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Beauty/Makeup/Nails/Polishes

Top 10 Base Coats

10 Base Coat Nail Polishes For Fool-Proofing Your Manicure

Image credits: deborahlippmann

The list of all-too-common beauty pet peeves—at least, according to us—includes a manicure without a base coat. Going without this crucial product seems harmless at first, especially when you’re going the DIY route and low on time. However, when the time comes to remove colored polish, and your nail beds remain discolored after many rounds of acetone, you wish you had made time to protect them. That’s the simplistic beauty of base coat: it’s literally a barrier between your nail beds and nail polish that doesn’t just prevent color stains. The best base coats also address other small but important concerns like brittleness, dryness, and chipping. In short, the base coat is a small product that packs a heavy punch.

Choosing a base coat for your individual needs shouldn’t be rocket science. Generally speaking, you’ll want a formula that's quick-drying and infused with nail-loving ingredients. The finish is also a matter of personal preference; some prefer a high-gloss option to elevate the shine of a color coat, while others prefer a toned-down matte finish. There are also brands that prioritize convenience and affordability with polish that can be used as a base and top coat. Lucky for you, we’ve already gathered the most talked-about base coats so you can choose from the best options.

How We Found The Best Base Coats

As always, we put together this list with the help of our tried-and-true, ultra-smart algorithm. The proprietary tool chooses products by analyzing a diverse range of data, including beauty editor product reviews, expert recommendations, and social media word-of-mouth. Keep scrolling for the must-know details on each pick.

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September 20, 2023

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: sephora
Rank & Style Approved

sephora

Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

Overall Score

4.4

10

Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

4.44

552 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Luxury Base Coat

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
Deborah Lippmann is a pioneering celebrity nail artist, and her expertise is reflected in this namesake product line. The two-in-one base and top coat is known for its strengthening benefits and is especially recommended for those with weak or artificial nails.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
This standout polish is also enriched with biotin to encourage growth. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Nails Inc. Back To Life Recovery Treatment And Base Coat

Overall Score

4.4

09

Nails Inc. Back To Life Recovery Treatment And Base Coat

4.87

258 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Base Coat For Damaged Nails

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT
As its name suggests, Nails Inc.'s Back To Life treatment isn't just a base coat—it's also an advanced nail recovery treatment. Powered by five rich and nourishing oils, the formula delivers intense relief to damaged nails, particularly those damaged by repeat gel manicures.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This formula also has the prettiest hint of color, so it leaves the nails with a natural, healthy-looking glow.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat

Overall Score

4.5

08

Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat

4.47

1861 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Base Coat For Weak Nails

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
Butter London’s base coat is an award-winning top-seller that lives up to its name. With continued use, it’s clinically proven to repair damage around the nail, in addition to providing a protective barrier on the nail bed. 

USER REVIEW
“I cannot sing this product's praises enough! A complete turnaround for the health and the condition of my nails since I started using it a few months ago. It is very durable and long-lasting, and it dries at lightning-fast speed.”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Seche Crystal Clear Base Coat

Overall Score

4.55

07

Seche Crystal Clear Base Coat

4.59

7491 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Glossy Base Coat

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT
Seche's Crystal Clear Base Coat provides a smooth, glossy canvas for color, setting the stage for a salon-worthy manicure. It also dries fast, so you won't need to worry if you're short on time.

USER REVIEW
"I've used this base coat for years and like it. It provides a nice smooth canvas for nail polish. I pair it with the Seche Vite Top Coat for perfect manicures."


Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

Overall Score

4.55

06

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

4.68

8078 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Base Coat

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
Sally Hansen’s affordable but effective nail-care products continue to top best-of lists. This top-and-base-coat combo is a patented formula—nylon and vitamin B5 included—that pulls double duty by smoothing and strengthening the nail surface.

USER REVIEW
“I used this for the first time three weeks ago, and WOW. I still have a shiny and completely chip-free pedicure that looks brand new. I'm fairly new to painting my nails and not great at it, but this made it easy and professional-looking.”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Olive & June Nail Primer

Overall Score

4.6

05

Olive & June Nail Primer

4.37

2228 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Base Coat For Durability

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
Olive & June calls this nail primer a “bonus step,” but we’d say it’s a non-negotiable. The vegan and cruelty-free base coat extends the life of manicures by up to three days and increases nail durability. 

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Olive & June is known for its affordable nail kits, so we recommend any of the “shop systems” for a complete experience. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base & Top Coat

Overall Score

4.7

04

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base & Top Coat

4.56

9684 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Multitasking Base Coat

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT
If you have brittle nails, then you likely understand the struggle of making sure your manicure lasts. This shiny base and top coat is the solution to your woes, as it strengthens nails to increase protection against chipping, peeling, and fading. In short, it's good for you and your manicure.

HELPFUL TIP
To refresh your manicure, reapply a coat every two to three days.


Essie All In One

Overall Score

4.75

03

Essie All In One

4.59

10584 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Quick-Dry Base Coat

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
Essie’s base coat is like scotch tape for your nail beds, acting as an adhesive that holds color longer than your average manicure. 

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Multiple reviewers rave about how quickly it dries, too.


Orly Bonder Base Coat

Overall Score

4.85

02

Orly Bonder Base Coat

4.7

2701 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Adhesive Base Coat

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT
Orly's Bonder Base Coat is unlike any other option on this list. It grips nail lacquer to the surface for lasting adhesion, thanks to a "rubberized" formula made with cutting-edge resin technology.

USER REVIEW
"This is the best nail polish base on the market for natural nails! Nothing compares! It makes my manicure last a week before changing. It helps the nail color grip so that it does not chip. Make sure your nails are clean and dry before applying. I also lightly wipe my nails with alcohol to get any oils off before applying the base. Buy this!"


OPI Nail Lacquer Natural Nail Base Coat

Overall Score

4.9

01

OPI Nail Lacquer Natural Nail Base Coat

4.69

11770 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Base Coat Overall

WHY IT’S A STANDOUT
OPI is the mother of all nail polish brands, known for its iconic shades and equally impressive nail treatments. The Natural Nail Base Coat acts as both a protector and strengthener, providing a glossy barrier between the nail beds and polish as well as hardening the nail for less chipping. 

USER REVIEW
"I've used this base for years now, and it's my absolute favorite. It dries so quickly and makes polish last so long without any staining and minimal chipping."

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