Keeping your at-home manicure in perfect condition is no easy feat, and without the proper care and preparation, manicures can go from gorgeously polished to chipped in no time at all (and always at the most inconvenient time)!
To ensure your manicure stays in tip top shape for as long as possible, it is vital that you include a good quality base coat & top coat in your manicure routine. A base coat not only protects your nail bed from damage, but it also gives your nail polish a better base to adhere to. Finish off your manicure with a top coat to seal your polish and add a gorgeous high gloss shine – or matte finish if you prefer.
Essence Protecting Base Coat, R36.95
Revlon Calcium Gel Nail Hardener, R120
Catrice Colour Brightening Base Coat with Keratin
Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat, R79.95
Mavala Mavadry, R133
Essie All-In-One 3 Way Glaze, R200
Rimmel Nail Nurse 5in1 Nail Base & Top Coat, R64.95
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12 Responses
Would love to try all of this, especially the essie all in one 3 way glaze
I prefer to pay and get my nails done at the salon.
Thanks for this article! I’m sitting with a chipped nail after only painting it less then 12 hours ago!
Where can I find the Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat? I have been searching for a matte top coat for ages now and I haven’t seen it anywhere yet :(
Hi Korina, the Sally Hansen Big Matte Coat is available at selected Clicks & Dischem stores nationwide.
I just love the Essence Protecting Base Coat, it works very well.
I’ve tried a few top coats and none can compare to Seche Vite Dry top coat, its just amazing. You put it on your nails while wet and it dries instantly..really love it! I’ve tried the Sally hansen no chip top coat and my polishes normally chips the next day, the Rimmel 3D top coat also only last for a few days.
Ooh, I have been looking to try out some new top coats, so thank you for the suggestions! I just might try out the base coats too while I’m at it.. ;)
I’ve tried a few but none have compared to Essie. The quality is a lot better and helps grip onto nail polish so that it lasts longer.
This article came just at the right time! I am in the market for a good top coat because my nail polish never lasts longer than 3 days! Def made a choice after reading this!
A top coat is so important! I love the Sally Hansen ones. They seem to work the best, it prolongs the wear of my nail polish and I can go longer without chips.