My nail growth has been a journey, to put it mildly. After years of getting my acrylics applied and removed repeatedly, it’s no surprise that my nails became dry and brittle. Now, I take regular trips to the salon for BIAB polishes to keep them strong, and I avoid nail extensions at all costs. The biggest change I’ve made, however? A few years back, my nail technician recommended that I introduce one simple product into my nail routine for when I’m taking a break from harder gels or in between appointments. And the best part? It’s something I can use myself at home. Enter the nail base coat.
Formulated with strengthening ingredients that will both nourish and protect your nails, a base coat not only helps your manicure last longer but also keeps your plates healthy when you don’t have any polish or gel on. Not to mention that they also make the perfect expensive-looking nude manicure that you can get without having to book a salon appointment.
But don’t just take it from me, I sat down with professional manicurist Michelle of @nailsncolour to find out what exactly makes base nail coats so good for your nails, as well as pick her brain on which base polishes come expert-approved. Keep scrolling to read her advice and recommendations.
What Is a Nail Base Coat?
Michelle says, “A nail base coat is the essential first step to a manicure as it sets the stage for a professional look. It’s a nude or clear polish that’s applied to your bare nails to help prepare them by smoothing the surface and protecting the natural nail from contact with a bolder-coloured nail lacquer, which may contain harsh chemicals or leave stains. Think of it as a makeup primer, but for your nails.”
Why Should I Use a Nail Base Coat?
“Without a base coat, your natural nails are susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals or staining from bold nail polishes. The base coat creates a barrier between the natural nail plates and the lacquer to minimise potential damage. It will not only extend the life of your manicure by acting as an adhesive for the polish colour, but also contains targeted ingredients such as vitamins that help to strengthen and nourish the natural nail. Not to mention, they can be used on their own as the perfect alternative for those who want a natural-looking mani without having to book a trip to the salon or opting for stronger chemicals that can cause damage,” says Michelle.
Keep scrolling to discover the best nail base coats, tried and tested by expert 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 Base Coat: Chanel La Base Camélia Vernis, £30
6. Best Affordable Base Coat: Rimmel Nail Nurse Base Coat & Strengthener, £5
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
1. Dior Base Vernis
Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, sweet almond oil, peony extract
Colour(s): Sheer peach-nude
The Dior Base Vernis is a base coat that is approved by experts and editors alike. I’ve spotted this product on my Instagram feed more times than I can count; however, I was initially introduced to it by my fellow editor, Eleanor Vousden, who says, “Working as both a base coat and a nail strengthener, Dior’s base vernis is a hydrating formula that’s perfect for all nail types, including those with dry and brittle plates. After a few months of consistent use, my nails are now longer, stronger, and way more resilient. And the best part? The sheer peach-nude hue provides a subtle wash of colour that leaves my nails looking elegant and put-together without having to add any other gels or lacquer on top.”
2. OPI Gel-Like Base Coat
Key Ingredients: N/A
Colour(s): Clear
Another base coat that came personally recommended is the OPI Gel-Like Base Coat. Gel nails look great, but the honest truth is that the process of using a UV lamp can cause a lot of damage to your nail plates and skin. Luckily, this formula comes with pre-cured gel technology that delivers up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine without the need for lamp curing or the soak off that’s usually needed for removal, allowing you to get a gel finish with minimal damage. I was first introduced to this when I took my BIAB gel off at the salon, but still wanted my nails to remain strong in between appointments. It’s a clear, glossy formula that strengthens the natural nails and is chip and scratch-free.
3. Manucurist Active Smooth
Manucurist
Active Smooth 03
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, AHAs, hexanal, castor fibres
Colour(s): Sheer rose, sheer beige, sheer golden, sheer bronze
“I love how Manucurist Active Smooth polish protects the nails with Hexanal, a vitamin-rich formula with antioxidant properties. That, plus the blend of vitamin E and AHAs, helps to hydrate, smooth ridges, and unify the nail surface, ready for any lacquer to be layered on top. The best aspect, however, is the fact that this formula comes in 4 different sheer and wearable hues, meaning there’s something for each and every one of my clients. Think of this as makeup for your nails, blurring any imperfections and providing you with a sheer but buildable wash of colour,” says Michelle.
4. Essie Strong Start Base Coat
Essie
Strong Start Base Coat
Key Ingredients: Biotin
Colour(s): clear
“If you’re looking for an ultra-natural formula with any hint of colour, Essie’s Strong Start base coat strengthens the nail with biotin to prevent weak or brittle nails. It’s the ideal product for those who want or need to maintain the bareness of their nails. Whether worn on its own or used as a first base for nail colours or design, this ridge-filling formula will leave your nails both looking and feeling healthy,” says Michelle.
5. Chanel La Base Camélia Vernis
Chanel
Le Vernis La Base Camélia
Key Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera seed oil, ceramides, AHAs, hexanel
Colour(s): sheer rosy-nude
Chanel’s La Base Camélia Vernis is another nail coat that celebrity nail artists and beauty editors can’t seem to get enough of. Beauty director Shannon Lawlor says, “I have nails that are very susceptible to breaking, so a base coat is a non-negotiable in my manicure routine. Chanel’s Camelia base coat sits at a slightly higher price point than other polishes on the market, but its quality and ability to keep my nails strong have kept me loyal to this formula for years. It smooths out uneven nail plates, creating a smooth and durable canvas over the nail. It provides the perfect base for other polishes and colours, but I actually find myself using this pretty rosy-nude colour on its own more often than not.”
6. Rimmel Nail Nurse Base Coat & Strengthener
Rimmel
Nail Nurse 2 in 1 Base Coat & Strengthener
Key Ingredients: Biotin, amethyst, celery seed extract, Vitamin B5, keratin
Colour(s): sheer pale pink
You don’t have to break the bank to keep your nails protected. Rimmel’s Nail Nurse is a 2-in-1 formula that acts as a protective coat and a strengthener. An impressive blend of biotin, amethyst, celery seed extract, vitamin B5, and keratin, this formula has been praised for its ability to improve the quality of the nail plates at an affordable price tag. One customer even described it as a “miracle in a bottle”.
7. Nails.Inc. Back to Life Recovery Treatment Base Coat
Nails.Inc.
Back to Life Recovery Treatment and Base Coat
Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, passionfruit seed oil, hexanal
Colour(s): Sheer nude
Described as an “advanced recovery treatment for nails in dire straits,” Nails Inc. Back to Life base coat is the perfect remedy for those with really damaged nails. Formulated with apricot oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil to moisturize and hexanal to add a strong barrier to the nail, this conditioning formula is ideal for anyone who has suffered at the hands of too many salon manicures. I bought this for my sister last Christmas after her many years of acrylic extensions, who said, “I could never get much length before my nails completely fell apart before using this base coat. After a few months of applying this twice a week consistently, my nails are now long and strong without me having to worry about them breaking too easily. I’d definitely recommend using this on its own or under your favourite nail colour to anyone with damaged nail plates.”
8. Hermès Les Mains Enamel Base Coat
Hermès
Les Mains Hermès Enamel Base Coat
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, aloe vera, passiflora seed oil
Colour(s): Clear
As someone who suffers from eczema, you’ll know that dry nails go hand-in-hand with dehydrated skin. Hermès’ Les Mains Enamel Base Coat is a clear formula formulated with a blend of oils that hydrates the nails, which in turn helps protect them from breaking under the harsher chemicals the regular nail lacquers often bring. And don’t just take it from me, one customer said, “It was difficult to justify the purchase, but I have very capricious dry nails, I can’t wear gel or anything like that. This base is very good, works well with Hermes varnish, and my nails are healthier looking now.”