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10 Best Base Coat Nail Polishes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield®, Base and Top Coat, Nail Protectant, Nail Strengthener

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,480
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
74030 reviews

Formulation
Delivers a smooth, quick-drying formula that leaves a beautiful, glossy finish lasting for days.
Drying Time
Dries quickly and applies easily without feeling too thick or heavy.
Finish
Delivers a smooth, quick-drying formula that leaves a beautiful, glossy finish lasting for days.
Nail Type Compatibility
Changes the way nails break, causing smaller, less damaging flakes rather than big breaks.
Additional Benefits
Strengthens nails over time, making them noticeably less prone to breakage.

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield is a gel-based base and top coat designed to strengthen and protect nails. Its micro-polymer formula adds flexibility and reinforces weak nails, making it especially helpful for people with brittle or peeling nails. The finish is glossy and clear, so it pairs well with any nail polish color or can be used alone for a natural shine.

This product is free from formaldehyde, which is a plus for those seeking a gentler nail care option. Its super-resistant formula offers strong protection against chipping and peeling, helping manicures last longer. While it works great as both a base and top coat, it pairs best with Sally Hansen's own Pro Gel polishes to achieve the best gel-like durability.

If you want an easy-to-use, protective base coat that also doubles as a top coat, this is a solid choice for strengthening nails and extending polish wear.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,480
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
74030 reviews

Formulation
Delivers a smooth, quick-drying formula that leaves a beautiful, glossy finish lasting for days.
Drying Time
Dries quickly and applies easily without feeling too thick or heavy.
Finish
Delivers a smooth, quick-drying formula that leaves a beautiful, glossy finish lasting for days.
Nail Type Compatibility
Changes the way nails break, causing smaller, less damaging flakes rather than big breaks.
Additional Benefits
Strengthens nails over time, making them noticeably less prone to breakage.
#2

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, Nail Polish Base Coat, 0.5 fl oz

Rating
9.6
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
20594 reviews

Formulation
Provides a smooth and easy application with its thin consistency.
Drying Time
Dries incredibly fast and protects nails without turning them yellow.
Finish
Always keeps its shine and can go forever.
Additional Benefits
Ensures the color polish on top looks even and adheres well.

The OPI Nail Lacquer Base Coat is designed to extend the wear of your nail polish and prevent discoloration, which makes it a great option if you're looking for long-lasting manicures. It features a long-lasting, chip-resistant formula that can last up to 7 days when used as part of OPI's 3-step system.

The base coat also has a pro-wide brush that ensures smooth and even application without streaks or bubbles, making it easier to get a salon-quality finish at home. Additionally, it dries quickly, which is a bonus if you're often short on time. The glossy finish adds a nice shine to your nails, enhancing the look of your manicure.

However, it's worth noting that this product is discontinued by the manufacturer, which could make it harder to find in the future. Also, its formulation is free from animal-derived ingredients, making it a good choice for anyone looking for cruelty-free beauty products. This base coat is suitable for all nail types and is particularly beneficial for those who want to prevent nail staining and extend the life of their nail polish.

Rating
9.6
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
20594 reviews

Formulation
Provides a smooth and easy application with its thin consistency.
Drying Time
Dries incredibly fast and protects nails without turning them yellow.
Finish
Always keeps its shine and can go forever.
Additional Benefits
Ensures the color polish on top looks even and adheres well.
#3

OPI Infinite Shine 2PC Base Coat Top Coat Duo Pack | Long Wear Nail Polish Value Set | Protects Nails & High Shine Gloss

Rating
9.4
Drying Time
Finish
Additional Benefits

Most important from
1498 reviews

Drying Time
The top coat is incredibly shiny, dries quickly, and significantly extends the life of the nail polish.
Finish
This version of the top coat is even shinier and smoother than the original, giving a 'fresh from the nail shop' look that lasts for at least two weeks.
Additional Benefits
It rarely chips, even with frequent use, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting manicures.

The OPI Infinite Shine 2PC Base Coat and Top Coat Duo Pack offers a gel-like manicure that boasts extended wear of up to 11 days without needing a UV lamp. This makes it easy to use at home, and its damage-free removal process protects your nails. The high-shine finish provides a salon-like look that enhances your nail appearance with rich pigments and multiple finishes, from opaque crèmes to glitter.

This product is suitable for all nail types and is vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients, making it a conscientious choice for those who prefer cruelty-free products. The drying time is relatively quick, which is convenient for those who lead busy lives. However, some users may find the need to apply multiple coats (base, color, and top) slightly time-consuming compared to single-step polishes.

Additionally, while the product claims to be chip-resistant, frequent handwashing or manual tasks might still cause some chipping over time. This product is well-suited for individuals looking for a long-lasting, shiny manicure without the complexities of salon gel nails.

Rating
9.4
Drying Time
Finish
Additional Benefits

Most important from
1498 reviews

Drying Time
The top coat is incredibly shiny, dries quickly, and significantly extends the life of the nail polish.
Finish
This version of the top coat is even shinier and smoother than the original, giving a 'fresh from the nail shop' look that lasts for at least two weeks.
Additional Benefits
It rarely chips, even with frequent use, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting manicures.

Buying Guide for the Best Base Coat Nail Polishes

Choosing the right base coat nail polish is essential for achieving a long-lasting and flawless manicure. A base coat serves as the foundation for your nail polish, providing a smooth surface for color application and protecting your natural nails from staining and damage. When selecting a base coat, consider your specific nail needs and the type of manicure you want to achieve. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
FormulationThe formulation of a base coat nail polish refers to its ingredients and consistency. This is important because different formulations cater to different nail needs. For example, if you have brittle or weak nails, you might want a strengthening base coat that contains ingredients like keratin or calcium. If you have ridged nails, a ridge-filling base coat can help create a smooth surface. For those with healthy nails, a standard base coat that provides a good foundation for color application will suffice. Choose a formulation that addresses your specific nail concerns.
Drying TimeDrying time is the amount of time it takes for the base coat to dry completely before you can apply your nail color. This is important because a base coat that dries quickly can save you time and reduce the risk of smudging. Drying times can vary from a few minutes to up to 10 minutes. If you are often in a hurry, look for a fast-drying base coat. However, if you prefer to take your time with your manicure, a standard drying time will work just fine.
FinishThe finish of a base coat can affect the overall look of your manicure. Some base coats dry to a matte finish, which can help the nail color adhere better and last longer. Others have a glossy finish, which can enhance the shine of your nail polish. If you want a long-lasting manicure, a matte finish might be the best choice. If you prefer a high-shine look, opt for a glossy base coat.
Nail Type CompatibilityDifferent base coats are formulated for different nail types, such as natural nails, gel nails, or acrylic nails. This is important because using the wrong type of base coat can affect the longevity and appearance of your manicure. If you have natural nails, look for a base coat specifically designed for them. If you use gel or acrylic nails, make sure to choose a base coat that is compatible with those types of nails to ensure proper adhesion and durability.
Additional BenefitsSome base coats offer additional benefits, such as nail strengthening, moisturizing, or anti-fungal properties. These benefits can be important if you have specific nail concerns. For example, if you have weak or peeling nails, a strengthening base coat can help improve their condition over time. If you are prone to nail infections, an anti-fungal base coat can provide extra protection. Consider any additional benefits that might be important for your nail health when choosing a base coat.

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