8 best gel polish tops
Applying a topcoat for gel polish is the final stage of gel manicure, which can not be neglected. Experienced nail masters are confident that it is the quality of the stamp that largely determines how it will look and how long the coating will be worn.
The top coat for gel varnish has two main functions:
- increase the strength of colored gel polish, extend its socks;
- give manicure additional effects.
In order not to get lost in the variety of finishes for gel polish, we note that they are:
- glossy;
- matte and close to them (suede, velvet, corduroy, sand);
- satin / cream;
- mother of pearl;
- "Cat's eye".
What to consider when choosing the best top gel polish?
The most popular classic glossy and fashionable matte tops for gel polish.
Consistency The chosen means is the main thing to pay attention to. The fact is that too liquid top will create ugly streaks for the cuticle, and too thick - excessively thicken the nail plate, making the manicure coarse. The ideal structure is moderately liquid and viscous, does not spread and gives a thin, but durable coating.
Term socks and behavior stamp on the nails - an important indicator of its quality. If the applied finish does not rub over, does not crack, does not peel off and does not chip off at the edges within 2-3 weeks, we can assume that it has passed the test. Gradual loss of gloss when wearing is natural, because the coating is constantly subjected to mechanical stress, but high-quality products still retain shine longer. It is worth remembering that the behavior of the top on the nails also depends on the professionalism of the master and the quality of the materials and equipment used for gel manicure.
Manicurists pay attention to such a property of the finish as the need to remove the sticky (dispersion) layer. Tops with a dispersion require nail treatment with a lint-free napkin. Means without a sticky layer are considered more convenient, since save time and supplies wizard. But, ultimately, everything is decided by the optimal ratio of all parameters.
It is considered that color lacquer, base and top should be of the same brand. However, the quality of the “native” top is not always satisfied with the master. In this situation, it is quite possible to use a top coat of another brand, as long as the color varnish does not conflict with it. Special love from neil-masters enjoy rubber coatings. A special additive in the composition allows them to maintain elasticity after drying, less cleaving and cracking.
About manufacturers
The beauty market offers a huge range of coatings of both domestic and foreign production. There are really a lot of good gel polish tops, but we don’t set ourselves to find them all. We list only some brands that consistently show excellent quality and earned the trust of professionals and amateurs of the nail industry. These are the finishes of the American and European production of Kodi, CND, Gelish, Grattol, Nano Professional, and others. Asian tops have not yet become the best, but among worthy ones we can highlight the UNO brand (Hong Kong).
Russian brands are pleased with high quality at an adequate price, but not all. The greatest number of positive reviews deserved tops of domestic brands Vogue Nails, BHM, Lianail, Klio, etc.
In our ranking of the best tops for gel polish there are no very cheap products. Alas, the budget tops for gel polish do not differ decent quality. Even in the presence of positive reviews on the network, they do not withstand comparisons on basic parameters with more expensive counterparts. And of course, you should not buy products of unknown brands, even at a very attractive price, because no one guarantees its safety and quality.
In our ranking, we collected the most outstanding finishing coatings, which deserved maximum positive ratings from both manicure masters and ordinary women.
Top Gel Polish Top Rankings
Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top glossy gel polish tops | 1 | CND Creative Play Gel Top Coat | 9.9 / 10 | 950 |
2 | Nano Professional NANLAC Flex | 9.8 / 10 | 950 | |
3 | Bohemia Professional apex gel coat Extra Shine | 9.8 / 10 | 380 | |
4 | Kodi Rubber Top | 9.8 / 10 | 475 | |
5 | UNO Super Shine Top coat | 9.7 / 10 | 690 | |
The best matte and corduroy tops for gel polish | 1 | Vogue Nails Velveteen | 9.9 / 10 | 450 |
2 | Grattol Top Gel Matte Vetvet | 9.8 / 10 | 400 | |
3 | Lianail matte effect A Top 4-10 | 9.8 / 10 | 500 |
Top glossy gel polish tops
CND Creative Play Gel Top Coat
950 (15 ml)
Opens our ranking of the best excellent top for gel Polish with a sticky layer from the American brand with a perfect reputation. Masters find it difficult to say for sure - a liquid or thick means, but they agree that the top is viscous, manageable and fits perfectly on the nail. Predictably behaves in a lamp - does not spread, does not bake nails. A large brush with a rounded edge allows you to cover the nail in one motion. Lacquer wear with it rises to 4-5 weeks, and even in conditions of tough use. Main advantages:
|
9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I used to think that all the tops, lacquers, bases are the same, but now I felt the difference. Top CND seals the nail perfectly! I recommend to try if you like a very lasting manicure. |
Nano Professional NANLAC Flex
950 (15 ml)
A multifunctional tool that masters use for their intended purpose (finish for gel varnish), and to create aquarium designs, fill massive jewelry, overlap relief images, and even light nail extensions. Top thick, viscous, elastic, but self-leveling, allows you to create a thin coating. Brush stiff, just for a thick consistency. There are no complaints about the gloss - it glitters until the end of the socks, and it is worn without chipping and discoloration for at least 3-4 weeks.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
With the top of Nanlac Flex it is easy for me to work, they can even gently align the nail plate, since it is thick. And it is ideal for rhinestones and rubbed, as it does not have a sticky layer. |
Bohemia Professional apex gel coat Extra Shine
380 (11 ml)
The Russian brand BHM offers a top for gel polish with a good price-quality ratio. Top with a sticky layer, moderately thick, plastic, it is suitable even for thin nails, is able to align the nail plate and remove errors from the application of gel varnish. This finish can be applied in both thin and thick layers, which is facilitated by a dense, narrow brush. According to reviews, the product absolutely does not conflict with the materials of other brands. Long sock and lasting shine - these are the main advantages of the popular domestic means.
Main advantages:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
In terms of price / quality ratio, this top gel polish has no equal! Thick and malleable, perfectly aligns manicure flaws. I definitely recommend it to both amateurs and professional nail masters! |
Kodi Rubber Top
475 (8 ml)
The rubber top for gel polish with a sticky layer from Kodi is perhaps the most popular finish for gel manicure. It is relatively liquid, requires skill when applied, otherwise it spreads. But the masters are ready to forgive him for this lack of fantastic coating durability and elegant gloss. Gel polish worn with it for at least a month without chips, cracks and scratches. The product is available in bottles of different volumes (8 ml and 12 ml with a brush, in jars of 14 ml and 35 ml - without a brush).
Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Even after 3-4 weeks, the nails with the top coating from Cody remain with a glossy shine, do not fade and look like they have just been painted! |
UNO Super Shine Top coat
690 (15 ml)
Very comfortable to use top gel polish, medium thickness, viscous, docile, self-leveling, gives a thin, smooth and durable coating a la "liquid glass". Easy to apply, does not flow, does not bubble. Non-conflict, well combined with materials of other brands. According to reviews, a manicure with this finish is worn for at least 3 weeks. Intense shine is maintained for the entire period of manicure socks.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The top is just super, such brilliance and perfect flare! I have never had such a result with other tops. Over time, the socks do not turn yellow, do not overwrite, there were also no chips. |
The best matte and corduroy tops for gel polish
Vogue Nails Velveteen
450 (10 ml)
Matt finish with a sticky layer of the domestic brand Vogue Nails came to taste many masters. The top is opaque, with a milky shade (which does not affect the color of the coating), viscous, moderately thick. The brush is standard. The main feature of this product is a velvety, soft to the touch coating, which does not prevent it from being very resistant and durable on the nails. The top does not rub over after the end of the socks, which is 2-3 weeks, the pollution is easily washed off with ordinary soap.
Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The top is some kind of magic, it feels like plush to the touch, it reveals any color of gel polish in a new way. For this quality price budget! |
Grattol Top Gel Matte Vetvet
400 (9 ml)
Top from the German manufacturer gives the nails the perfect dullness and velvet. The tool is relatively thick, and the brush is standard, and not all masters like it. But if you find an approach to it, you can get a luxurious velvet coating without much effort. Top without dispersion - marigolds become matte already in the lamp, additional processing is not required. It is recommended to apply it with the middle layer: if the coating is too thin, it can give streaks. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Mega-matte top, pure velvet! I did not try it on white, on the others it does not get dirty and does not wipe. Worn well up to 4-5 weeks. |
Lianail matte effect A Top 4-10
500 (10 ml)
According to the estimates of the masters, this top for gel polish gives the effect of fantastically gentle powder coating on the nails. It is hazy, thicker than other matte finishes, creamy, self-leveling texture, well suited for various designs. The brush is wide, some masters consider it too fluffy, but this is a matter of habit. It is possible to use both on a glossy top, and on a color varnish. There are no problems in wearing. With a sticky layer.
Main advantages:
|
9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
You definitely will not find such a matte top: a very pleasant and gentle finish, the nails seem to be powdered! Worn for a long time, does not lose velvety. It justifies its price. |
To choose a topcoat for gel polish from the first purchase is a great success. Most likely, you will have to try several options before you find the most comfortable, stable and beautiful top to use. Or maybe there will be several favorites? We hope our rating will help you in your search. Have a good choice!