Base for gel polish serves as a fixing material for sealing natural nails and as a basis for further work with other materials for extension or design.
A good structure helps not only to hold the materials together or to the native plate, but also to level the surface of the nail layer to create an even contour. But not all bases are universal - some are suitable only for working with gel polishes, others for nail extension. It is important to choose a base that will be successfully combined with different systems.
What are gel polish base and top?
Gel polish is an artificial material that does not adhere well to natural nails. The base is an intermediate agent that acts as an adhesion between the native plate and subsequent pigments applied on top of it.
A reliable manicure requires compliance with the conditions for laying out materials in a 3, 2 or single-phase system:
- In a 3-phase system, you need to lay out the base, working material and top.
- In a 2-phase system, either the 1st or the last layer is most often not required: the top is not always needed, as is the base for artificial materials.
- The one-phase system provides for the use of 1 material to cover the natural nail and the artificial one after the completion of the manicure.
A topcoat is necessary to protect the design, shine, or a special effect - the matte finish that can be obtained with a matte top. You can do without a base when working with a polygel, but the modeling gel is not always able to protect the nail.
Thanks to its texture and components, the base layer allows:
- protect the nail from staining with pigments that are used in the design;
- act as a strengthening or classic foundation;
- eliminate aesthetic imperfections - chips, stripes, unevenness;
- remove the modeling coating quickly and without injury.
The bases can be rubber and camouflage - for ease of application and simultaneous selection of the base shade. Due to the pigment, the future layer of gel polish looks more expressive and clear. Silicone bases are intended for designs with large sequins, glitter and other decorative elements.
A good base for gel polish guarantees the durability and strength of the manicure.
However, without the top, the coating will scratch and crack during wear. It also helps protect the pigment from sunburn. Decorative tops accentuate the gloss, and matte tops remove it, revealing a manicure in a "corduroy" role.
Scented tops add elasticity to the manicure, which is especially important for artificial long nails. It is recommended to use coatings from the same manufacturer in order to complement each other as much as possible due to the compositions.
What's the Difference?
There are several types of bases for building gel polish. For example, a rubber base is needed to level the coating. In a 3-phase system, it is used as a base for colored coating.
It has several advantages:
- Thick consistency (rubber) allows you to quickly align a crooked nail growing up or down.If the plate has bumps, the rubber base copes better than others.
- It does not flow into the side ridges due to its viscosity and density. Can be applied to 4 nails at once to get the material laid out quickly.
- For brittle nails, rubber is a salvation, since with prolonged wear, the varnish on the base does not crack, the coating does not give in to chips and scratches.
- The rubber base does not slip on the tips of the nails, so making the perfect highlight is much easier than with other bases.
Any base coat can be worn for no more than 4 weeks. Dry it under a lamp for 30-60 seconds in LED, and 2 minutes. in a UV lamp.
The silicone base is suitable for damaged nails - it clogs all microcracks and levels the plate, eliminating delamination and chips. The product also varies in composition and may contain silicon impregnation. Such a "sticker" is applied to the nail as a hardener for further decoration or shellac coating.
A good base for acrylic-based gel polish provides the best adhesion to the natural nail. Gel bases do not allow you to cover your nails with a thin layer, so sometimes you have to choose between different bases.
There are also vitamin bases that treat nails and at the same time protect them from future cracks. After removing the resin, it is especially important to keep the natural plate intact.
Why do we need it?
A base for a manicure is needed for the convenience of working with a natural nail. It hides flaws, allows the master to make almost any design. When building up, the base for the modeling gel is used to adhere the layers of the native nail with the artificial material.
Water-based bases do not belong to polymer liquids, so they can only be used under pigment as a platform for nail painting. There are water-based primers without acids - they do not corrode the nail, but they also do not allow it to withstand the wear of a heavy polymer.
The composition can also contain pigmented paints. This is necessary so that the client could "try on" the water base with the color that suits him best.
Application
Almost any base is applied after cleaning and degreasing the nail plate. Next, you need to use a primer and only then the 1st layer of the future manicure.
Rubber bases spread easily over the plate due to their texture. They do not drip, they are distributed in the places where the coating is applied. A drop of material does not go beyond the rubber - it self-levels and a flat surface is formed.
Polymers should be dried in LED / UV lamps for up to 2 minutes. Sometimes, when a design requires, a base can be used instead of a top to create a decor. The top has a liquid consistency, and it is not always possible to design with it. It is needed to secure the result and protect it from damage.
There are tops with a glossy and matte texture:
- Glossy top needed to complete the manicure. It can have a sticky layer - it is convenient to use for decoration.
- Matte top it is applied exclusively to the gloss to obtain the effect of "corduroy coating". When applying a matte top to a pigment, there is a possibility that the gel polish will be absorbed into the polymer, forming streaks.
The sticky layer is not removed from the base coat for better adhesion to building materials and pigment paints.
How to choose a base for gel polish?
When choosing a base, you need to rely on the purpose of the manicure, its type and properties of a natural nail:
| Base type | Description | Appointment |
| Liquid rubber | Weakly acidic, without a pungent odor. May have residual stickiness. | For brittle and dry nails with severe damage to the nail plate. |
| Thick rubber | An excellent tool for adhesion to the nail plate. The base can burn in a lamp, cause discomfort. | For problem nails that often break or flake off. |
| Medium viscosity base | Has a sticky layer, but is used in conjunction with a primer. | Suitable for aligning the nail plate. |
| Liquid base | It is self-leveling, it bonds well various polymer materials to a natural plate. | Suitable for normal nails without obvious signs of damage or defects. |
| Thick acid base | Formulated with a rubber base, but contains acids. | Designed for sensitive nails prone to allergies. |
Some camouflage bases may contain acids in the formulations, so you do not need to use medium viscosity primers for them. It is enough to apply a degreaser and 1-2 layers of camouflage to smooth the nail and cover the uneven tone of the plate.
How to choose a top?
Tacky topcoats are suitable for brittle nails. The liquid contains polymeric materials, but they do not cause discomfort when dried.
Tops without a sticky layer are suitable for those whose nails are naturally dense, do not deform and crack. In such cases, it is not necessary to use a cleanser to remove residual stickiness.
The best bases for gel polish in terms of price and quality
A good base for gel polish should have all the properties of a professional product, be available in the price segment, correspond to the declared cost in terms of quality and degree of consumption.
Beautix Royal UV base gel
The rubber base has a thick texture. The liquid is supplied in a 15 ml black bottle. The brush allows you to evenly distribute the material over the nail, however, due to the viscosity of the base, an overrun occurs.
The tool is suitable for leveling the nail plate and self-use as glue for rhinestones and other decor. Users note the average quality - the dense texture forms humps in the apex area, which have to be cut down. The material lasts up to 2 weeks in the sock. The cost of the bottle is 990 rubles. for 15 ml.
UNO Base Gel
Legendary non-sticky base intended for use under gel polishes. It can be applied to natural nails without priming. The product is supplied in white and black bottles with a wide brush for easy application in 1 layer.
The product has a medium viscosity, due to which it self-levels quickly and easily. Bottles of 12 and 15 ml can be purchased for 690-900 rubles. Camouflage bases from the same manufacturer cost 1100 rubles. for 15 ml.
CND Creative Play Base Coat
The manufacturer has recommended the product as a basis for nourishing and strengthening nails. The base is self-leveling, easy to apply, there is no waste of material. The brush is dense and wide, it is convenient to apply a drop and stretch it over the surface.
The American product provides for the use of 2-3 phase systems in conjunction with the base. The bottle is dark, its volume is 15 ml. The cost of a bottle reaches 980 rubles.
The best bases for gel polish with Aliexpress
It's no secret that Chinese bases also show themselves well in the sock of a manicure. It is believed that products from Aliexpress should be cheaper, and little attention is paid to quality.
Belle fille base
This product should be used in a 3-phase manicure system. As a rule, you can purchase a base and a top in one set. The composition of the liquid does not differ - the consistency of medium viscosity.
The base shows itself well in the sock - it does not chip, has a minimal residual stickiness, is suitable for any pigmented colors. The rubber base is supplied in a dark plastic bottle with a volume of 10 ml, and the cost is 170-180 rubles.
Danchel Gel Base
A popular firm in an affordable price segment that offers colorless bases of medium viscosity. The bottle is made in a matte green shade style. The brush is comfortable, you can apply the base in a thin layer, as well as in the "drop" technique.
Due to its dense texture, the product evens itself out without leaving a sticky layer after drying. Bottles are available in 9 and 15 ml, depending on the purpose - for gel polish or acrylic painting. The price is 113-169 rubles.
Lily angel professional nail base coat top
The manufacturer offers bases for gel polishes as a base, primer and top. Finishes, like base products, contain a sticky layer after drying. This ensures an even layout of the material.The product must be manually smoothed with a brush or applied in a thin layer in several layers.
A good base for gel polish from this manufacturer does not leave a sticky layer with a viscous consistency. The products have a translucent texture, easily spread over the nail plate. Such bases need to be dried for 2-3 minutes. in the lamp so that the subsequent color overlay does not affect the absorption of the pigment. The cost of the set (base and top) varies from 150 to 200 rubles. for bottles of 15 ml.
The best camouflage bases for gel polish
The base with a shade of nude color refers to camouflage products that help not only to level the surface of the nail, but also to cover the uneven color of the plate.
Vogue Nails Ultra
Rubber-based ultrabases have camouflage properties. The manufacturer supplies materials in black bottles - the handle is made in the form of a flower, and the brush is flat and wide for easy distribution of liquid. It is convenient to work with it when leveling the plate and creating the desired shade for painting with gel varnish. For 10 ml, the cost was 550 rubles.
Runail Elastic base
Another camouflage rubber base designed to moisturize and nourish the nail plate. The product is supplied in a black opaque bottle with a convenient brush.
Many craftsmen note the quality of the material:
- durable;
- easy to sawdust;
- will pass for a nude manicure without painting;
- does not spoil the nails.
The cost of a 10 ml bottle is 290 rubles.
POLE Color base
A rubber base with camouflage shades can replace the pigment layer of gels and gel polishes. It can be used for building and design. Wears great in french designs, decor and regular top.
Depending on the number of layers applied, the shade changes from light to dense, pronounced opaque color. The bottle is made in a classic light shade - 8 ml volume for only 350 rubles.
The best fortified bases for gel polish
The bases of the hybrid type are saturated with vitamin complexes for the treatment and protection of natural nails from the effects of artificial materials.
In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally
A hybrid rubber base with vitamins for basic manicure. Can be used as a base for gel polish. The composition contains D-panthenol and vitamin E, which are responsible for the prevention of brittle and brittle nails. The cost of an 11 ml bottle is 580 rubles.
MASURA Vitamin Base
A simple vitamin base in a black bottle is suitable for art design. Ideally distributed over the surface, it can be used to protect nails when decorating. It comes in a 15 ml black bottle. The price is 690-720 rubles.
TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel
The base has a medium viscosity consistency - suitable for beginners. It is convenient to use, it can be used for thin and brittle nails.
In the wear, the material manifests itself qualitatively - there are no chips or detachments. It must be applied in a thin layer for impregnation and repeated to give the desired shape. A 10 ml bottle costs 350 rubles.
The best leveling bases for gel polish
Thanks to the leveling properties of the base liquids, this consistency allows you to achieve a perfectly even coverage with the desired transition from the apex to the tip of the nail.
In'garden Base gel Super easy off
New basecoat varnish system for fast basecoat application and removal. The tool has high adhesion, protects the nail from color pigment. The gentle formula does not injure the plate. The bottle is made of dark glass with a volume of 11 ml. The cost is 590-600 rubles.
Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis
The product has rubber properties and a viscous consistency. This makes it easy to apply and spread over the entire surface of the nail. Supplied in a black plastic bottle, suitable for all types of nails. The base is removed with an acetone-containing liquid for 5-10 minutes. The cost of the funds is 400 rubles. for 8 ml.
Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel
A good rubber base is suitable for working in a 3-phase gel polish system.It differs from other analogues by the presence of a concentrated sticky layer - it can be used as a basis for attaching decorative elements.
The base is removed by soaking. It is designed for brittle nails without interfering with their mobility while wearing artificial material. The cost of the bottle is 395 rubles. for 9 ml.
Nice tops for gel polish
The finish gives the manicure a complete look. It is protected by materials from chips, scratches and premature detachment.
Uno super shine
The non-sticky top gives your nails a mirror-like shine while maintaining color saturation. It is suitable for slide design, rhinestone attachment and decor. A 15 ml bottle costs 690 rubles.
Grattol, Rubber Top Gel
The sticky top is designed for professional and home use. A synthetic brush and a viscous consistency allow you to distribute the volume of the drop throughout the nail slowly - the liquid does not spread and keeps its shape. The finish can be used by allergy sufferers and owners of sensitive nails. The cost for a bottle of 9 ml is 395-400 rubles.
RIO Profi
The rubber top without a sticky layer spreads easily over the plate, leaving no streaks or uneven clumps. Self-leveling texture allows you to create any design with gel polishes. A 7 ml bottle costs 400 rubles.
Masura Basic No. 298-20
The product has an ultra-gloss that allows you to create amazing designs. No sticky layer, the texture is firm but soft. It is convenient to work with a 3-phase system. It needs to be applied to the sticky layer of gel polish. A bottle of 11 ml costs 400 rubles.
Lunail brilliant
A non-tacky topcoat with a high viscosity consistency. Convenient to apply with a synthetic brush. The volume is 30 ml, and the price is 1100-1200 rubles.
Haruyama
A quality Chinese manufacturer offers a top without a sticky layer in a plastic bottle. The bottle has an 8 ml volume, and its cost is 250 rubles. Easily leveled, but prone to some defects in the form of chips and scratches.
Uno Lux, High Gloss Top Coat
The top contains UV filters to protect the pigment from fading and sun fading. The elastic brush allows you to spread the material evenly in a thin layer. Can be applied in 2 coats for a high-gloss finish. The bottle has 15 ml, and its cost is 690 rubles.
Rio Profi, Rubber Top
The rubber top without a sticky layer is made on the basis of Russian-made raw materials by foreign manufacturers. The composition has a gentle formula, protective properties from UV rays and pigment fading of gel varnishes. A 15 ml bottle can be purchased for 600 rubles.
Good bases and topcoats should satisfy the needs of the nail plate - to protect against defects and damage, fading of coloring pigments of gel polishes. Thanks to modern production technologies, many bases do not need to be filed - just soak to remove. Tops are also rubbery, which makes them suitable for decoration, color overlap and gloss.
Video about good bases for gel polish
Overview of bases from different manufacturers: