There really is nothing better than finishing your gel manicure and looking at your shiny new nails. The reason they look so great? Top Coat.
It’s not a secret weapon, but it’s definitely a necessity when it comes to your gel manicures and pedicures. We answer your top questions and give you everything you need to know about top coats; the types, the uses and how to make sure every gel nail manicure has a long-lasting finish.
Does gel polish need a top coat?
Yes! You should always use a Bluesky Top Coat after applying your colour gel polish. The Top Coat provides the seal for your gel manicure, and helps greatly in preventing chips and cracks to your newly manicured nails.
Simply apply at the end of your gel manicure to all nails, capping the ends and avoiding your cuticles, and cure for 60 seconds under your Bluesky Nail Lamp (LED).
What types of Top Coat are there?
We have plenty of different top coats for you to choose from, depending on the type of finish you're looking for. Our classic Top Coat is cured for 60 seconds under the Bluesky Nail Lamp and wiped with a Cleanser Wipe to leave a high-shine finish. We also offer an Ultra-Shine version for those who want their nails to shine the brightest!
Our No Wipe Top Coat formula is great for saving time at the end of a manicure, simply apply, cure and you’re finished – no need to wipe with a cleanser!
We also recently introduced our No Wipe Glitter Top Coats to the Bluesky Top Coat family! With six gorgeous glitter finishes, you can add some sparkle to your nails without having to apply a glitter and then a a top coat afterwards. Our no wipe formula also means you can cure and go.
If you’re looking for something different, our Matte Top Coat offers a stunning velvety matte finish – we love this look in autumn/winter especially.
To summarise, you should definitely use a top coat to seal in your gel manicure, preventing chipping and produce a long-lasting manicure.
What are the benefits of using a top coat?
Top Coats give your nails a long-lasting gel manicure, from a high-shine (or gorgeous matte) finish to offering a layer of protection to your nails. Top Coat helps to prevent chips and scratches to your gel polish, shielding your nails to ensure your gel manicure looks great and lasts longer.
Is base coat or top coat more important?
Both are incredibly important for your gel manicure and aren’t steps you can afford to miss out. Your Bluesky Base Coat is applied first, leaving a tacky layer when cured as this means the gel polish will then be able to stick to the nail much easier.
Your Top Coat then provides the finishing touch after your colour for a long-lasting gel manicure, protecting your nails for a long-lasting gel maniure.
Can I use a top coat as a base coat?
When it comes to gel polish, your top and base coats have different formulas because, as mentioned above, they both have different roles when it comes to gel manicures! Make sure you have both top and base coat for your next manicure.
Have another question for us about Bluesky Top Coats? Make sure you drop us a line on Facebook or Instagram so we can help you out!
Bluesky
Hi Orlando, we’re sorry to hear you’re struggling with your gel peeling.
There are a few reasons why your Gel Polish could be lifting or chipping after a short amount of time:
Oil on the Nail Plate – Even if a Cleanser wipe or Cleanser is used during your prep routine, some nail beds are naturally more oily and this can cause lifting. Using a Primer before application can help dry out the nail bed and remove these oils.
Not properly capping the free edge – When you apply each coat it is important to gently run the brush along the free edge of the nail to avoid chipping.
Flooding the cuticle area – If too much product is applied near the cuticle this can cause lifting. We recommend starting your brush strokes from the centre of the nail bed and gently pushing up toward the cuticle area but without touching the cuticle itself.
Orlando
My gel polish peels off and leaves base coat on why