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Beauty/Makeup/Nails/Polishes

Top 10 Top Coat Nail Polishes

Prefer An At-Home Mani? Put These 10 Top Coat Polishes On Your Radar

Image credits: opi

DIY manicures sure do have their perks. You get to skip the crowded salon, choose your own formula, and, most importantly, do it all from the comfort of your own home. However, if you opt to execute your very own manicure, a lot can go wrong. Messy dominant hands, poorly shaped nails, polish smudged from bedsheets... you get the picture. But fret not; you don't need a salon to achieve a manicure that you're proud of—just a good top coat. 

While perfect right hands and expertly shaped tips can only be improved with practice and time, a high-quality top coat can help mask those little mistakes in the meantime and increase your mani's longevity and shine in the process. And on top of sealing in color and vibrancy, a great formula will ensure your polish is less prone to chipping, cracking, and fading, and many of them can even give you an ultra-fast dry time. Our point? Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to nails, a top coat polish will guarantee your manicures and pedicures last through it all. 

Our Method For Finding The Best Top Coats

To ensure that you don't miss out on the cheaper, low-stress, relaxing ritual that is a DIY mani, we've rounded up a list of the absolute best top coats on the internet. Thanks to our data-backed algorithm which scores and ranks products based on things like reviews, ratings, social bzz, and editorial mentions, we know our recommendations will help you find the exact polish you need. From matte and gel finishes to formulas that strengthen while they protect, scroll ahead to easily shop the best top coat nail polishes. 

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March 14, 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: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

Overall Score

4.4

10

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

4.61

9025 User Reviews

3.3

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.

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Best Top & Base Coat Nail Polish

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This 2-in-1 nail polish works double duty to make sure you save both time and money when perfecting your at-home manicure.

PRODUCT REVIEW
"Dries quickly when used as a thin base coat. As long as you leave adequate dry time between the color coats, it works great for the top coat as well."


Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

Overall Score

4.4

09

Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

4.41

558 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.

Best Strengthening Top Coat Nail Polish

WHO IT'S FOR
Formulated for those struggling with peeling, brittle, or weak nails, this protein-rich formula works to strengthen and protect the nails and encourage healthy growth. 

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
You can use this top coat as a daily treatment, base, or top coat. It's also ultra-gentle, so you can apply it every day.


OPI Matte Top Coat

Overall Score

4.4

08

OPI Matte Top Coat

4.69

35582 User Reviews

3.3

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 Matte Top Coat Nail Polish

WHY YOU NEED IT
Matte nails never go out of style. Whether you pair this top coat with an edgy, dark shade, an understated nude, or your boldest red, it'll give your polish a cool and modern look.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Seven days of perfectly polished nails without a scratch or chip in sight? We'll be buying this one in bulk.


Smith & Cult Above It All Top Coat

Overall Score

4.45

07

Smith & Cult Above It All Top Coat

4.21

1632 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 High Shine

WHO'S IT FOR

If you love a high-gloss finish and want to ensure your nail color won't chip or fade, Smith & Cult's Above It All Top Coat is your best bet.

PRODUCT REVIEW

"Such high-quality gloss. This is my fav top coat ever - plus it speeds up drying time and is a clean formula to boot. Win win win!"


Chanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat

Overall Score

4.5

06

Chanel Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat

4.53

69 User Reviews

2.5

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 Long-Lasting Top Coat Nail Polish

WHAT IT DOES
This formula was designed to extend your manicure for an additional 7 days. It does this by using natural light which activates the top coat and helps it bond to your nail color to increase flexibility and strengthen. This process produces a glossy, gel-like look that's UV-free.

STYLE WITH
This top coat was specifically made to match the Chanel Le Vernis nail color, so to complete the set, purchase a polish (or two). 


Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base & Top Coat

Overall Score

4.7

05

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

WHO IT'S FOR
If you have brittle nails, then you surely 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 2-3 days.


Olive & June Nail Polish Topcoat

Overall Score

4.55

04

Olive & June Nail Polish Topcoat

4.59

1526 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 Salon-Quality Top Coat Nail Polish

WHY YOU NEED IT
Long-lasting, salon-quality manicures at home are possible with the right top coat, and Olive & June is here to prove it. Formulated to apply smooth and streak-free in three strokes or less, this high-gloss top coat will ensure your manicure (or pedicure) lasts for days.

HELPFUL TIP
For flawless application, apply it with Olive & June's patented Poppy painting tool.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

Overall Score

4.8

03

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

4.6

37633 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

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 Fast-Drying Top Coat Nail Polish

WHY YOU NEED IT
This professional favorite leaves the nails with an ultra-shiny finish, speeds up dry time, and prevents yellowing, chipping, and peeling for days. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

PRODUCT REVIEW
"This stuff is AMAZING! It dries and sets nail polish in just minutes. It has a nice gloss to it. No more having to be careful for hours after painting my nails."


Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

Overall Score

4.95

02

Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

4.68

15956 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

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 Gel Top Coat Nail Polish

WHAT IT DOES
With coverage that lasts up to 14 days, this top coat boasts the longest wear time on this list. Thanks to Essie's unique formula, it delivers a gel-like finish that plumps the nails, protects color, magnifies shine, and prevents chipping. 

USER REVIEW
“I love this top coat because it makes your polish last! I like to change my manicure on a weekly basis, and with this top coat, my manicure will last seven days without chipping and my pedicures even longer. It's the best! I highly recommend this product."


OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat

Overall Score

4.95

01

OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat

4.69

37567 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

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 Top Coat Nail Polish

WHY YOU NEED IT
Formulated to prevent smudges and dry into a smooth, high-gloss shine, this fail-safe formula protects your manicure and seals in color for up to seven days.

PRODUCT REVIEW
"This has been my go-to top coat for years. It keeps polish from chipping for a pretty long time. I also like OPI because it has fewer harmful chemicals than other brands."

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