top coat to the surface with a foreign brush, bubbles appear on the coating, which sometimes you do not have time to remove before the top flows where it is not needed!!!
It smells unpleasant and quite sharp, but not critical, you can get used to it.
Now let's talk about the end result. What to expect? On light shades the top coat turns a little yellow over time. The coating lasts for two weeks, but chips do occur. If you remove the sticky layer immediately after drying, a slight dullness will appear and the shine will disappear. There's not much glitter anyway.
Dries for 2 minutes in UV and 30 seconds in Ice lamps.
I don't recommend it. Of course, maybe I got a fake. I want to try this top in other sizes, maybe it’s better. No wonder they talked so much about him.
Lovely Fox
https://nashemnenie.com/krasota-i-zdorove/44218-kauchukovoe-verhnee-pokrytie-dlya-nogtey-kodi-rubber-top.html
Hello everyone, dear readers!
When I was just getting acquainted with the technique of performing gel polish manicure, I watched videos on YouTube, where on one of the channels a girl from Ukraine very clearly explained and showed many tricks. In her videos, I often heard about Codi gel polish, but for some reason I didn’t like the name. After reading reviews on the Internet, I was convinced that most were satisfied with the quality. Only the price for a bottle was very high for me. Most of all I was interested in the base and top coats. I finally decided to buy a top in August 2015.
Volume 12ml
Price 660 rubles
Before him, I had a Chinese base and a top from Aliexpress, because of which I had to shed a lot of tears, because... the base was not applied properly to the nail and rolled into “islands”, and the top lost its gloss after removing the sticky layer.
Let's start the review in order:
The bottle is quite convenient and large. The lid is thin, but the brush is shaggy (the pile diverges in different directions).
And only after peeling off the label did I understand why this gel polish is so widespread in Ukraine. Importer from the USA - Kyiv!
The consistency of the product is very liquid and when applied to the nail, even with a very small amount on the brush, it spreads to the sides, which spoils the aesthetic appearance after drying. It’s not always possible to make sure that the top is not leaking somewhere. It glows blue in a UV lamp. This allows you to see all the areas not covered with topcoat. There is a pungent smell. The product flows onto the bottle from the cap in some strange way. Many buyers complain about this.
My main requirement for a top coat is gloss and durability. When I used this top coat, I got the coveted gloss, but unfortunately it did not pass the strength test. After I went for a walk to the dacha and took off my gloves a couple of times in the cold, my manicure cracked. This means that Cody's top is not worth the money I paid for it.
During the removal process, the top coat softens and curls under the influence of gel polish remover and is easily removed with a pusher.
I used this top for 8 months. Very economical too. But manicures cracked and chipped in most cases.
I won't buy it again.
Milena_Zharkova
https://irecommend.ru/content/vsya-pravda-o-tope-kodi-i-pochemu-ego-ne-stoit-pokupat-foto
After reading many reviews, I decided that the Kodi base and top were ideal in terms of price/quality ratio, and simply in terms of quality, so I purchased them.
I have no complaints about the base, but the top was an unpleasant surprise. From the first manicure, after a couple of hours, bubbles began to appear on the nails... and with each manicure there are more and more of them... And this is such a vaunted top?! And not the cheapest at all!
After such disgrace, I began to look for reviews about bubbles in gel polishes and it turned out that I was not the only one with such a problem.
Girls advise immersing the brush slowly, leaving the varnish slightly open in a dark place, not shaking at all, using a thin brush to drive out bubbles, etc. As for me, it’s somehow completely confusing, and for such a price there shouldn’t be so many hemorrhoids with a top!
Durability : good, 2-3 weeks with almost no chipping.
Application : liquid, a lot of top quickly flows off the brush when applied, after which it flows onto/under the cuticle and on the sides. And because of the bubbles, you also have to brush the brush many times, trying to get them away. Therefore, application is very problematic.
The shine is good and long lasting.
Production: USA
Importer: Ukraine
It’s for durability and shine that I give this top 2 stars, and I don’t recommend it!
Top – 2 rubber bases for normal nails
Olea Nail Rubber Base Premium
1 place
One of the few bases that does not smell of toxic chemicals, the smell is unobtrusive and pleasant.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | low viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 500 rub. |
Olea Nail Rubber Base Premium
Advantages:
- easy-to-use brush;
- pleasant aroma;
- keeps corners square;
- durability;
- price;
- quality.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The products of the Russian manufacturer (but the raw materials are produced in Germany) are of very high quality. But beginners should wait to use it, as the material spreads quickly.
Fiore Gel Polish Rubber Base Coat
2nd place
A good option for normal nails, it is also suitable for those with overly sensitive nails, but without other damage. The material can also be used for design: it firmly holds all decorations of any size, except for the overly bulky ones, of course.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8, 12 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 400 rub. |
Fiore Gel Polish Rubber Base Coat
Advantages:
- price;
- elasticity;
- long wear;
- no bubbles during application;
- does not spread prematurely.
Flaws:
Not detected.
There are two ways to use this product: it can be applied in a layer, provided that a primer is used, or applied in two layers without a primer. It will last for the same long time (3-4 weeks). After application, the nails look natural without a yellow tint, but in a lamp, for example, it may seem that the product still gives off a yellowish tint (this will disappear after polymerization).
Surprisingly, absolutely any base is suitable for normal nails, because you don’t have to additionally strengthen the plate or smooth out the bumpy surface.
Top – 4 rubber bases for damaged nails
Base Gel Polish Rubber (from TNL)
1 place
The composition is completely harmless. Perfectly hides all defects, irregularities and cuts.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 7.15 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 3 minutes; LED – 60 seconds. |
| average price | 300 rub. |
Base Gel Polish Rubber (from TNL)
Advantages:
- easy to operate;
- budget;
- elastic brush;
- durability;
- quality;
- even a beginner can handle it.
Flaws:
- may begin to bubble;
- causes a burning sensation in an ultraviolet lamp;
- take a long time to remove using a solution.
Pliable material, does not spread, is easy to apply and level. Strengthens damaged nails, does not harm them and lasts for a long time without peeling.
Diva Rubber Base
2nd place
The material is comfortable to work with; it will never flow where it is not needed. Lumps and irregularities are hidden by the product itself in a matter of seconds. The master can only slightly correct some defects with a thin brush.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15, 30, 50 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 – 60 seconds. |
| average price | 700 rub. |
Diva Rubber Base
Advantages:
- durability;
- obedient;
- easy to apply;
- with self-leveling effect;
- does not harm;
- smooth highlights;
- no detachments;
- soft brush with an even cut.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Experts recommend applying this product in two layers for better durability. In addition, many note that no one has yet had an allergic reaction.
In`Garden Rubber Ideal Nails
3rd place
In`Garden helps create a perfectly smooth surface and a beautiful, correct highlight. In addition to transparent colors, the brand offers two more camouflage colors: beige and pink.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 11.30 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 1 minute; LED – 30-60 seconds. |
| average price | 600 rub. |
In`Garden Rubber Ideal Nails
Advantages:
- strengthens;
- no bubbles;
- does not burn;
- durability;
- versatility;
- does not spread;
- economical consumption;
- there is no sharp specific smell of chemicals;
- natural composition.
Flaws:
- None.
The base has good adhesion to the natural nail and does not conflict with gel polishes from other companies. After removal, the plate looks strong, healthy and well-groomed.
Damaged nails require especially careful attention, since in addition to the base, they also need other compounds as strengthening that will maximally protect the plate from the harmful effects of varnish.
Features of the application technique
Liquid rubber can be applied at home. There are recommendations that must be followed, otherwise the coating will be uneven and bubbles will appear.
How to do a manicure correctly:
- Before applying the gel, it is recommended to carefully prepare your hands and hold them in a special soap bath, then treat the cuticles and give your nails the desired shape.
- The surface of the nail must be degreased with a special product to better secure the base. If you don’t have a specialized product at hand, nail polish remover will do.
- After the plate is processed and filed, an acid primer is applied to its surface.
- You can start with the rubber gel. Correct application is based on the application of two layers: the first thin, the second dense and leveling. It should be smooth, without cracks or streaks. To avoid unevenness, you need to turn your hand palm up and hold it in this position for 5-7 seconds.
- Treated hands are placed in an LED lamp for 50 seconds. After drying, degreasing is not necessary; you can immediately proceed to colored gel polish.
In an ultraviolet lamp, the gel polish dries a little longer - about 2 minutes.
The base is also used to strengthen nails. To do this, it is applied in several layers to the nail plate, dried and degreased.
Rubber is also used for nail extensions. This technique makes the coating durable.
Top – 3 rubber bases for peeling nails
Masura Basic
1 place
The coating does not conflict with other gel polishes, lays down evenly, and hides all defects.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 11.35 ml |
| Consistency | average viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 400 rub. |
Masura Basic
Advantages:
- no chips;
- long wear;
- self-leveling effect;
- no shrinkage (even when worn for more than 4 weeks);
- does not become covered with cracks;
- durability (longer than usual);
- faint odor;
- does not bubble;
- no sticky layer.
Flaws:
- None.
Masters claim that Masura lasts for a long time even without first applying a primer. The product can also be used as a stand-alone coating due to its light beige tone.
Runail Elastic Rubber Base
2nd place
The material has a fairly elastic structure, perfectly hides all defects and provides protection from further delamination.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 10 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 300 rub. |
Runail Elastic Rubber Base
Advantages:
- ease of application;
- quality;
- price;
- You can increase the corners.
Flaws:
- pungent smell.
The coating is very convenient to work with: it does not spread, it is applied in an even and thin layer (there is no excess volume). In addition, after drying, the coating leaves a sticky layer that can be removed with a regular degreaser.
