On Basecoats

There is really not enough information on basecoats in the nail community. Why!! Everyone just says use a basecoat or this, or that, but no-one says what base or topcoat they use! This week, we take a look at them!

I decided to do a summary of the various basecoats that I have HEARD of which are recommended - just bits and pieces from various places I have found, and also a little of my own input.

Disclaimer: I am not saying that these are the only products that are good, the the following are just some of the more popular options out there that I decided to compile and compare and maybe shed a bit more light about them. OK, so here goes!

Why a basecoat is important?

You know the drill, prevents staining, blah blah. But personally I think the important reason for wearing a basecoat is that it really does protect your nails. If I worked in a job where my hands are constantly exposed to water, chemicals, etc, I would definitely recommend a basecoat. I would recommend guys to wear basecoats too because of the importance of keeping them healthy. Read on!

What I look for in a basecoat?

I'll start with the basics and the basis of the following post. Different people look out for various things in a basecoat, and decide which to use from there - Don't follow people blindly just because.

1. Treatment

My nails are rather thin, so I like a basecoat that will strengthen and contain goodies which will help my nails grow and takes care of them in general

2. Easy to work with

This is obvious, I want a smooth coat over the nail plate so that it doesnt muck up the colour that I'm going to add on top of it

3. Prevents staining

4. Prevents chipping (this is last on my list because I like to think thats more of the topcoat's job to do.

What do YOU look for in a basecoat? Do Share!

Now that we got all that down, lets take a look at my first requirement. Among all the different variety of basecoats out there, lets separate them into two groups: Treatment type and non treatment types. Below is a list of products that are genera

lly recommended by the nail comm.

Treatment Types:

1. Nail Tek - Nail Tek's basecoats have received the ravest reviews so far. People swear by them- they have a range of products, but the most popular so far is their 'Foundation II' formula, which I am also currently using, and like it fairly well. They have another product called 'Xtra' for 'nails which were previously thought unsalvageable', which I want to try, too. Nail Tek's products are matte so its unnoticeable when you apply it, just that your nails won't have that natural shine when bare. And I will post a review on my Nail Tek...the next time I change my nail colour. Haha!

2. OPI's Nail Envy Range

Nail Envy is OPI's 'premium' range of products, targeted at nail treatment and the most commonly used one is their 'original' formula, which also comes in 'original matte'. It claims to turn nails from 'mush to muscle' Nail envy also has products targeted at nail ailments like peeling, or dry nails, its all in their website! I haven't tried this yet, mainly because Nail Envy is a little bit pricier than the rest, but I do intend to, because I've been looking for a treatment basecoat that's not matte, read o to find out why.

Hint: Nail Envy retails at departmental stores at 43+ dollars. Don't be fooled okay. Its not worth THAT much, really ;)

On a side note, while searching for a basecoat solution I stumbled into (of all places) a forum for classical guitarists, and the players there recommended both these products to protect their nails with too! So there. Its more than beauty, my friends!

If you don't feel the need to go for treatment basecoats, you might want to consider these:

Non-treatment types

1. OPI Natural base

Whenever I go for a manicure, this is almost always the standard product they use. OPI is of course known for their easy applications and smooth finish, and the natural base is no different.What I know, though is that this is just a very very basic sort of basecoat, but if its good enough of salon use, it should be good enough for you, too, if you're looking for something simple and easy to apply!

2. Orly Bonder base

Bonder means that its got an extra strong grip on your nail, and holds on to your colour better, too. Its secret? The rubber-like texture once its dry. Orly bonder is said to be the base coat to use if you want your manis to last. ALOT of people in the nail comm use this. I haven't tried this, so I don't know how it applies, but the only drawback I have read about this product is that some people noticed that their nails started to peel after using this product. So that's a possible side effect!

3. Sally Hansen

I've become a little bit of a nail snob and will warn anyone off drug store brands but I'll give Sally Hansen credit for dominating the drugstore nail scene, some of their products are actually not bad. (Must ask Dalv for some swatches of the Sally Hansen colours she's got) Sally Hansen has a multitude of products that claim to work as a basecoat, but you know what? After trying out various of their products, I find that not all of them promise to do what they say, or its only half good. Now if you can't wait for your shipment of a product and need a base coat RIGHT NOW, let me suggest you get their 'Hard as nails' basecoat range. This was my first basecoat (when I was 8) and its the classic, been around for ages, type. Now I know the claim to be a treatment product, but as mentioned, I doubt the capabilities of SH's nailcare, but it does make a decent basecoat!

Hint: Try if you must, but mt advice is don't waste your money/time on their other treatment products unless you need something urgently. Take it from me, who was drawn in by SH's promises. OPI, Orly and Nail tek can be gotten for less than SH and work better, too.

4. The Face Shop

When I was a face shop girl, I always thought the most fun part of applying my colour was applying the basecoat. I loved how it applied and made my nails looks pretty and shiny, and it wore so well! Never mind that it didn't really help with staining! So if you're on a major budget or just want to add a shiny pinkish tint to your nails, this $2.90 a bottle basecoat is just for you!

Matte or Not?

If you're going to get Nail Tek, or Nail Envy Matte, or even Orly Bonder, here's something to consider before opting for a matte base coat:

Firstly, as always, working with a matte is tricky business- especially when you're going to use it as a base coat. You NEED TO NEED TO NEED TO make sure you work fast and apply evenly. Use the 3-stroke rule. Because matte's don't give you much time to work with the product. It's important you get them on as smoothly as possible if not it WILL goop up and screw up and affect your other coats of colour. There are some things even Seche cannot fix.

But once you get the matte done right, I promise you they will be as smooth as any other topcoat with the added bonus that mattes, being a little more porous in texture will adhere your nail colour better.

I hope I've managed to shed some light about whats good in the market! Which ones would you pick?

Finally, remember that everyone's nails are different, and not all the same products work for everyone. Now, go forth and seek for the product which worketh most for thee with my blessings!

And do let me know what works for you!