Though we’re always game for a paint job that involves the brightest and boldest colors sitting atop our dresser or at the salon, the 2019 forecast calls for the exact opposite. No, vibrant shades aren’t going anywhere, but there’s also negative space to consider. We’re talking nail beds that aren’t covered in one color, but accented with lines, dots or textured accessories instead. And if there’s one nonnegotiable tool for pulling off this trend, it’s without a doubt the best base coat nail brands have to offer.
We know what you’re thinking — who needs to really think about which base coat to get when they’re all practically the same? True, all of them are clear, but when you’re also combatting setbacks like chipping, pesky out-of-place ridges and stains from previous manis, we’d say they’re worth considering a bit more. Plus, the technology behind this underrated but important part of the polish process is in the midst of a serious upgrade.
These days, there’s everything from spray-on bases to superfood-infused ones to choose from depending on your specific needs. And as always, the ones that deliver super-glossy finishes are always in vogue. So, whether you’re keeping it clean and simple with a naked manicure or prepping your nail beds for a negative-space design, here are the best top-rated base coats to choose from.
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Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Sally Hansen No More Stains Spray-On Base Coat
Earlier this year, the staple nail care brand made dreams come true with this time-saving formula, a first of its kind, formulated with actives that deliver nourishment to dry nail beds. Prepping your digits for cool designs has never been easier… or more fun, TBH.
Sally Hansen No More Stains Spray-On Base Coat, $8.99 at Ulta
Tenoverten The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat
We love everything about this vegan nail brand, but especially the eight-free base coat made with horsetail leaf extract, an ingredient that’ll up the strength of your nail beds.
The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat, $18 at Tenoverten
Nails Inc. NailKale Superfood Base Coat
No, you can’t eat it, but this base coat is all about feeding your nails botanical extracts and plenty of keratin so they can feel as good as they look with a fresh coat of paint.
NailKale Superfood Base Coat, $15 at Nails Inc.
Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Base and Top Coat
Protein-rich to strengthen fragile nails, this starter and finisher also delivers a glossy finish so you can feel just as fab without color on your digits.
Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Base and Top Coat, $20 at Deborah Lippmann
OPI Infinite Shine ProStay Primer & Gloss Duo
If you’re working on your at-home gel mani, this two-part system ensures you’ll have high-gloss shine that lasts, whether you’re opting for color in between or not.
OPI Infinite Shine ProStay primer and gloss duo, $19.95 at Ulta
Londontown Kur Gel Genius Top Coat
No soaking or UV light needed to get that high-shine finish on your naked or color mani, minus the chipping of course.
Londontown Kur Gel Genius Top Coat, $20 at Ulta
Essie Smooth-E Base Coat
This new formula is infused with ceramides, i.e., the stuff that forms your skin’s barrier, to fill uneven surfaces, strengthen the nail and deliver a sleek-looking finish.
Essie Smooth-E Base Coat, $10 at Ulta
Zoya Naked Manicure Naked Base
Vitamins, proteins and amino acids that mimic the natural structure of the nail. What more could you want in a base coat?
Naked Manicure Naked Base, $12 at Zoya
Morgan Taylor No-Light Extended Wear Base Coat
The best part about this base coat meant for gel polish is that you don’t have to soak your hands to remove it.
Morgan Taylor No-Light Extended Wear Base Coat, $11.90 at Ulta
Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat
In addition to horsetail extract for strengthening, this powerhouse base coat also includes biotin for pumping up growth and calcium for addressing chips and ridges.
Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat, $18 at Butter London
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