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It also helps keep your polish durable and prevents it frompeelingorchipping."

Side-by-side selection of base coats, including Hermès, Londontown Kur, and Côte Base Coat, on a gray background

Byrdie / David Hattan

Clearly, theres a lot to look into when picking out the best base coat.

So we conducted hours of research, evaluating them on price, benefits, reviews, and overall value.

You’ll even be able to forgo touch-ups because the formula is so long-lasting.

Nails Inc. Nailkale Base Coat

PHOTO: Nails Inc.

Formulated with hydratingargan oil, this base coat also doubles as a high-gloss top coat.

Regardless of how you choose to use it, your mani will look and feel stronger with each app.

But this strengthening base coat from Tenoverten proves the naysayers wrong thanks to its shiny, ridge-filling benefits.

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat

PHOTO: Amazon

“The Foundation is a great everyday base coat,” says Abramcyk.

“It’s perfect for prolonging your polish and preventing cracks and ridges.”

This muted-pink pick looks great on its own but works well as a strengthening base too.

essie Nail Care, 8-Free Vegan, First Base Base Coat, color adhesion nail polish, 0.46 fl oz

PHOTO: Amazon

you’ve got the option to thank the formula’s hydrating complex withpanthenolfor these benefits.

For those who prefer a matte finish over a shiny one, this base coat is for you.

It dries a bit tacky, but this is what gives thenail lacquersomething to hold on to.

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Enamel Base Coat

PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s

Its the perfect base coat for people with stained nail beds.

Best for Damaged Nails

Cote Base Coat

Strengthens and prevents breakage

Smoothing

Damaged nails?

Cote is your best bet.

Butter London Nail Foundation Priming Base Coat

PHOTO: Amazon

This set from Ella + Milaworks in tandem to create a nice, smooth surface for polish.

Healthier, stronger nails are the name of the gameand this duo is the winner.

This pick is for those who prefergel manisover natural nails.

LONDONTOWN kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat, 0.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

PHOTO: Amazon

These are slightly different from regular base coats as they give the powder something to grip.

Similar to the above, gel polish should also be used with a specific gel base coat.

Theresa writes about color cosmetics, skincare, and haircare at Byrdie.

Tenoverten - The Foundation Fortifying Base Coat | Clean, Natural, Non-Toxic Nail Care (0.45 fl oz | 13.3 mL)

PHOTO: Amazon

She has tested thousands of beauty and wellness products and worked with several top brands.

Baswan S et al.Understanding the formidable nail barrier: A review of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases.Mycosesvol.

Deborah Lippmann All About That Base

PHOTO: Blue Mercury

Orly Bonder Base Coat

PHOTO: Amazon

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, Nail Polish Base Coat, 0.5 fl oz

PHOTO: Amazon

Resurface and Nail Repair Base Coat

PHOTO: Cote Shop

Ella + Mila Nail Care 2-Pack Top & Base Nail Duo

Amazon beetles Gel Polish Gel No Wipe Base Coat

PHOTO: Amazon

REVLON Quick Dry Base Coat

PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon

Kapa Nui Base & Top Coat Sealer

PHOTO: Kapa Nui