Do you also struggle to remember the different steps in your manicure particularly when it comes to base and top coats and when to use them? Do you sometimes feel the urge to skip any of these or use them interchangeably if you miss a step?
Today, The Nails Girl will help you understand what is the difference between nail polish base coats and top coats.
What is a Base Coat?
When you are done with your nail prep, the first layer of products on your nail bed is that of a base coat. It helps your nail polish to adhere to the nail surface better by creating a sticky layer. It is different from a top coat as it sits directly on the surface of your prepped nail before applying any other nail polish. Learn why you should never skip base coat in your manicure routine so you never become lazy when using it before your nail polish application.
What is a Top Coat?
Opposite to the base coat, a top coat is the final layer in your manicure to lock and seal all of your artwork in place. It is applied after your nail polish and art layers have dried completely and you want to add extra protection and shine to your nails to make your mani last longer. The top coat helps keep the nail color and art fresh by protecting them against scratches, chipping, and peeling. Know why is top coat essential in your routine and make it a habit to not skip it when DIYing your manicure at home.
What is the Difference Between Base Coat and Top Coat?
Both base and top coats are liquids having thick, clear consistency but they serve different purposes when it comes to your nail polishes. While a base coat allows the polish to stick better, a top coat allows it to last longer and seals it for a chip-free fresh look. There are certain key differences between the base coat and top coat nail polishes which make them serve the individual needs of the nail pros.
1) Consistency and Formula
The base coat has a comparatively thicker and stickier consistency than that of the top coat. It allows fixing the texture of the natural nail by filling up the ridges on the nail surface thus creating a natural curve so the final application of the nail polish can look smooth and ridge-free.
The top coat, on the other hand, is a more glossier liquid that turns hard once dried or cured. It allows in giving additional shine and thickness to your nail polish making it look more professionally done.
Also, when doing nail art, top coats make the layers flush together so there aren’t any harsh lines or separations in the art. Base coats, in this case, fill up any hollow surfaces on the nail bed so the art can be smooth and flawless.
2) Application
Whether you’re doing a wet or a dry manicure, you need to prep your nails before going ahead with the polish application. For at-home manicures, after prepping your nails, avoid the urge to directly jump into your nail colors and form a habit of incorporating base and top coats. To apply the base coat, a slightly thick layer is formed covering the entire nail bed closest to the cuticle.
Contrarily, for the top coat, the application is just like the nail polish – a thin, smooth layer covering the entire nail.
Remember, all the layers should be thin and even and each coat should be air-dried or cured fully before the next coat.
3) Purpose
The purpose of a base coat is to smoothen any ridges or cracks on your natural nails to improve how the nail polish sticks to the nails. It protects your nails from staining or weakening and prevents chipping and peeling of the product to make it durable.
A top coat’s purpose is to seal the layers and to prevent scratches and dullness of your manicure. It also keeps the bright-colored polishes looking fresh and the pastel colors from getting yellowed due to exposure.
Can They Be Used Interchangeably?
There is a difference between base coat and top coat nail polishes and they shouldn’t ideally be used interchangeably since they are designed to serve different purposes.
Using a top coat in place of a base might not give adherence to the product that you’re looking for as it doesn’t have a sticky formula. Also, it may dry out your natural nails due to its quick-drying properties.
Similarly, replacing your top coat with a base coat isn’t a good idea because it has a sticky formula to it. This may stick micro-particles and may even dull the shine of your mani which is exactly the opposite of what you wanted. It may also not get dried quickly and may sometimes ruin your nail art due to its thick consistency.
Though both the products may look similar and you may feel the urge to interchange them, remember they are designed with different properties and it is better to invest in the duo to make your mani get salon-quality look and feel.
Wrap-Up
Understanding the difference between base coat and top coat nail polishes is essential for achieving a flawless manicure. While both serve distinct purposes, such as protecting your nails and enhancing the longevity of your polish, their formulas, application techniques, and intended effects differ significantly. Attempting to substitute one for the other can compromise the quality and durability of your manicure. Therefore, it’s advisable to use each product as intended to ensure the best results. By incorporating both a base coat and a top coat into your nail care routine, you can achieve professional-looking nails that are strong, vibrant, and long-lasting.
