I'm looking to perfect my nail routines and I was wanting to pick your brains!
Do you use a base coat?
Which one?
Do you use it every time and if not, when don't you?
Do you use a top coat?
Which one?
Do you use it every time and if not why not?
I'm only asking for my own reference really, I'm mainly looking for a new base coat & not sure which.
Thank you for your time!
Hiya,
ReplyDeleteI only use a base coat if I'm using a dark colour that I know will stain. Currently I'm using Nails Inc's Underground because it's an anti-staining formula.
As for a top coat, I use one all the time as it just helps my polish last for that little bit longer. Currently using Rimmel Lycra Pro in Clearly Clear. Barry M 3-in-1 base coat and top coat is pretty good. The only time I don't use a top coat is when I'm using a flakie polish like GOSH Rainbow :)
Hope that was useful for you xox
Thanks very much Kim. Its great. I've been wondering recently if polish stains, even if it's pale. I'll have a look at that Nails Inc one thank you :)
ReplyDeletehey poo!
ReplyDeletei never use a base coat - no reason, i just feel its unnesecesary (spelling?) as the polish stains anyway =0/
ive also never used any type of cuticle product and apparently theyre in pretty good nick lol
i use OPI top coat but i find it makes my polish 'peel' off? like if one corner chips it makes the rest lift up...
hmmmmm
Hi Charlie,
ReplyDeleteI felt I had to answer this one! I use Seche Base Ridge Filling Base Coat and I do use it pretty much every time as I find it reduces my tip wear & staining. I only don't bother if I'm really pushed for time.
I use Seche Vite t/c every time without fail, it makes the whole nail painting process so much faster and no more sheet marks on my nails the next morning!
x
Thanks Poo!
ReplyDeleteHellooo you :)
ReplyDeleteI always use a basecoat even though my nails are stained like no one's business anyway. At the moment I'm loving Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, there's a few different formulas of this (such as for dry and brittle nails, or the one I use which is for soft and peeling nails) and it's around £4.25 from Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets that carry that sort of thing. The only time I don't use a basecoat is if I'm using a holographic polish as they don't stick well to basecoats at all and you get a lot of bald patches.
As for topcoats, I vary. I used to swear by Seche Vite but I've recently switched to Poshe fast-sry topcoat. I don't think Poshe is as widely available (don't quote me on that, I get it sent by a friend in America) but I actually find it dries quicker and a bit glossier than Seche, and if you're one who's concerned about chemicals, Poshe is Big-3-Free unlike Seche. If I'm not so pressed for time, I use OPI Designer Series topcoat which gives amazing shine.
I also highly recommend a cuticle oil. No particular brand, they all work the same honestly, but time permitting I always throw it on my cuticles and give them a quick massage, then push my cuticles back with a hoof stick. Obviously you'll then need to wash your hands before painting!
Oh and lastly, I always give my bare nails a quick wipe with polish remover before I apply my basecoat to dehydrate the nail plate which makes for better adhesion of polish and gets a longer lasting result. The natural oils found on your nail plate from touching them with your fingers and that aren't visible but are often one of the biggest causes of manicures that don't last long.
Sorry for the ramble, but hope it was at least slightly helpful!
x
Thanks Eva, I hoped you'd come along! THank you. Oh I must tell you something actually, but not on here, I'll send oyu a message on FB shortly x
ReplyDeleteLeanne, thank you that is absolutely brilliant. You're a star!
ReplyDeleteI use CND Stickey basecoat and recently have been using Seche Vite fast drying topcoat, basically because it dries fast.
ReplyDeleteI also use almond oil and handcream when I remember!
I'm super cheap so i only have somne pretty rubbish base and top coats. They both are from Collection 2000 ('base coat ridge filler' and 'top coat and gloss enhancer') which are around the £3 mark. I always wear both basecoat and top coat unless i'm just doing nail swatches for my blog, where i won't bother with either.
ReplyDeleteHope that was even remotely useful! :)
Thank you for the replies everyone. For some reason I didn't get the notifications until today!
ReplyDeleteIt's all been really helpful, thank you!