Top coat: types, how to use and the best products on the market

The top coat has become indispensable when doing your nails. The product, which has different finishes and formulas, promises quick drying of the enamel, in addition to prolonging the durability of a neat nail for many days. Check out the different types of top coat, how to apply it and the best products on the market for you to buy now.

What is top coat?

As well as the extra shine, the top coat is a finisher that makes all the difference on the nails. As the name suggests, it is a coverage to be passed over the enamel and that promises quick drying, longer nail duration, in addition to a homogeneous finish that does not leave imperfections, such as those unwanted balls.

In addition, there are several types of top coat that promise different coverage. See the differences between them:

Gel: the top coat in gel promises to finish and protect the nails and give a shiny finish. Some gel products are activated with the UV light chamber, which further prolongs the life of the enamel.
Extra shine: This is the most common and affordable type of top coat. It is a thin coverage that dries quickly, adds shine, intensifies the color of the enamel and corrects imperfections.
Matte: and if you are passionate about matte nails, this is the ideal coverage for you. This top coat can be applied over any nail polish for a matte effect.
Holographic: this top coat can be applied over nail polish and offers a super cool effect. With this coating, the nails change shade according to the light, which can change the original shade of the nail polish.
Glitter: with this top coat it is possible to transform any common nail polish into a glitter one. In addition to the shine, this coverage prolongs the duration of the nails and does not let the enamel crack.
3D: this top coat is for those who love a different decorated nail. The coverage is thicker, creating a finish and a depth effect.

Top coat: how to use

You can use the product in two ways: as a nail polish finisher or as a protective film. This second technique is suitable for those who like neat nail arts and don’t want to risk ruining it with a finisher. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Read Also: How to recover broken or dry makeup

Top coat as a finisher

Apply the base and nail polish of your choice;
With the nails already enameled, apply the top coat forming a thin coverage;
Wait a few minutes to dry and you’re done!

Top coat as protective film

Take a Tetra Pak type package, open it and leave the inside of the box facing up;
On the silver surface, make rectangles about the size of your nail with the top coat;
Make 3 or 4 layers over the rectangle to create a thin layer;
Wait for the film to be completely dry and then remove it with the help of a nail stick;
Glue this film over your already enameled nail and press in the corners for better adhesion;
Apply another layer of top coat on top and remove excess and edges with the help of a toothpick.

With this finish, you make your nails last much longer, in addition to looking shiny and smooth. Ready to test?

The best top coats and where to buy

Now that you have discovered the types of top coat and know how to apply it, check out the best products on the market and choose one for you!

1. Impala Extra Gloss Varnish

This is one of the most affordable top coats on the market and promises extra shine, longer nail polish durability, and quick drying. The coverage does not change the color and is a favorite of bloggers.

“It promises mirror-like shine, quick drying and increased enamel durability. In terms of “mirror shine” I have nothing to complain about: excellent! The imperfection coverage is also the best – I loved it, I flip and move it, knead the tip or bump it into my hair. It covered pretty much everything!” – Bia Jiacomine

Buy here

2. Vult gel-effect top coat

This top coat is colorless, in addition to promoting shine and long lasting enamel. The packaging is black out, as the product is reactive to natural light, so it is not necessary to place your nails in the UV light chamber for the coverage to activate. The brush has a rounded cut, which makes application easier.

Read Also: 100 photos of hair with magnificent highlights to inspire your new look

“I spent 6 days with the nail polish in my hands and I thought the top coat performed very well, especially in terms of the shine promise, this one lasts a long time!” – Girl Addiction

Buy here

3. Colorama gel effect top coat

This top coat promises to prolong the durability of your nails, leaving them intact for 10 days. The product intensifies the color and helps to maintain the shine and gel effect for a long time.

“Did I like it? I loved it! I want all the colors and I will only use this type of nail polish now. I hope other brands launch similar things so that we have more options. It is also easy to clean. It is also easy to remove with traditional acetone. ” – Manu Alves

4. Revlon quick dry top coat

The product promises a strong and resistant coverage, leaving the nails beautiful for longer. The top coat dries in just 60 seconds and is easy to apply. The product also has UV protection, which maintains the color of the enamel.

Buy here

5. Risqué’s glossy top coat

The product’s formula is hypoallergenic and provides the perfect finish for a nail polish. The product is easily found in pharmacies and cosmetics stores and the price is affordable.

“What stands out about this Brilliant Coverage is that it is completely transparent and does not change the color of the finished enamel. The shine that the top coat adds to the nail polish is beautiful and well mirrored.” – Tatiana Michels

Buy here

6. Bourjois 3D gel top coat

This top coat leaves the nails even and with a homogeneous coverage. The gel formula adds extra shine and enhances any nail polish.

“I noticed that its formula is thicker than the national top coats. It is super approved because in addition to the magnificent shine it gave the nail polish, it dried very quickly, left the surface smooth (covering up some brush marks I had left) and made the nail polish last much longer on my nails than it has lately.” – Jake Badulake

Buy here

7. Vefic top coat

This top coat gives shine and protection to the nails, and, despite being purple, it does not change the color of the nail polish. The formula is thin and light, and the application brush is larger, covering the entire nail in just one application.

Read Also: Mango leaf tea: contraindications and details about benefits

“What I think makes the difference is his brush! It’s super flat, which is great to pass on! With a brush stroke you cover the entire nail. Another thing I really like about it is its fluidity, it’s very thin and light, it doesn’t have that heavy paste that many leave.” – Paula Lomeu

Buy here

8. Avon top coat gel finish

This top coat is on the list of favorites of manicurists and bloggers. The formula promises to increase the duration of the enamel by up to 5 days, and is also hypoallergenic. Coverage highlights color and adds shine.

“It’s a dense top coat that doesn’t need a thick coat or two coats. Just one, which makes the performance great. Application is easy and drying is extremely fast If you like decorated nails, like me, know that it was the best top coat I’ve ever used to fix and finish adhesives, films, pebbles, etc.” – Fabiana – Women’s essentials

Buy here

9. Gel Coat finish top, by Mavala

This is a gel finisher, which guarantees intense shine and greater durability of the enamel. The top coat also forms a protective layer that prevents chips and imperfections on the nail. No need to dry in UV light as it is formulated with Nitrocellulose Resin and no harsh chemicals.

“It is a finisher with a gel finish, which contains the new nitrocellulose resin formula. And what’s better: it doesn’t use chemicals, gives a super shiny look, reduces the risk of chipping, has long lasting and quick drying. I tried it – and I passed!” – Simone Galib

Buy here

Did you see how indispensable this item is when doing your nails? The brands have different finishes, but all promise shiny nails, with prolonged durability and a neat finish.

Isabella Tamaki

She loves to travel, discover new cultures and new languages. Passionate about pop culture icons, extravagant clothes, musicals and storytelling of all kinds. Graduating in Communication and Multimedia and writing based on coffee and Coca-Cola.

See more content from Isabella Tamaki