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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

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,149
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
19320 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
9.8
Chosen by1,149
Formulation
Drying Time
Finish

Most important from
19320 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.
#2

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

Rating
9.6
Drying Time
Finish
Additional Benefits

Most important from
998 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
9.6
Drying Time
Finish
Additional Benefits

Most important from
998 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.
#3

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™, Color Grip Primer and Base Coat, Long Lasting, Gel-Like Formula, No UV Lamp Needed, Clear Nail Polish

Rating
9.4
Formulation
Drying Time
Additional Benefits

Most important from
13012 reviews

Formulation
The brush has a great shape and the base coat goes on smoothly, adding days to the life of the polish.
Drying Time
The polish dries quickly, allowing you to start painting almost right away.
Additional Benefits
Using this base coat makes a huge difference in the longevity of the polish.

The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ Color Grip Primer and Base Coat is a clear nail polish designed to extend the life and shine of your manicure without the need for a UV lamp. This product boasts a gel-like formula that is formaldehyde-free and promises to add up to two extra days of color and shine, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting manicure.

The primer works by priming, prepping, and smoothing the nail surface, which helps in achieving an optimal color application and a glossy finish. It is user-friendly and suitable for various nail types, ensuring a smooth, even application that extends the wear of your polish for up to 10 days.

This base coat is particularly beneficial for those looking for a non-UV, long-lasting, and glossy finish in their manicures, while being mindful of potential variability in longevity and drying time.

Rating
9.4
Formulation
Drying Time
Additional Benefits

Most important from
13012 reviews

Formulation
The brush has a great shape and the base coat goes on smoothly, adding days to the life of the polish.
Drying Time
The polish dries quickly, allowing you to start painting almost right away.
Additional Benefits
Using this base coat makes a huge difference in the longevity of the polish.

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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