I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy.

I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy.

      The journey of my nail growth has been quite an experience. After years of repeatedly applying and removing acrylics, it’s hardly surprising that my nails became fragile and dry. Currently, I regularly visit the salon for BIAB polishes to strengthen them and steer clear of nail extensions entirely. The most significant change I’ve made? A few years ago, my nail technician suggested incorporating one simple product into my nail care routine during breaks from harsher gels or between appointments. The best part? It’s something I can apply at home. Enter the nail base coat.

      A base coat is crafted with strengthening ingredients that nourish and safeguard your nails. It not only prolongs the life of your manicure but also keeps your natural nails healthy when polish or gel isn't applied. Plus, they offer an ideal expensive-looking nude manicure that doesn’t require a salon visit. However, don’t just take my word for it; I consulted professional manicurist Michelle from @nailsncolour to understand precisely why base coats are beneficial for your nails and to gather her expert-approved base polish recommendations. Continue reading for her insights and suggestions.

      What Is a Nail Base Coat? Michelle explains, “A nail base coat is the crucial first step in a manicure as it lays the foundation for a polished look. It’s a nude or clear polish applied to bare nails, preparing them by smoothing the surface and shielding the natural nail from contact with bold nail lacquers, which can contain harsh chemicals or cause staining. Think of it as a makeup primer for your nails.”

      Why Should I Use a Nail Base Coat? According to Michelle, “Without a base coat, your natural nails are vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals or staining from vibrant nail polishes. The base coat creates a protective barrier between the natural nail and the lacquer to reduce potential harm. It not only prolongs your manicure by serving as an adhesive for the polish but also includes targeted ingredients like vitamins that strengthen and nourish the natural nail. Additionally, base coats can be worn alone for those preferring a natural-looking manicure without needing to visit a salon or use damaging chemicals.”

      Keep reading to discover the top nail base coats, vetted by experts and editors.

      The Best Nail Base Coats, According to an Expert:

      1. Best Overall: Dior Base Vernis, £30

      2. Best Gel-Finish: O.P.I Gel-Like Base Coat, £18

      3. Best Shade Range: Manucurist Active Smooth, £16

      4. Best Clear Formula: Essie Strong Start Base Coat, £9

      5. Best Luxury: Chanel La Base Camélia Vernis, £30

      6. Best Affordable: Rimmel Nail Nurse Base Coat & Strengthener, £7

      7. Best for Damaged Nails: Nails.Inc. Back to Life Recovery Base Coat, £15

      8. Best for Dry Nails: Hermès Les Mains Enamel Base Coat, £46

      **Dior Base Vernis - Best Overall**

      Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, sweet almond oil, peony extract

      Colour(s): Sheer peach-nude

      The Dior Base Vernis is a favorite among both experts and editors. I’ve seen this product pop up on my Instagram feed countless times, but it was introduced to me by fellow editor Eleanor Vousden, who shares, “As both a base coat and nail strengthener, Dior’s base vernis is a hydrating formula that works well for all nail types, including those with dryness and brittleness. After a few months of consistent use, my nails have become longer, stronger, and much more resilient. The sheer peach-nude tint gives a subtle color wash that makes my nails look polished without needing any additional gels or lacquers.”

      **2. OPI Gel-Like Base Coat - Best Gel-Finish**

      Key Ingredients: N/A

      Colour(s): Clear

      Another highly recommended base coat is the OPI Gel-Like Base Coat. Although gel nails look stunning, using a UV lamp can be harsh on your nail plates and skin. Fortunately, this formula employs pre-cured gel technology, providing up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine without lamp curing or the soak-off typically needed for removal, allowing for a gel-like finish with minimal damage. I discovered this after having my BIAB gel removed at the salon but still wanting strong nails between appointments. It’s a clear, glossy formula that strengthens natural nails and resists chips and scratches.

      **3. Manucurist Active Smooth - Best Shade Range**

      Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, AHAs, hexanal, castor fibres

      Colour(s): Sheer rose, sheer beige, sheer golden, sheer bronze

      "I appreciate how Manucurist Active Smooth polish safeguards nails with Hexanal, a vitamin-rich formula with antioxidant properties. This, combined with vitamin E and AHAs, hydrates, smooths ridges, and unifies the nail surface, preparing it for layering with any lacquer

I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy.

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I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but using this one product has made them incredibly healthy.

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