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Manicure & pedicureHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed 5

10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

Having your fresh manicure chip on you after just a couple of days of wear is extremely frustrating and can leave you with a sense of self-consciousness that'll have you hiding your hands away needlessly. However, not all is lost! A tough and reliable top coat nail varnish or hardener could be just the answer to this dilemma! 


To keep your talons looking terrific, we’ve pulled together our favourite regular and gel top coats from Boots, John Lewis, and Amazon from drugstore and pro brands like Essie, OPI, Seche Vite and Nails Inc. Trust us, with one of these, you'll be waving goodbye to chipped nail polish for good! We have also partnered with Makeup Artist Marie Dancer to review and fact-check the article so that we can share with you the most reliable information. 

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Top Coat Nail Polishes

1

Sally Hansen

Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

The Total Top Coat Package

2

Seche Vite

Professional Top Coat
Professional Top Coat

Penetrates Through the Polish to Lock in the Colour

3

OPI

Matte Top Coat
Matte Top Coat

Transform Your Nail Colour to a Silky Matte

4

Essie

Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat
Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat

For a Touchably Soft and Luxurious Matte Finish

5

OPI

RapiDry Top Coat
RapiDry Top Coat

A High Gloss Shine That Prevents Smears, Smudges, and Streaks

Marie Dancer
Expert
Makeup Artist
Marie Dancer

As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.

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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer

As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.


Find out more about Marie and what her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.

How to Choose a Top Coat Nail Polish in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose Between a Gloss or a Matte Finish Depending on Your Desired Look
  2. Look For a Fast-Drying Formula if You’re Prone to Smudging
  3. Consider a Chip-Resistant Polish to Increase Longevity
  4. Avoid 2-in-1 Top and Base Coats
1

Pick a Gloss Finish if You're After a Traditional, Mirror Shine, or a Matte Finish if You Prefer a Modern, Edgy Alternative

Pick a Gloss Finish if You're After a Traditional, Mirror Shine, or a Matte Finish if You Prefer a Modern, Edgy Alternative
Source:amazon.co.uk

Whenever you think of a fresh manicure, you immediately think of the mirror shine of a gloss top coat, and this is a perfect choice if that’s what you’re looking to achieve. However, there are different finishes available that you might also like to explore! The traditional high shine, gloss or 'gel' top coat has a new rival on the market - the matte finish. 


A modern matte look isn’t for everyone, but it does provide an edgy alternative to the usual girly gloss. Some brands even offer a middle ground to the two, a satin or ‘eggshell’ formula that adds a subtle shine for a natural look. You can even mix and match the two for a creative and fun style, so there is an option for everyone!

2

Look For a Fast-Drying Formula if You’re Prone to Smudging

Look For a Fast-Drying Formula if You’re Prone to Smudging

Waiting for your top coat to dry fully can seemingly take forever, and there is nothing more annoying than waiting all that time for it to then smudge or wrinkle at the last second.


To avoid this, you should opt for a fast-drying formula that can be touch-dry in as little as a couple of minutes. This could save you lots of time and frustration than waiting for other, longer curing polishes to dry. 


Top off your at-home treatment with one of these 10 best manicure sets!

3

Consider a Chip-Resistant Polish if You Prefer Something Harder Wearing to Help Your Manicure Last Longer

Consider a Chip-Resistant Polish if You Prefer Something Harder Wearing to Help Your Manicure Last Longer

A chip usually causes you to redo your nails, as it can make you feel untidy and just not made up properly. The longer you can prevent chipping through everyday tasks such as washing up, cleaning and using your nails to open things like cans, the longer your manicure will last.


Some top coats include ingredients such as acrylic or nylon that help the polish become harder and more resistant to chips. If you have an especially manual job or routine and need a tougher polish than all the rest, make sure you choose a chip-resistant formula to keep your nails looking pristine for longer.


Chips can also occur from the nail varnish lifting due to applying layers too thick or not using the correct base coat. Check to see if the brand of your nail varnish has a matching base and top coat, as these formulas are guaranteed to work together.

4

Avoid 2-in-1 Top and Base Coats if You Want a Product That's Adept at a Specific Function

Avoid 2-in-1 Top and Base Coats if You Want a Product That's Adept at a Specific Function

There are a few nail polishes available that are marketed to be used as both a top coat and a base coat in one bottle. While this seems like a good idea – who needs two bottles when you can have one? – in this instance, this isn’t necessarily the case.


Top coats and base coats work in totally different ways, with one meant to be worn directly on the nail and the other on top of the polish. Base coats are generally thicker to add strength and make the colour take better, whereas top coats are thinner and aim to give added protection and durability.


The cost saving of having a 2-in-1 polish is quite attractive, but generally speaking, it is better to use two separate products as each will be more adept at the job it has been formulated to do. 


Check out our list of the best base coat nail polishes so you can have the best of both worlds!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Top Coat Nail Polishes in the UK

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Sally Hansen

Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

Sally Hansen Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat 1

The Total Top Coat Package

2

Seche Vite

Professional Top Coat

Seche Vite Professional Top Coat 1

Penetrates Through the Polish to Lock in the Colour

3

OPI

Matte Top Coat

OPI Matte Top Coat 1

Transform Your Nail Colour to a Silky Matte

4

Essie

Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat

Essie Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat 1

For a Touchably Soft and Luxurious Matte Finish

5

OPI

RapiDry Top Coat

OPI RapiDry Top Coat 1

A High Gloss Shine That Prevents Smears, Smudges, and Streaks

6

Barry M

Matte Nail Paint Top Coat

Barry M Matte Nail Paint Top Coat 1

Create Fashion-Forward Matte Nails on a Budget

7

Rimmel London

Super Gel Top Coat Nail Polish

Rimmel London Super Gel Top Coat Nail Polish 1

Specially Shaped Brush for Speedy and Even Application

8

Nails Inc

Lacquer Lock Top Coat

Nails Inc Lacquer Lock Top Coat 1

Uses Natural UV Rays to Cure

9

Mavala

Top Coat Gel Finish Nail Polish

Mavala Top Coat Gel Finish Nail Polish 1

The Effect of a Gel Polish With None of the Damage

10

Essie

Speed Setter Quick Dry Top Coat

Essie  Speed Setter Quick Dry Top Coat 1

Ultra Fast Drying With a Gel-Like Finish

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Sally Hansen
Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

Instra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.27
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.27
Low Mid

The Total Top Coat Package

Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat dries any nail colour and gives you long-lasting shine and chip resistance. Even if you have wet nails, the acrylic polymer complex dries your polish in 30 seconds, leaving them tough and ready to face whatever challenges you throw at them. 


We'd expect nothing less than a fantastic product from a trusted nail care brand, and we're definitely not disappointed with this polish. It cures itself so quickly and thoroughly - this truly is the total package for making your manicure last and last! 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Seche Vite
Professional Top Coat

Professional Top Coat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.95
Low Mid

Penetrates Through the Polish to Lock in the Colour

A cult beauty product in its own right, Seche Vite's Dry Fast top coat is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest top coats. It is formulated to penetrate through polish to the nail itself and is guaranteed not to yellow while leaving nails stronger and more resistant to chipping and peeling.


The formula is super easy to apply and dries quickly to leave a gloss finish and a silky feel. It truly locks in your nail colour and prevents peeling, and can even be applied on still-wet polish without any adverse effects. A really great product! 

No.3

OPI
Matte Top Coat

Matte Top Coat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.50
High Mid
Reference price
£15.50
High Mid

Transform Your Nail Colour to a Silky Matte

This matte top coat is perfect for anyone wanting to achieve a smooth matte manicure. From well-known nail care brand OPI, you simply apply it on top of your chosen shade, and your polish will magically transform into a beautiful matte shade.


We've marked this down slightly owing to the high price tag, as if you're budget-conscious, there are other, cheaper matte top coats. But if the higher price tag isn't an issue and you want something from the pros, then this is an amazing polish that dries quickly and lasts a few days

No.4

Essie
Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat

Matte About You Nail Polish Top Coat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.83
Mid
Reference price
£6.83
Mid

For a Touchably Soft and Luxurious Matte Finish

Essie's Matte About You top coat transforms nails to give a touchably soft, subtle matte, velvet finish. It evenly glides over the top of any nail polish for a soft, rich finish, leaving you with a luxurious and elegant manicure.


The matte effect on this top coat doesn't seem to last more than 3 days, so you may find you need to reapply to keep the finish soft and velvety. Aside from this, Essie's top coat is one of the best matte top coats we've found in its price bracket and is excellent value for money.

No.5

OPI
RapiDry Top Coat

Reference price
£15.50
High Mid

A High Gloss Shine That Prevents Smears, Smudges, and Streaks

OPI's RapiDry Top Coat dries to a tough, long-lasting, high-gloss shine in minutes, preventing smears, smudges and streaks. Its non-yellowing formula is ideal for use over coloured polishes or as a clear coat over natural nails, making it perfect for those who want the winning shine without the long waiting time.


Despite OPI's claims, this top coat could be a lot tougher, as many have found it started to peel within a couple of days. However, we love how quickly it dries and how easy it is to apply with the thick brush. 

No.6

Barry M
Matte Nail Paint Top Coat

Matte Nail Paint Top Coat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.69
Low
Reference price
£2.69
Low

Create Fashion-Forward Matte Nails on a Budget

This matte top coat from popular beauty brand Barry M will mattify any nail colour for an on-trend statement manicure with added protection and wear. It is an affordable vegan and cruelty-free option, plus it dries super fast, so your nails will be ready in a flash!


This isn't the most durable top coat, but if you change up your nails fairly often, you probably won't notice. The brush is also a nice wide shape meaning that you need fewer strokes to get good coverage. What a bargain! 

No.7

Rimmel London
Super Gel Top Coat Nail Polish

Reference price
£6.99
Mid

Specially Shaped Brush for Speedy and Even Application

Rimmel's Super Gel Top Coat comes with a fan-shaped application brush, so it's super easy to apply and only takes one stroke to achieve full, even coverage. Once fully dried, it promises to protect your colour for up to 14 days, leaving you with chip-free and flawless nails.


If you're in a hurry, this is not the top coat for you, as it takes quite a long time to fully dry and harden when compared with other available products. But if you like to take your time over your manicure, then this offers a great finish as well as fantastic value for money

No.8

Nails Inc
Lacquer Lock Top Coat

Reference price
£14.25
High Mid

Uses Natural UV Rays to Cure

Just as your gel manicure is cured by UV light, Nails Inc have developed this revolutionary top coat that uses natural UV rays to cure and lock in your colour for extended wear for up to 14 days. This leaves you with super shiny nails that look fresh from the nail bar. 


We found that while this gives good protection for around 3 - 5 days, the claim of 14 days chip-free may be a bit optimistic, especially if you're a busy person! But otherwise, this feels great to apply, and it goes on very easily plus the shine really is dazzling. 

No.9

Mavala
Top Coat Gel Finish Nail Polish

Reference price
£12.38
High Mid

The Effect of a Gel Polish With None of the Damage

Our second gel finish top coat in this listing, Mavala's top coat, doesn't need a UV lamp to give you that extra-volume domed effect of a gel manicure. It is long-lasting with increased chip resistance, and it provides an extra glossy finish without damaging your natural nails.


While this does give a fantastically glossy finish to your nail colour, the domed gel effect may be somewhat exaggerated for some. But on the plus side, it offers really strong protection for your polish and does feel slightly thicker than most top coats.  

No.10

Essie
Speed Setter Quick Dry Top Coat

Reference price
£9.99
Mid

Ultra Fast Drying With a Gel-Like Finish

Essie aims to inspire a love for the manicure experience and is the go-to nail polish brand for beauty professionals worldwide. Their ultra fast-drying top coat promises to be touch dry in under a minute and creates a super shiny gel-like finish.


While this top coat dries fast, it could be a bit more hard-wearing, so it may not be suitable if you are especially tough on your hands. But if you're looking for a quick-drying top coat that doesn't need to be, such as for nights out, then this is a great option!

What Is a Top Coat Nail Polish and Why Should You Use One?

What Is a Top Coat Nail Polish and Why Should You Use One?

A top coat nail varnish is the final layer of polish applied in the manicure process. This top coat acts as a seal to protect the colour underneath. When a top coat is applied correctly to the polish, it makes it last longer, keeps the colour brighter and, more importantly, helps prevent chips.


You can add a top coat polish to your at-home manicure to help your nails stay looking fantastic for longer and to help achieve that glossy mirror shine you get in the nail salon. Some top coats can also help strengthen your nails over time, so look out for claims of nail health to reap the extra benefits of your top coat!


Damaged nails? Read our article on the best treatments for damaged nails!

Written and researched by Catherine Torrance

Top 5 Top Coat Nail Polishes

No. 1: Sally HansenInstra-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

No. 2: Seche ViteProfessional Top Coat

No. 3: OPIMatte Top Coat

No. 4: EssieMatte About You Nail Polish Top Coat

No. 5: OPIRapiDry Top Coat

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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