(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best nail polish base & top coat products

No. Higher price does not mean less chipping. The base coat and top coat that work for you, means less chipping. Over the past year, I have gone through at least 10 base & top coats, of varying costs. I'm pretty sure I just (as in 3 days ago) found my perfect match. I swipe my nails with rubbing alcohol, use a Sally base, polish, then a Sally quick dry top coat. I am currently sporting a manicure that is FLAWLESS. $1.99 NYC polish, and it looks like gel.

Matte top coat: Perfect Summer Matte Top Coat Gel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014A3VGKA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Stripes on middle finger were done with striping tape: Beaute Galleria 30 Mixed Colors... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQM5J72?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Cuticle oil: Bliss Kiss Simply Pure Cuticle &... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYMYY2G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Golden polish: Elite99 Gel Polish Soak Off UV... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017OWPD9E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Base coat: Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F12SZDS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ball point tool used for design draw on ring finger: Yimart 20PCS Nail Art Design... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6BCY7K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Tool disinfectant: Barbicide Disinfectant 16oz Conc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00415UVTK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Uv/LED lamp: SUNUV 24W UV Light LED Nail Dryer... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JGG5CH4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Nail drill: Makartt JD700 Professional... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JRGPH46?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Base color 044: Gel Nail Polish Gift Set, 12 Pcs,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SBNVJ5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Glisten & Glow's "HK Girl", KB Shimmer's "Clearly On Top", and Essie's "Good to Go". As /u/Painted_Fingertips mentioned, they can still get goopy, as well. I'm convinced that happens to almost all of the fast-drying top coats. A good nail polish thinner (NOT acetone or Seche Restore!) will help you out.

1. I'm thinking balloons! Or maybe something like this one, oh or maybe some variety and do something like this!
   
   
2. I've had good luck with CND Stickey, I find it protects against staining much better than Orly bonder. And if you like it, it comes in a much bigger bottle.
   
   
3. I'm in love with OPI Don't Touch my Tutu, but a couple of other shades from NYC Ballet collection would be great for french manicures. A cheaper dupe would probably be Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Polar Bare.
   

Product List:

• OPI Gelcolor Base Coat
  
• Gelish Mini ~ All The Queen's Bling
  
• Pretty Diva No Wipe Top Coat
  
• Beauty Big Bang Aurora Chrome Powder
  
• Beauty Big Bang White Stamping Polish
  
• Beauty Big Bang Clear Stamper & Scraper
  
• Beauty Big Bang Christmas Stamping Plate
  
• China Glaze Gelaze Top Coat
  
  Alsoooo, you can probably tell on the ring finger but whenever I use chrome powders, I end up with bumps and craters. I think it might be because the no wipe gel top coat I use is about a year old and from Amazon. I'll purchase a better one and hopefully that will make a difference. Any CCW! :)

I'm cheap so I do my own nails. I'm getting pretty good at it. I've found that, if I properly prepare the nail beds, it doesn't matter what brand of polish I use.

So I start with nice clean nails and then lay down an even thin layer of Orly Bonder. (http://www.ulta.com/bonder?productId=xlsImpprod5260125) It's like watered down rubber cement -- it's a bit tacky/sticky even when it's dry. Then any old polish, but I'm a big fan of OPI and some of the higher-end Sally Hansen products. I just pick up whatever color catches my eye. Then a topcoat of Orly Sec n Dry topcoat (https://www.amazon.com/Orly-Sec-Dry-Nail-Treatment/dp/B000PI37WK) and my nails are good for 7-10 days. They'll grow out before it chips off.

I cant think of any ready kits, but you could put one together for her? Ger her some nail brushes, the really thin ones for decorating, then dotting tools, as well as strips and tape, stickers, aaand some other stuff. These are all the things I have :)

http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/stickers/salon-effects-real-nail-polish-strips
http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/stickers/salon-effects-french-mani
http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/nail-art
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nail+tape
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nail+art+brush&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Anail+art+brush
http://www.amazon.com/Dotting-Marbleizing-Manicure-Pedicure-Ounce/dp/B004OHQR1Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-2&keywords=nail+art
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IGZQ5QO?psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/MASH-Nail-Art-Practice-Fingers/dp/B00683JILU/ref=pd_sim_bt_11?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Z58JZWJE6CZHDAXPFA0
http://www.amazon.com/Rhinestones-Piece-Nailart-Manicure-Wheels/dp/B005BF1M10/ref=pd_sim_bt_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Z58JZWJE6CZHDAXPFA0
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Starter-Design-Nail-Basic/dp/B00HPZDMX0/ref=sr_1_12?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-12&keywords=nail+art
http://www.amazon.com/3d-Pieces-Rhinestone-Nails-Cellphones/dp/B007TL60IE/ref=sr_1_15?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-15&keywords=nail+art
http://www.amazon.com/SHANY-Cosmetics-Decoration-Bottles-Tweezer/dp/B009LYB2E4/ref=sr_1_14?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-14&keywords=nail+art
http://www.amazon.com/Designs-French-Chevron-Teardrop-Stickers/dp/B00DHQCJTO/ref=sr_1_11?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-11&keywords=nail+art
http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Drawing-Brushes-Marbleizing-Dotting/dp/B00A363EPO/ref=sr_1_9?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152335&sr=1-9&keywords=nail+art

a little drier may come in handy too, as nail art is layered and can take a long time to dry http://www.amazon.com/PROMOTION-USpicy-SEASHELL-Portable-Manicure/dp/B005WQB6G4/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152565&sr=1-1&keywords=nail+dryer

As well as one of these quick dry drops or sprays

http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Polish-Quick-Lacquer-0-3oz/dp/B0012LIHUG/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152601&sr=1-2&keywords=nail+quick+dry
http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Rapidry-Coats-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B000NGH3X8/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1417152601&sr=1-3&keywords=nail+quick+dry

Shop around and you'll find them for lower prices.

If you have time, buy them on eBay, that's where I always get them. They get shipped from Chine or Hong Kong and super low prices. I've bought 5 nail dotting tools for 1-2$, including shipping, and lots and lots more. A 12 wheel of nail decals, stickers and whatnot, for 99 cents.

I had that same problem too, which was extremely frustrating for me to spend so much time painting my nails. I noticed sometimes it was the brand I was using, sometimes even different colors or styles (dark vs light, matte vs. opaque, etc.). I actually bought OPI's drip dry drops (tongue twister!) and it helps using them before the top coat, and then after the top coat. They're reasonably priced on amazon and they really worked well for me :) I get my manicures to last longer that way, and when I put the drip dry drops on after my color is on, then my top coat won't make it streaky. I hope that helps!!

[You've got good taste, sir. I adore all of these movies.] (http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3JO0HEAYUBL3R/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v_C-4)

[My selection] (http://www.amazon.com/Butter-London-Matte-Finish-Ounce/dp/B002SVITUM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1XN2YH956WT29&coliid=I3IDFLRQJD6UXV)

I love Kevin

Textured polishes are very thick, so sponging wasn't really an option. I wiped as much as I could off of the brush, and applied the polish carefully over the stencil. I love how it turned out! and after it dried, it was like having 3d leaves on my nails!

Products used:
China Glaze Sea Spray
Seche Vive
Zoya Chita
Monstera Stencil

I’m in love with this top coat as of late.

https://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vive-Effect-Coat-Ounce/dp/B01CW9UUQK

As a rule, the morning after I give myself a manicure, I apply a second coat of whatever top coat I use. I find it helps.

http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Designer-Series-Top-Coat/dp/B000O7T9XI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373152349&sr=8-1&keywords=opi+designer+series+top+coat

I got as a gift from ThingAboutDaisies, and it is amazing. It was designed to go on as a top coat over the DS OPI's, most of which are holo. :D

Everything mentioned can be found on amazon ☺️:

kiaitre UV LED light:
Kiaitre 72W UV LED Nail Lamp with 4 Timer Setting - 36 Lamp Beads Nail Dryer for Gel Nails and Toe Nail Curing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PN4DT3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LS2oDbKG7PMK2

Modelones base & top coat:
Modelones Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat Set（2x10ml）UV LED Soak Off New Upgraded Formula Long-Lasting and Shiny Finish ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NH0D2T5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D02oDbQFTNEAJ

Modelones gel polish in Nude:
Modelones Gel Nail Polish Set - 8 tiny bottles, UV LED Lamp Soak Off Gel Polish Varnish, 0.24 OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH6H219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O12oDbGDG8M9V


• so first I apply a thin layer of base coat then cure it for 60 secs under the UV lamp

• then I applied a thin layer of 8035 then cured for 60 secs & repeated this step 2 more times
(Total of 3 coats)

• then apply then top coat & cure for 60 - 90 secs

When applying the color, always make sure to do thin layers as opposed to thick. Thick layers won't cure as evenly!

Coincidently, if you pain your nails so often that it's crazy, this is a pretty good thing to get. I mean, 4.5 ounces for about 15 bucks? Get some empty nail bottles and share with friends!

Ummm, I mean I dunno. I fangirl on OPI.

Try this:

Base

My current goto red

Top

1 base, 2 color, 1 top, then in the mornings reapply top - make sure to round tips and backsides.

I like Pretty Diva I've never noticed it turn yellow and it applies nicely.

http://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Boxed-0-5oz/dp/B00FFCPP9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426447634&sr=8-1&keywords=6+seche


Try this one :) there is hope yet

Price History

• Lagunamoon Gel Nail Polish Gel Base Coat and No Wipe   ^PureLink
  CamelCamelCamel │ Keepa
  
  _
  Price of a Pawn, value of a Queen.
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Use this...http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D8QUWC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687642&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003B6K01O&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0PSFZWF48DHS1CSKY2YY and just make sure to not touch it to your skin.

I'm not a tech, but you might try a good primer. I don't see why you couldn't use it directly under gel polish. I do know it works fabulously on me and I never get any lift using soak off or hard builder gels. Polygel will sometimes still lift but I think that's because my nail forms don't put the apex in quite the right spot for my nail bed.

This is the one I use.

No Lift Nails Primer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D8QUWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EZDbBbN5P8B64

Proper prep is key.

Buff your nail, then use rubbing alcohol to dry it out. Apply a nail primer. Apply a base coat or builder gel. Now apply polish.

The prep takes more time than application for me, but my nails never pop off anymore.

My primer of choice: https://www.amazon.com/No-Lift-Nails-NA-Primer/dp/B004D8QUWC/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501514348&sr=8-6&keywords=Nail+primer