Base, Top, Dissolving water, Thinner, Lamps

A top coat for nails is a finishing polish applied at the very end of a manicure. Its role is to protect the colour, to smooth the nail’s surface and toimprove the final look.

Depending on the formula, it can give a glossy, gel effect, matte or glittery. A top coat also helps to extend the wear time of your nail polish by reducing chips, scratches and everyday wear.

The top coat is applied after the nail polish, as the final step of the manicure.

For a nail polish regular, apply it once the colour is completely dry to seal the result without leaving marks on the surface. For a semi-permanent nail polish or a gel, use it after curing the colour.

Applying a top coat helps to seal the manicure, to make the manicure last longer and to keep your manicure looking neat for longer. Some people also apply another thin layer after a few days to refresh the shine.

The difference between a base coat and a top coat lies in the role each plays in a manicure.

The base coat is applied before the nail polish. It preps the nail, protects it from pigments and helps the colour adhere.

The top coat, meanwhile, is applied after the nail polish. It helps to protect the colour, to extend wear time and to create the desired finish.

The two products work together: the base coat preps the nails for polish, while the top coat finishes and protects the manicure. For a neater, longer-lasting, more resilient result, it’s often best to use both.

The choice of top coat depends mainly on the type of manicure and the finish you want.

For a finish that’s luminous and timeless, a top coat glossy is the most versatile. For a softer, on-trend effect, a top coat matte is a good option.

If you use a semi-permanent nail polish, it’s best to choose a compatible top coat UV or LED to ensure lasting wear and proper curing.

Some formulas are also designed to make it more resistant, speed up drying or give a gel effect. Choosing the right top coat lets you tailor the finish to your taste while helping your manicure last longer.

Explore our semi-permanent nail kit so you don’t have to find each product separately.