The best top and base for gel polish

Today, persistent manicure is not only a pleasant service, but also a necessity, as well as cost savings. In order to forget about the correction for several weeks, you need to choose a professional master or learn how to deal with these procedures yourself. It is not enough just to buy a beautiful expensive coating - without a top and base it will be practically useless.

Top from the base differs in its purpose: the first completes the manicure, and the second is necessary to prepare the nail for it. No 2 in 1 products will give the desired effect. The viscous transparent consistency, protective properties and the need for a stable coating combine these products.

So, the first rule is that under the pigment layer there must be a basic coating, regardless of the type of manicure: gel polish or regular varnish. It performs a number of functions, without which high-quality nail art is impossible:

• the plate is leveled, all microroughnesses and cracks are filled, leveling the surface of the nails;
• protective function - the base is a shield between the painting varnish and the nail, which does not allow chemicals to penetrate the plate;
• nails are strengthened (including the most vulnerable free edge);
• the varnish adheres better to the surface of the nail, since the base for gel polish prepares the plate for coating, like a primer.

The second rule: you need to complete the manicure with a top coating, followed only by applying oil for care. Top is needed for many reasons:

• without it, it is simply impossible to protect the coating from external influences - all aggression will immediately fall on the pigment (ultraviolet, chemistry, water) and begin to destroy it;
• mechanical damage (scratches, chips, cuts) will spoil the manicure, and with the top the nail is reliably protected from impacts, color and integrity remain unchanged;
• the beautiful shine of nail art depends on the top layer, if necessary, it can also be flickering, which adds a manicure effect;
• design and decor are fixed with the top (and the larger the creation, the more layers will be required).

Theoretically, of course, no one can stop you from doing this. However, in this case, the purchase of a beautiful shade coating and a drying lamp will be pointless. The triad - base, varnish and top - these are the necessary materials, without which long-term coverage is simply impossible. After all, it is the combination of these three elements that protects the nail plate and allows the manicure to look perfect for a long time.

When choosing a base coat, you should study all types that differ in functionality and composition. Base coatings can be transparent, color-single-phase, nude and pink. Most of them have a harmless polymer and silica gel.

Perfectly lays on a plate, compacts it. Moreover, the removal of such a coating is quite gentle. Most often, it can be found as a sticker in the form of a nail, which can be fixed on the plate.

It is found in professional salons and at home use. By the name you can guess that the base contains rubber, which ensures the density and density of the consistency. In use, the base is very simple and perfectly levels the surface of the nails.

The base can be white, color or transparent. It has a synthetic composition - in it, in addition to the base itself, there is also acrylic powder. Ideal for nail extension and correction.

This is a therapeutic type of coating, which is intended for thin, brittle, unhealthy nails. In the composition you can see the vitamins of groups E and D, as well as other substances that help restore the plate after building or other aggressive procedures. Stimulates cell regeneration, restoration of the nail plate.

The basis is gel (often it is a 3 in 1 product combining top, color and base). It is applied very easily, the structure is pleasant to work with. It is worth noting that the single-phase nature of this type of base makes it quite short-lived in the sock.

Not suitable as a base for gel polish, but for a normal coating this is a great option. It only dries naturally. This base has a rather gentle composition, which is not contraindicated for pregnant women, children or allergy sufferers.

Finishing coatings are divided into three main types:

• medium density and viscosity, and a sticky layer;
• inelastic, liquid consistency, non-sticky;
• medium viscosity without sticky layer.

This question is often asked by those who are just starting to learn the procedure for applying gel polish. Professional masters give him an unambiguous and categorical answer - no, it is impossible. After all, the finish and the base coat have a completely different composition and radically differ in the functions performed. They are by no means interchangeable. In addition, no substance can be used to replace these products.

In order for the base and top to fulfill their mission properly, it is necessary to responsibly approach the choice of these tools. If you prefer shellac, then you better buy the products of this particular company (or choose the finish and base within the brand of your gel polish). To determine which company is the most suitable for you, remember a few rules.

• As already mentioned, shellac products are ideally suited for the same brand; this coating does not conflict with pigment gel varnishes of the Bluesky and Cody brands.
• The finish and base itself must be of the same brand - it is better to comply with this requirement, otherwise the manicure will not please with its beauty for long.
• If you are in saving mode, it would be more correct to save on color coverage. Base and finish need to buy only high quality.
• Additional substances in the composition are always a plus. As a rule, these are caring components: keratin, hydrolyzed substances. They have a beneficial effect on the state of the plate, their effect is soft, non-aggressive. Another advantage of the additional elements is an increase in the solidity of the coating, which increases durability.

• Nails with a non-smooth surface (porous, damaged) require a base coat with a thicker consistency.
• For thinned nail plates, a dense, thick finish is suitable, which will make them stronger.
• It is very important that both coatings are easy to use, have a neutral smell, and are easy to apply. Give preference to stable elongated bottles with a comfortable and thick brush of a rounded type (hair and villi should not fall out of it and in any case). It is important to apply the coatings as accurately and quickly as possible, so the material should be comfortable.
• One of the most important selection criteria is the manufacturer. Proven and proven brands produce only quality products.

Correctly applying the base means ensuring a perfectly even varnish coating, so it needs to be able to use it. A certain procedure must be followed.

• First, we carry out all hygienic manipulations, in which the free edge is adjusted, the nail is sanded with a buff and a file. At the same time, the top layer gets rid of gloss and fat, becomes malleable for coupling. You need to grind both the free edge and the base at the end, without injuring the surface of the nail.
• Then you should clean the plate from dust, for this it is recommended to use a polishing cloth or brush.
• Then comes the period of degreasing and disinfection with special fluids. They will qualitatively clean nails and skin, provide better adhesion to the coating. Professional craftsmen do not use the usual nail polish remover, although it may be suitable for home use.
• In especially difficult cases, masters recommend using a special primer that provides adhesion even to those who do not hold gel polishes, exfoliate and crumble. The special primer is not dried under the lamp.

• Only after all previous manipulations can you start applying the base. It is important not to take too much funds on the brush and apply it as evenly as possible.
• If the original brush does not suit you, purchase a special one with a long handle that is used by professionals.
• Do not forget to process the end face without filling it under the edge of the nail. It is enough to walk lightly with a brush with a small amount of base.
• The brush movements should have a slightly rubbing character (from the very beginning of the nail to its edge).
• The layer is applied once, however, the thinned zones need additional processing and thickening.
• The next step is drying 60 seconds in a conventional lamp (or 10-15 in LED). Stickiness should not be removed, because it will provide the perfect adhesion to the pigment.
• After all the manipulations, they apply a color coating, and also very neatly and evenly carry out the necessary design.

Only after the decor is finished do they finish, and the following recommendations should be observed:

• the color layer should be sticky;
• the top coating is applied thicker than the base, and care should be taken to ensure that it is even and does not float;
• Do not forget to seal the plate, after pressing the brush;
• thoroughly cover the entire surface, there should not be uncovered islets on the sides or near the cuticle;
• overlapping the perimeter of the color layer is recommended;
• the top is dried in LED for half a minute, in a conventional UV lamp - 2 minutes (it is important to withstand the required time, otherwise the manicure will not be shiny and strong declared time);
• then the stickiness is removed with a special solution, the top remains unchanged - you can’t draw anything on it, but you can glue rhinestones;
• the final stage is the application of oils and special products to slow down cuticle growth.

Today on the market there is a very wide variety of professional brands that produce bases and tops.

Its basis is rubber. Undoubted advantages: amazing resistance and strength, the ability to adapt to bending, viscous, dense composition. In addition, the finish does not need complex plate preparation. The declared term of wear is up to a month.

A budget finish that suits both professionals and beginners. It does not have a sticky layer. The main advantages: a fan-shaped brush, a consistency of medium density, easy to lay down, excellent holding. There is a nuance - the yellow tint of the top, which can affect the shade of the manicure as a whole, especially in light colors.

This tool is one of the favorites of professional salons, but it is distinguished by a high price. But there are a lot of advantages: high strength, perfect gloss with a mirror effect, profitability, comfortable brush, large volume, it perfectly combines with pigment coatings of other brands.

This brand stands apart, if only because its name has already become synonymous with gel polish. Highly appreciated by professional craftsmen. Among the advantages, the following can be distinguished: the consistency of the correct density, a beautiful but natural shine, suitable for allergy sufferers, and durable.

Pros: resistance, transparency, high-quality composition, suitable even for allergy sufferers, a good brush, perfectly aligns a nail with defects, rarely conflicts with coatings of other brands, adequate cost. Cons: thick consistency, which can be difficult for amateurs.

Pros: it combines well with other coatings, excellent color retention, soft, comfortable brush. Cons: unpleasant sour aroma, liquid, imperfectly smooths the surface, high price.

Pros: suitable for both beginners and pros, high adhesion, composition of comfortable density, excellent brush, can be applied and removed equally easily. Cons: requires a two-layer very thin coating, and if the layer is thickened, then the coating wrinkles.

Pros: it gently acts on the plate, compatible with the color of other companies, the density is pleasant, almost does not differ from ordinary varnish, it is easily removed, it does not burn fingers when drying. Cons: it is mandatory to use a bond of the same company, which increases the procedure time and cost.

Pros: ideal for French, there is a choice of shades, does not spread, low price. Cons: removing it is quite difficult - you can injure your nails, an uncomfortable brush, the consistency is too thick, a short shelf life.

Pros: perfectly aligns the surface and self-aligns, the brush is very comfortable. Cons: practically not combined with varnishes of other manufacturers.

Pros: suitable for craftsmen of any level, perfectly copes with complex plate defects, easy to use, stored for up to 36 months, a convenient brush, low price. Cons: painful burning during drying, so do not use it on thin nails.

Pluses: a high degree of adhesion, does not exfoliate, goes well with other brands, a pleasant texture, a short drying time. Cons: high cost.

Pros: plastic and moderately thick, suitable for masters without experience, resistant, easy to remove, low price. Cons: requires skill in work.

In general, the reviews about the most popular base and top coatings are positive. Professionals of users of products note the high quality of products. Among the most common shortcomings: burning during drying, the difficulty of applying an unusual consistency. Most often, the violation of the integrity of well-made nail art depends on improper wear and mechanical damage.

How to strengthen the base nails in 1 minute, see the video below.