Why use Top and Base Coat? Choosing a new stylish nail polish color is a lot of fun! In comparison, the clear polishes tend to play a more minor role. Actually, this is undeserved, because a base coat and a top coat offer considerable advantages.
The base coat is applied to the nails before you apply the desired nail polish. A base coat smooths the nail surface, ensuring an even distribution of the nail polish. A base coat supports adhesion and helps the nail polish last longer on the nail. Some base coats have nail-strengthening properties that help nourish and harden your nails and prevent breakage.
A top coat is a clear nail polish that is usually applied over the dried nail polish. It forms a protective barrier that extends the durability of the polish and prevents chipping or peeling. A top coat gives the applied nail polish shine and a smoothing effect. Additionally, a top coat can conceal small imperfections like dents or lines, or minor smudges that happened before the nail polish was completely dry.
Learn more about nail polishes and nail care in our article: What really helps against brittle fingernails?