Types of topcoats
Gel polish tops vary in consistency, texture, decorative qualities and other properties. Popular categories of finishing coatings are:
- Glossy or classic - such fixatives provide the coating with a shining effect and protect the applied color from fading in the sun.
- Reflective finishes - they contain small silver particles that reflect light rays, giving the nails a shine and shimmering effect.
- Matte tops, including corduroy, velvet, suede and sand, give the manicure a matte effect, emphasizing the naturalness of the color and the beauty of the design. Thanks to their soft, plush texture, these finishes provide an incredible tactile sensation. It’s so nice to run your fingertips across their surface!
- Satin or cream tops are also matte finishes. In terms of tactile sensations, they are inferior to the previous group of coatings. But satin compositions are not so porous, less prone to contamination and are suitable even for light shades of varnish.
- Rubber - these finishes make the coating more elastic, resistant to fading, peeling, cracking and chipping. They are easy to apply, spread well over the surface and mask minor flaws in the nail plate. In addition, rubber fixatives hold rhinestones, voluminous designs and metal decor well.
- Finishes for fixing designs - thanks to their special formula, they perfectly fix rub-ins, rhinestones, elements using the casting technique, slider designs and other decor. In addition, such fixatives are elastic and contribute to long-lasting manicure without peeling or chipping.
- Fragrant and decorative tops are exclusive products with unique properties. This category includes topcoats with a rub-in effect, shimmer, sparkles, flakes, micro-glitter, holographic effect and other interesting additions.
- Shimmer tops contain sparkles of different sizes and shades. Thanks to them, the monochromatic coating takes on a more elegant and interesting look. In addition, glitter finishes perfectly mask unevenness and other defects of the nail plates.
Review
- CND is a leading manufacturer of gel polishes and other materials necessary for a complete manicure. The quality of the product guarantees reliable adhesion of the nail to the decorative coating. Polymerization will take no more than 10 seconds. The only drawback can be considered the high cost.
- KODI - an American manufacturer of gel polishes offers a rubber base for gel polish. The product ideally masks unevenness and other defects of the nail plate, allowing the varnish to lie evenly on the surface of the nail.
- BS Gellak is a base coat from a Russian manufacturer. Prepares the nail plate for applying gel polish, eliminating bumps. It has a budget price (about 150 rubles).
- Bluesky is a well-known brand that produces manicure materials at an average price. Smoothes the nail plate and provides protection from harmful substances contained in the color coating.
Base and top
Which top is better: with or without a sticky layer?
A sticky or dispersive layer appears as residual stickiness of the coating after drying. It is typical for all bases and most gel polishes. Finishes can be either with or without variance.
Compositions without a sticky layer are easier to use because... do not need to remove residual stickiness with lint-free wipes. They are great for applying rubs, attaching inlays and other types of decor. But such fixatives are not elastic and are only suitable for strong nails. If they are applied to a plastic base or bendable nails, cracks will appear on the coating.
Top coats with a dispersion layer are intended for application on soft nails. They improve the connection of layers of artificial turf and give it elasticity. Besides flexible nails, the sticky finish is great for applying designs like foil stamping.
How to choose a top coat for gel polish?
What types of topcoats are there, how do they differ from each other, what designs are they used for? How to choose the right top? Technology of applying top coat for long-lasting manicure.
To secure the result after applying gel polish, you will need a top coat or topcoat. What they are like, what are the advantages and disadvantages of one type or another, what kind of nails each type is suitable for – we’ll figure it out in our review.
Tops are divided into several types: with a sticky layer, without a sticky layer, matte and with various effects.
Tops with sticky layer
Due to the plastic structure, coatings with a sticky layer are most resistant to mechanical damage. The sticky layer improves adhesion between layers of manicure and gives it special strength. On average, coatings with a sticky layer dry in a UV/LED/CCFL lamp in about 2-3 minutes/30 seconds. This type of topcoat is great for brittle and thin nails.
Tops without sticky layer
Coatings without a sticky layer are often chosen by beginners. Which is not surprising, because using them eliminates the need to remove the sticky layer. This reduces the procedure time and allows you to save on a cleaner (a product for removing the sticky layer). These tops are ideal for those who have naturally healthy and smooth nails. Non-stick coatings are an excellent choice if you work with rubs and pigments.
Matte tops
Matte topcoats have gained popularity, and some clients often ask for just such a coating. You can also achieve a matte effect using a buff file (life hack for beginners). But then you will have to devote extra time to the work, and with a matte top the effect is achieved in a few minutes. Among matte tops, satin and velvet ones with a rich, pleasant to the touch texture stand out.
Rubber tops
Rubber tops are more viscous in consistency and are suitable for the final stage of leveling the nail plate. Therefore, if the nail has an uneven structure, it is better to use a rubber topcoat. We recommend applying it in a thin layer.
Base + top, 2 in 1
You no longer need to doubt the choice of top and base if you decide to purchase a 2 in 1 product: base + top. Firstly, it is economical; you do not need to buy base and top coat separately. Secondly, it is very convenient; you will not have questions about the compatibility of coatings.
Tops with effects
Mother-of-pearl tops and tops with a cat's eye are designed for bright, unusual manicures and for those who love experiments. When applied to colored gel polish, topcoats with such effects add a special shine and shimmer to the nails. Tops with different effects allow you to combine shades of gel polish with tops. In this case, the master’s color palette is much wider.
Top application technology
- Apply a thin layer of top coat to the dried gel polish, seal the ends of the nail, and dry in a UV/LED lamp.
- If you need to level the nail plate, create perfect highlights or secure design elements such as sliders, rubs, yuca flakes, broken glass, kamifubuki and many others, apply a second coat of topcoat. Dry in a UV/LED lamp.
Any finishing coatings are designed to increase the durability of the manicure, protect it from chips and cracks, and also secure the design. Therefore, when choosing a top, first of all, pay attention to its characteristics. Choose a coating depending on the initial condition of the nail, and then your manicure will delight you with durability.
Remember: the top is the final chord of your work, and it determines how the manicure as a whole will look.
We wish you creative success!
Best regards, imkosmetik online store!
Which consistency is best?
Finish coatings for gel polish come in different thicknesses - from liquid, like water, to stretchy, like chewing gum. Both extremes are undesirable, because a liquid finish flows behind the cuticle, and a very thick finish thickens the plate too much and complicates the creation of an elegant manicure.
Therefore, the best top coat for gel polish is not too liquid and slightly viscous, creating a thin and durable coating without spreading over the plate. The consistency of the fixative can be determined visually - by how quickly it flows from the brush into the bottle.
Why do you need a base for gel polish?
Most gel polishes used in salons and at home are three-phase. They involve the use of three products: a base coat, directly colored varnish and top coat. Otherwise, the varnish will not last even 10 days.
The base is a clear liquid with a gel-like consistency. Sold in bottles with a brush, like regular polish. There is a base coat in pastel colors, often replacing decorative varnish when performing a French manicure or for applying a design.
Base coat
Some people confuse the base with regular clear varnish. Things are completely different, the base coat performs the following functions:
- Promotes better adhesion of the nail to the varnish.
- Fills microcracks on the nail plate.
- Levels the terrain.
- Increases nail thickness.
- Protects nails from the influence of aggressive substances included in the varnish.
- Extends the life of manicure.
- Eliminates yellowness of nails.
- Nourishes the nail - many manufacturers, taking care of customers, add keratin, oils, and vitamin complexes.
Gel polish coating on nails
Strength and wear test
A clear indicator of the quality of the finishing coat is its durability and behavior on the nails. If the applied top remains confidently for 2-3 weeks - without the appearance of cracks, chips, peeling and other defects - it deserves to be included in the rating of the best gel polish finishes. Gradual loss of shine is allowed because... The coating is exposed to external influences every day. But the best topcoats confidently withstand all tests and retain their gloss longer.
Of course, you can judge the quality of a top by its durability and behavior on nails only if the materials used are fully compatible and the gel manicure technology is strictly followed. For example, cracks and chips can appear due to an incorrect combination of base and finish. Remember that an elastic sealer can be used with a rigid base, but a rigid finish must not be applied to an elastic base!
What to consider when choosing the best gel polish topcoat?
The most popular are classic glossy and fashionable matte topcoats for gel polish.
The consistency of the chosen product is the main thing you should pay attention to. The fact is that an excessively liquid topcoat will create unsightly streaks behind the cuticle, and a too thick topcoat will excessively thicken the nail plate, making the manicure rough. The ideal structure is moderately liquid and viscous, does not spread and gives a thin but durable coating.
The wear time and behavior of the top on the nails is an important indicator of its quality. If the applied finish does not rub, crack, flake or chip at the edges within 2-3 weeks, it has passed the test. A gradual loss of gloss during wear is natural, because the coating is constantly exposed to mechanical stress, but high-quality products still retain their shine longer. It is worth remembering that the behavior of the top on the nails also depends on the professionalism of the master and the quality of the materials and equipment used for gel manicure.
Manicurists also pay attention to such a property of the finish as the need to remove the sticky (dispersion) layer . Toppers with dispersion require treating the nail with a lint-free cloth. Products without a sticky layer are considered more convenient because... saves the technician time and consumables. But, in the end, everything is decided by the optimal balance of all parameters.
It is generally accepted that colored varnish, base and top should be of the same brand. However, the quality of the “native” top is not always satisfactory to the master. In this situation, it is quite possible to use a different brand of topcoat, as long as the colored varnish does not conflict with it. Nail artists are especially fond of rubber coatings . A special additive in the composition allows them to maintain elasticity after drying and to chip and crack less.
Manufacturers rating
Many brands offer high-quality top coats for gel polish, both foreign and domestic. The best of the best are considered to be finishes from well-known brands from Europe and the USA: Kodi Professional, CND, Grattol, Gelish Harmony, ONIQ, Patrisa Nail. The products ]UNO Lux[/anchor] (an American brand with factories in China), Haruyama (Japan), E.Co Nails, Bluesky, Born Pretty (China) are practically not inferior to them.
Of the Russian brands, Irisk Professional, RuNail, AdriCoco, TNL Professional, Masura, BeautyFree, Pashe, Lianail, POLE cosmetics Russia, Boheme, “Option” and other brands received recognition from professionals and amateurs of the nail industry. They offer products of decent quality at an excellent price, so finishes from Russian brands often become bestsellers.
Leaders among glossy tops
Gelish Harmony Top It Off/Sealer Gel
This tacky finish has many benefits:
- easy-to-apply texture - medium viscosity, non-spreading and well-leveled;
- narrow brush;
- economical consumption;
- fast polymerization;
- compatibility with gel polishes of other brands;
- glass gloss that does not fade for 3 weeks;
- 100% transparency that does not change the shade of the gel polish;
- effective protection against mechanical damage, chips, coating peeling and color fading;
- resistance to water, household chemicals and temperature changes;
- simple and gentle removal - using Gelish Harmony Mini Artificial Nail Remover.
The Top It Off finish from Gelish Harmony is quickly and evenly applied to the nails and forms a thin layer that does not thicken the plate at all. This fixative is great even for damaged and brittle nails!
No Wipe Top Gel from Grattol Professional
This finish has a formula without a sticky layer, a hypoallergenic composition and an easy-to-apply texture - medium thickness, economical and well distributed over the surface. Among its additional advantages:
- comfortable drying in a lamp;
- due to the lack of stickiness - saving time and consumables when creating nail images;
- enhancing the gloss of the gel coating;
- preservation of its color;
- giving the design high strength and durability while maintaining the original elasticity and flexibility;
- excellent fixation of decor;
- reliable protection from mechanical damage and other influences for up to 3–4 weeks;
- resistance to clouding, desquamation and flaking;
- compatible with nails of all types, including sensitive and prone to allergic reactions.
High Gloss top coat from UNO Lux
This fixative has a non-sticky formula and a high content of UV filters. It provides the coating with a high degree of gloss, effective protection against yellowing and fading, integrity and durability for up to 4 weeks.
To apply this finish, use an elastic brush that thinly and evenly distributes the material over the surface. Polymerization of the coating in a UV lamp occurs in 2 minutes, and in an LED lamp – in 30 seconds. Ease of use and excellent characteristics have made this top a sure hit of sales!
Elite Carbon Top from Irisk Professional
Our rating continues with a heavy-duty top coat without a dispersion layer. Nail professionals value it for its comfortable consistency, long-lasting gloss, durability and excellent protective characteristics. This finish polymerizes in a UV lamp in 2 minutes, and in an LED device in 0.5–1 minute.
It reliably holds nail decor and keeps the manicure looking flawless for a long time, without yellowing or loss of shine. Thanks to the content of UV filters, this product guarantees color fastness and protection from fading. It also firmly protects the finished image from damage, peeling, edge rubbing and other integrity violations.
No Scratch Top Coat No Sticky by E.Co Nails
Another popular top coat without a dispersion layer, an excellent choice for thin and long nails. Its main advantages:
- manufacturing from premium quality raw materials, like products of the Emi and Luxio brands;
- great price;
- medium consistency, causing no problems during application;
- good volume retention - can be used for final straightening of springboard-shaped, arched or deformed nails;
- bright and durable gloss;
- plastic;
- excellent resistance to scratches, mechanical damage and other impacts;
- reliable protection of the design from clouding, cracking, chipping and peeling;
- There are different options for removal - either by cutting or soaking.
Polymerization of this coating in a UV lamp occurs in 2 minutes, and in an LED lamp - twice as fast.
Top Coat Black Flakes from RuNail
This glossy top coat without a sticky layer differs from its analogues in its unusual texture with black flakes. They provide any color coating with an ultra-fashionable “quail egg” design. This finish looks amazing on pastel-colored gel polishes. It also looks interesting in a matte finish. To achieve this effect, simply treat the Black Flakes coating with a buffer and apply a matte or velvet finish on top.
Iron Top from TNL Professional
Another fixer without a sticky layer, reliable and easy to use. The list of its advantages:
- harmless composition;
- optimal density;
- flexible brush for uniform and economical application of the product;
- excellent gloss that lasts up to 2 weeks;
- preserving the color of gel polish and enhancing its depth;
- comfortable polymerization;
- excellent fixation of decor;
- the most durable protection;
- durability up to 2–3 weeks without chipping, peeling, fading, scratches or other defects;
- superpower - recovery from damage in a minute!
Leaders among matte topcoats
Top Gel Polish Velvet by ADRICOCO
This matte sealer applies without forming a dispersion layer and provides a soft corduroy effect. It radically transforms the appearance of the colored coating, making it softer and more mysterious. Combines amazingly with a glossy finish, creating an interesting play of contrasts. It is easy to work with, even for beginners. The protective characteristics of this finish are not inferior to its aesthetic qualities and ensure its confident inclusion in our rating.
Matte Top Gel from Grattol Professional
This velor finish with a sticky layer is flawless in all respects:
- creates a charming satin effect;
- has optimal density;
- thinly and evenly applied to nails;
- does not flow onto the cuticle;
- Suitable for full nail coverage and for creating accents;
- securely fixes volumetric decor;
- suitable for working with flakes, pigments, rubs and other types of dry decor;
- polymerizes quickly in a lamp;
- increases the strength and durability of gel coatings;
- protects them from damage;
- maintains lightness, elasticity and flexibility of manicure;
- can be removed without any problems.
Top Gel Polish Velvet from TNL Professional
This finish creates a long-lasting velvet coating that protects the design from damage and stays firmly on the nails for up to 4 weeks. It is applied without a sticky layer, easily and economically. A dense and flexible brush allows you to evenly distribute the material over the surface, and a fairly thick consistency makes it possible to smooth out the unevenness of previous layers.
Once applied, Velvet topcoat creates a beautiful effect and visually softens the design. Its protective properties are also impeccable, and removal does not require lengthy filing. The harmless composition allows you to apply such products even to sensitive and weak nails.
In addition to matte tops with a corduroy effect, other TNL Professional finishes are also popular, including the Smuzi series fixers. They contain glitter of different sizes and colors, allowing you to create interesting designs.
Matte Top Patrisa Nail
The matte top coat for Patrisa Nail gel polish has an optimal consistency and a flawlessly working formula without a sticky layer. This finish is applied thinly and evenly over the color coating, creating a transparent matte protection with a refined satin effect. The finishing layer it creates not only looks luxurious, but also confidently protects the manicure from any damage. In addition to gel polishes, it can be applied to gels and bio-gels.
Velvet Top Coat by UNO Lux
Another wonderful finish with a velvet effect. It does not have a sticky layer, is applied thinly and uniformly to the surface, giving the design an exquisite matte and pleasant silkiness. Its protective characteristics are also excellent: the manicure retains its integrity, color saturation and pristine beauty for up to 4 weeks!
