I did a post on how to get really nice looking nails that last longer. If you read that post and have tried it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

For the ladies that did try it, and experienced chipping the same day or even after, this review will interest you. If you got yellow nails as a result of applying the nail polish, you either didn't apply a base coat (the most likely reason ^_-) or you purchased a cheap base coat (the least likely reason).

NICKA K Glossier Nail Acrylic Top Coat

Claim
Get a luminous, wet-look finish with this product. Chip-resistant and quick-drying, our high-powered top coat delivers optimal shine and brilliance.

Like
- Longer Lasting Nails
- Chip Very Nicely
- Nice Shine & Gloss
- Affordable

Dislike
- Slow To Dry

This is my favorite top coat because it offers a lot and is really budget friendly. My nail color last much longer with this, and it gives a much professional looking gloss (if used as directed).

I wanted to explain the chipping part a bit. When the nail color starts to show wear and tear, the wear with the NK coat start to show up on the very top of the nail, and then it gradually fade vs doing a complete peel (like Sally's does) or chip in the middle like some other cheap top coat I have tried in the past. So because of that alone, I will continue to stick with this. You can see an example of the chip below.


Note: If you want your nail color to last at least a week, add another coat of this during the week for longer wear. Couldn't find NK on Amazon but there are another really good but expensive ones out there such as Seche Top Coat or OPI Top Coat.

Sally's Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat

Claims
Keeps manicures beautiful up to 10 days! Exclusive Acrylic Polymer Complex helps get you out of the door in a flash! High-gloss superior shine.

Like
- Longer Lasting Nails (Four Days Tops)
- Dry Fast
- Affordable

Dislike
- Product Gets Unusable Fast
- It Peels Vs Chip

This one does keep your nail color lasting longer, which is great! The only reason why I can't recommend this product is what I consider the wastefulness (the peel is a whatever with me).

If you use this top coat often enough or even less, it start to get gloopy and sticky after use (as seen in the above pictures). Once that happen, the top coat is useless. I have wasted two bottles because of that same issue. It may be that I'm not letting my nail color dry enough, but NK top coat doesn't give me that issue, so I'm going to knock Sally's because of it.

Seche Clear - Crystal Clear Base Coat

Claim
Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat is the first truly non-yellowing base coat for nail polish. After ten years of development Seche Clear was created to provide a clear base coat for nail polish that will not yellow and will adhere to the natural nail. If you want a truly clear base coat this is currently the only one. Apply to a properly prepared nail plate as an alternative to Seche Base.

Like
- Prevent Yellow Nails
- Help the Nail Color Stick Better
- Goes on Clear and Has a Nice Finish

Dislike
-Expensive

I literally cringe on the price of this base coat, but it so worth it because it doesn't give me the dread yellow nail color of the past. Yellow nails color is common with cheap nail polish or really dark color nail polish. I have tried the cheaper stuff, and found they still leave behind a pale yellow tint. If your nails are like mines (naturally pink), you don't want to ruin them by not putting a good base coat.

Sally’s Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat

Claims
All-in-one patented strengthening base and top coat works double time...for double protection. As a base coat, Double Duty moisturizes and hydrates nails with Panthenol. As a top coat, Double Duty protects with Nylon.

Like
- The 2-N-1 Concept (Base & Top Coat)
- Dry Fast
- Gives Nails a Great Shine & Gloss
- Affordable & Convenient

Dislike
- Product Gets Unusable Fast
- Still Get Yellow Nails
- Nail Color Doesn't Last as Long

This is me trying to be super cheap by combining two type of nail products into one. This works okay as a base coat, because I end up with a slight yellow tint on my nails. The issue with this was the same with the above Sally top coat, and that it gets gloopy and sticky with uses.  I prefer Seche and would recommend that base above this.

Conclusion: Ever since I started the "What I Wore" series, I found that I need to paint my nails more often, and now I really like doing it. My pick of Seche and NK are based on my feeling alone. I just hate feeling I wasted my time each time I paint my nails, and the nail color just chip that same day or the day after.  I totally believe it is worth spending the little extra on the Seche, as well as hunting down for the NK Top Coat (if you want a cheaper alternative to the top brands).

Note: If you use cheap nail polish, it is important to get a good base no matter which one you go with, and the main reason is to avoid the yellow tinted nails. Remember practice makes perfect! I have now become much better at applying nail color, and once you figure out which product makes your nail color last longer, you will be doing your nails all the time :D.