The Top 5 Gel Top Coats for Nails

A beautiful manicure can make your entire week better. You can't help but look at your nails over and over again. Don't you want to protect your work? That's what a good top coat is for. Gel top coats are especially helpful. They are durable, resistant to chipping, and long-lasting. Here are the top 5 gel top coats for your nails.

Beetles Gel No Wipe Top Coat

Durable Coverage

Chip-resistant and long-lasting.

Best Overall

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If you are looking for a durable gel top coat that will keep your nails looking freshly done, the Beetles Gel No Wipe Top Coat is the one for you. This gel top coat is durable and prevents your paint from chips and scratches. Meanwhile, you can use it for any type of nail surface from natural to acrylic and everything in between.

In addition to being excellent at keeping your nails beautiful, this top coat is also low-odor and toxin-free. Now, check out these pros and cons so you can decide if this is the gel top coat for you.

Pros:

Toxin-free
Does not have a strong chemical odor
Prevents damage to your nail art
Compatible with all brands of gel polish
Long-lasting

Cons:

It can peel
The application can be annoying

Aimeili Gel Matte Top Coat

Uniquely Beautiful

Add texture to your nails with a lovely matte finish.

Best Matte Top Coat

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For a beautifully unique look, try the Aimeili Gel Matte Top Coat. This UV LED Gel Top Coat gives you 21 days of high-quality protection. It will prevent your nails from becoming chipped, scratched, or damaged. Meanwhile, the matte finish offers a new texture for you to play with. Everyone uses high-gloss top coats and sometimes we need more options.

This top coat can be used with any gel nail polish, which makes it super versatile. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider while you decide whether or not this is the gel top coat for you.

Pros:

Looks interesting
Finishes beautifully
Protects your nails
Does not peel off easily
Cures quickly

Cons:

The application can be complicated
If you get it on your skin it can burn you once the UV hits it

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

Easy to Use

No UV required, simply swipe on like any other top coat.

Best for Beginners

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Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat is a super easy to use gel top coat. It requires no UV light or special tools which makes it easy to use at home. You would think that an at-home top coat would lose some of the salon-quality, but that is not the case with this gel top coat. You end up with the same salon-quality without the complicated application.

In addition to being beautiful and easy to apply, this top coat will also protect your nail art from chips and scratches. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

Easy application
High-gloss
Protects your nail art
No UV required
Long-lasting

Cons:

Costs more than most top coats
Takes a while to dry

Essie Gel Couture Platinum Finish Top Coat

Ultra-Glossy Finish

Get that still-wet shiny finish you love with this top coat.

Most Gloss

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If you are looking for a gel top coat that will leave your nails highly glossed, the Essie Gel Couture Platinum Finish Top Coat will amaze you. This awesome top coat dries quickly and adds a bright, shiny finish to your nail art. You are not limited by the Essie brand, either. This top coat can be used over any polish.

In addition to how great your nails will look with this top coat, you will love the durability. It doesn’t peel off easily like some of the competitors. Check out these pros and cons.

Pros:

Very shiny and glossy
Dries quickly
Easy to apply
Durable
Protects your nails

Cons:

Short shelf life
Costs more than most top coats

Modelones Gel Top Coat

Affordable and Long-Lasting

A durable gel top coat for less.

Best on a Budget

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The Modelones Gel Top Coat is an affordable top coat that goes on and dries quickly. The high-gloss finish looks great. Meanwhile, your nails will be protected from scratching and chipping. It is durable and long-lasting, as well. You get up to 21 days of shiny, damage-free nails. It is hard to beat that.

Modelones Gel Top Coat can be used over any nail polish. You are sure to love it. Now, let’s check out the pros and cons.

Pros:

Dries quickly
Very glossy finish
Protects your nails
Looks and feels great for 21 days
Affordable

Cons:

Complicated application
Can burn your skin under a UV light

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the gel top coat and regular top coats?

Gel polish and top coat take more time and effort to apply than traditional polish and top coat. However, it also lasts much longer. It is a different bonding process.

Why do some require UV?

The UV lights cure the gel top coat. Curing is a process that hardens the gel. Some gel top coats do not require UV to cure, but those ones usually take longer to dry and don’t last as long.