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The 15 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes That'll Protect Your Manicure for Days

We have picks for matte, shiny, and quick-dry formulas.

By
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 03/25/24 04:44PM
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
a collage of the best top coat nail polishes

Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

Applying a coat of clear nail polish is an essential step in painting your nails or toes. And for those who like a natural look, it's the only step. A top coat creates a shiny (or sometimes matte) finish, but its work goes beyond aesthetics. According to Nadine Abramcyk, nail expert and co-founder of Tenoverten, the clear coating is just as important as the colored lacquer. "Top coats help seal your polish, prevent the color from fading, and protect from chipping," she tells Byrdie.

Needless to say, if you paint your nails regularly—or even once in a while—you'll want to have a good top coat on hand. With the help of experts, we did extensive research on several popular options, from glossies and mattes to quick-dry, long-wear, and chip-resistant formulas. We evaluated each on effectiveness and value, resulting in this list of the very best buys.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat at Ulta ($8)
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat at Amazon ($6)
Jump to Review
Best Drugstore:
Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat at Amazon ($19)
Jump to Review
Best Splurge:
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Top Coat at Saks Fifth Avenue ($57)
Jump to Review
Best Chip-Resistant:
China Glaze No Chip Top Coat at Macy's ($7)
Jump to Review
Best Protective:
OPI Brilliant High-Shine Top Coat at Amazon ($15)
Jump to Review
Best Quick-Dry:
Essie Good to Go Top Coat at Amazon ($11)
Jump to Review
Best Strengthening:
Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in Top at Habitcosmetics.com ($12)
Jump to Review
Best High-Gloss:
Cirque Colors Looking Glass Top Coat at Amazon ($13)
Jump to Review
Best Matte:
Triple O Matte Top Coat at Ooopolish.com (See Price)
Jump to Review

Best Overall

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
PHOTO:

JcPenny
$8 at Ulta $10 at Target $7 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Dries quickly

  • Long-lasting

  • Resists yellowing

What to Consider

  • The scent is strong

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When it comes to clear nail polish, Seche Vite is a shining star. This quick-dry top coat has a well-deserved following among both the DIY and professional crowds. "This formula acts like a gel without the difficulties of removing gels by yourself," says nail artist Christine Doan of Gloss House. "I like to do two coats of this one. I've gotten close to three weeks' wear with it!"

Swipe it on for an ultra-glossy, crystal-clear effect that lasts several days without chipping, peeling, or yellowing. Fair warning: The polish has a strong chemical smell similar to acetone, it does fade immediately when dry.

Best Budget

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$5 at Amazon $6 at Ulta $6 at Ecosmetics.com
What We Like

  • Budget-friendly

  • Dries quickly

  • Bubble-free finish

What to Consider

  • Not long-lasting

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: No

If drugstore nail polish had a queen, it would be Sally Hansen. The brand's Insta-Dri Top Coat glides smoothly and precisely over your nails, leaving a bubble-free finish that's dry to the touch within 30 seconds and entirely hardened within minutes.

Best Drugstore

Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat

Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$19 at Amazon $20 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Dries quickly

  • Unique satin finish

  • Resists yellowing

What to Consider

  • Not long-lasting

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: No

Revlon also makes a great quick-drying top coat. This clear lacquer sets in 30 seconds with a chic satin finish, plus it resists yellowing and prevents your color from fading. Quick-dry top coats are not as effective when it comes to longevity so be aware you're making the choice for speed over wear time.

Best Splurge

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Top Coat

HERMÈS Les Mains Hermès Top Coat
PHOTO:

Saks Fifth Avenue
$57 at Saks Fifth Avenue $50 at Selfridges.com
What We Like

  • Mirror finish

  • Light optimizers

  • Light-protected bottle

What to Consider

  • Not easily accessible

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, Hermès nail polish is undoubtedly a novelty. But if you can swing the price, this fancy French top coat might be worth a splurge. It promises a mirror-like finish with light optimizers that give your nails a curved, full-depth effect.

Best Chip-Resistant

China Glaze No Chip Top Coat

China Glaze No Chip Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$7 at Macy's
What We Like

  • Long-lasting

  • Strengthening

  • Chip resistant

What to Consider

  • Takes 30 minutes to harden

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pro-level top coat sets quickly and hardens completely within 30 minutes, and it offers a glossy finish while protecting any nail polish underneath. More to the point, the formula resists chipping, cracked polish, and peeling for several days.

Best Protective

OPI Brilliant High-Shine Top Coat

OPI Brilliant Top Coat, High Shine Nail Polish Top Coat, 0.5 fl oz
PHOTO:

Amazon
$15 at Amazon $16 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Resists chipping

  • Dries quickly

  • High-gloss shine

What to Consider

  • Can dry a little streaky

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: No

OPI is another salon-level brand with lots of standout products. The Brilliant High-Shine Top Coat protects your nails and any layers of nail polish underneath from chipping and breaking. For best results, apply two coats, making sure to swipe the brush over the tips of your nails and slightly underneath.

Best Quick-Dry

Essie Good to Go Top Coat

Essie Good to Go Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$10 at Amazon $11 at Ulta $11 at Target
What We Like

  • Penetrates fresh polish

  • Dries quickly

  • Resists yellowing

  • Affordable

What to Consider

  • Not long-lasting

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: No

Short on time? Reach for Essie Good to Go. The exceptionally quick-drying formula penetrates through wet nail polish and hardens in minutes, leaving a high-gloss shine and a non-yellowing finish in its wake.

Best Strengthening

Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in Top

Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in Top
PHOTO:

Habit Cosmetics

$12 at Habitcosmetics.com
What We Like

  • Supports nail growth

  • Gel-like formula

  • Eco-friendly

What to Consider

  • A small bottle

Size: Not listed | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This top coat from the eco-friendly brand Habit Cosmetics contains cuticle-strengthening myrrh extract to promote healthy nail growth. The gel-like formula is also vegan and free of toluene, formaldehyde, and parabens.

Best High-Gloss

Cirque Colors Looking Glass Top Coat

Cirque Colors Looking Glass Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$13 at Amazon
What We Like

  • Dries quickly

  • Gel-like formula

  • Long-lasting

What to Consider

  • Consistency changes quickly

Size: Not listed | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you want mirror-like shine, Cirque Colors Looking Glass is your best bet. This high-gloss top coat boasts a gel-like formula that dries quickly and protects your manicure for days.

Best Matte

Triple O Matte Top Coat

Triple O Matte Top Coat
PHOTO:

OOOPolish
View on Ooopolish.com
What We Like

  • Long-lasting

  • Vegan

  • Matte

What to Consider

  • Not fast-drying

Size: Not listed | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For those partial to a shine-free finish, we recommend OOO's Matte Top Coat. It goes on smooth and dries into a satiny matte finish. While this polish doesn't set as quickly as others, it lasts longer than most glossy formulas.

Best Pearlescent

Pleasing Pearly Tops Polish

Pleasing Pearly Tops Polish
PHOTO:

Pleasing
View on Pleasing.com
What We Like

  • Subtle iridescence

  • Pretty on its own

  • Aesthetic packaging

What to Consider

  • Not easily accessible

Size: 0.4 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yep, Harry Styles has a beauty brand now—and it's pretty good. The Pearly Tops Polish is transparent with an oh-so-subtle pearlescent sheen and a satiny matte finish. It's great over colored lacquer or on its own for a pared-down look.

Best for French Manicures

People of Color Nail Polish Top Coat

People of Color Nail Polish Top Coat
PHOTO:

People of Color Beauty
View on Peopleofcolorbeauty.com View on Sleeknail.com View on Beyondpolish.com
What We Like

  • Pink tint

  • Versatile

  • Durable

What to Consider

  • Not fast-drying

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This top coat from People of Color has a slight pink tint, making it the best glossy finish for DIY French manicures. It's also lovely on its own and over opaque polish colors.

Best for Brittle Nails

Nails Inc. 45 Second Top Coat

Nails Inc. Retinol 45 Second Quick Drying Top Coat
PHOTO:

Sephora
$15 at Amazon View on Nailsinc.com
What We Like

  • Dries quickly

  • Resists chipping

  • Contains retinol

What to Consider

  • Final result is not as pretty as other options

Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're working with brittle nails, go with Nails Inc. This top coat is formulated with retinol, which, according to the maker, hardens the enamel, prevents chipping, and prolongs wear time. Not only that, but it's dry to the touch in 45 seconds.

Best With UV Blockers

Butter LONDON Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat

Butter LONDON Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$18 at Amazon
What We Like

  • Resists yellowing

  • Prevents fading

  • Adds shine

What to Consider

  • Can be streaky

Size: 0.4 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Doan is a fan of Butter London, and we're here for it. The brand's Hardwear top coat is formulated to prevent ultraviolet light from yellowing or fading the polish underneath.

Best Gel

Londontown Genius Top Coat

Londontown Kur Gel Genius Top Coat
PHOTO:

Amazon
$16 at Amazon $20 at Ulta $10 at Neiman Marcus
What We Like

  • No UV lamp needed

  • Nourishes nail beds

  • Resists chipping

What to Consider

  • Formula can thicken quickly

Size: 0.4 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Unlike most gel formulas, Kur doesn't require special LED or UV lights to set. It cures in the natural sunlight while nourishing your nail beds and forming a protective barrier that resists chipping and fading.

What to Look for in a Top Coat

  • Finish: Most top coats leave your nails with a shiny finish, though some provide a more reflective, high-gloss effect. If your nails dull within a few days, you can always apply a touch-up coat to refresh the shine. Then there's matte polish, which delivers a flat sheen. Matte top coats can be applied over regular shiny polishes to dull the finish and provide a shine-free velvety effect.
  • Drying time: Many top coats are formulated to dry fast. If a product dries within a few minutes, it will usually be indicated on the label. Otherwise, you can expect most clear coats to be dry to the touch within about 10 minutes and fully hardened in roughly 30 minutes. That said, the more coats you apply, the longer the dry time.
  • Lacquer vs. Gel: Regular nail lacquers are similar to paint in that they air dry. Gel nail polish, on the other hand, will only dry and cure under a special UV or LED lamp. You can get one of these lamps online or at a beauty supply store. "When working with gel, you want to make sure that it does not have a high heat spike (the burning sensation when you're under LED lights)," says Doan. "For gel top coats, I like a long-lasting non-wipe that stays shiny for weeks to come! I like the non-wipe formulas because they allow the highest shine."
FAQ
  • What does a top coat do?

    Considered the final step of a professional-looking pedicure or manicure, a top coat seals the colored layers underneath and helps prevent chipping, cracking, and peeling.

  • Is a top coat necessary?

    Yes, a top coat is necessary to extend the life of your manicure or pedicure and can help your polish last up to seven days without chipping. Top coats are formulated to be thinner in consistency than regular clear nail polish to prevent cracking and peeling of polish that can occur with everyday wear and tear.

  • Can you use a top coat as a base coat?

    Though formulated differently, you can use a top coat as a base coat. Some formulas specifically indicate they can be used for both.

  • Can you use a gel top coat over regular nail polish?

    As long as your regular nail polish is completely dry, you can apply a gel top coat over it. For best results, wait several hours before applying the gel on top to ensure the lacquer is completely hardened underneath.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a content creator with substantial experience covering cosmetics in the commerce space. She interviewed two experts for this piece, including a nail artist and a nail care specialist, for product recommendations and insight into formulations. As a life-long DIY manicurist, she's tried many of the products on this list, including Seche Vite, OPI, Revlon, Butter London, Pleasing, Essie, and Cirque Colors. However, Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Top Coat has been a fallback for upwards of a decade.

Team Byrdie worked with experts to inform this article:

  • Nadine Abramcyk is a nail expert and the co-founder of Tenoverten.
  • Christine Doan is a former nuclear engineer turned licensed cosmetologist and content creator. Her brand, Gloss House, features nail art and design services in the San Diego area.
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Cao B, et al. Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh: Changes in Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2019 Aug;24(17):3076. doi:10.3390/molecules24173076

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