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Part of the reason I don’t have a standing appointment at the nail salon is that it’s guaranteed that my mani will fall apart as soon as my hands escape the dryer. Even with the best top coats guarding my paint job, it seems a curse has been placed on digits. And at this point, I won’t keep sacrificing my hard-earned cash to see if things have magically changed. I’m also a minimalist who–*gasps*–prefers a naked nail (or one covered in clear polish) filed to perfection instead.
But for those of you who prefer something that mirrors the sunny summer vibes or a dark and moody color that goes against the seasonal rules, I implore you to protect your shade. Like a base coat, the non-negotiable top coat may not completely ward off chipped polish, but it will at least delay it enough for you to feel good about the money you spent for it. The best ones contain strengthening ingredients like keratin and also taut some sort of quick-drying technology. Really, what matters is that you’re using one period. Plus, most of them are crazy cheap, which means you have basically no excuse. Invest and invest fast with any of our top picks.
Deborah Lippmann.
Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Base and Top Coat
A protein-rich treatment for promoting growth.
$20 at Deborah Lippmann
CND.
CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat
This top coat adjusts to natural light exposure and promises at least a week of substantial wear.
$10.50 at Ulta
essie.
essie Gel Couture Top Coat
No lamp required when you coat your gel polish in this topper, which provides up to 14 days of shine.
$11.50 at Ulta
Londontown.
Londontown Kur Gel Genius Top Coat
This topper is activated by natural light and gives your polish next-level shine.
$20 at Ulta
OPI.
OPI Matte Top Coat
If you don’t want a shiny finish, but just as much hold, grab this one.
$10.50 at Ulta
Orly.
Orly Polishield
Strong hold and ingredients for growing your tips.
$10 at Ulta
Pacifica Beauty.
Pacifica Crystal Gloss 7-Free Top Coat
This one is void of harmful ingredients and gives your polish a holographic finish.
$14 at Ulta
Sally Hansen.
Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base and Top Coat
This vitamin-boosted formula can be used under and over polish for double-duty coverage.
$7.64 at Amazon
Tenoverten.
Tenoverten The Shield
Formulated without the nasty chemicals and infused with polymer for high-shine hold.
$18 at Tenoverten
Zoya.
Zoya Armor Top Coat
Be sure to apply this top-rated option for extending the polish shine.
$10 at Amazon