Whether you’re a beginner, a master nail technician, or you just love doing your own manicure at home, you probably know that a top coat is important for a couple of reasons. Not only does a layer of finishing coat prevents manicure from chipping, staining and helps it last longer, but it also completes the entire manicure by making nails look plumper, longer and shinier.
However, a top coat isn’t only about protection. In fact, there are a plethora of different top coat types- from glossy and satin shines to the matte top coat gels to give nails a completely different finish and look. So, if you were wondering about the different types of top coats and which ones do you need for crafting the best manicures, let’s learn a couple of things about all of them.
Sheer
If you’re looking for a glossy finish to top up your fresh manicure, don’t hesitate to go for a sheer top coat. Sheer top coats are known for giving nails a dose of glam without using any types of colour tints. Hence, they make for the perfect top coat for a French manicure.
Crème
Crème finishing coats are also among the most popular ones, and there’s a bunch of reasons behind this. First of all, crème top coats give nails the ultimately glossy finish, especially when they’re applied in two coats. They also come in a couple of different variants- from white base to solid and opaque shades, and make for the perfect choice for those who want a simple and clean look to their nails.
Matte
If you’re seeking a top coat to enhance the boldness of any type of manicure without leaving a glossy finish at all, don’t hesitate to get a matter topcoat. Not only is a matte top coat perfect to draw out the shine and the gloss from nails, but they also give the manicure a unique texture and finishing touch that isn’t similar to any other top coat.
However, keep in mind that when applying a matter topcoat it dries very quickly, and it’s of great importance to apply it evenly for the perfect manicure.
Satin
Satin finishes can be described like a matte polish top coat, with the only difference being that it’s a little bit shinier. Hence, many nail technicians tend to look at this finishing coat as a mixture of crème and matte, and this is why it’s used for a variety of nail looks- from the manicures to top up professional looks to the ones for extra formal events.
Glitter
As its name states, a glitter topcoat gives manicures a dazzling finish. In fact, glitter top coats are created by using high amounts of cosmetic glitter within a clear or tinted base. But however, have in mind that it’s best to shake the bottle well before opening it, and apply a thick layer to get the best sparkling finish.
Shimmer
Shimmer top coats are the ultimate combo of crème and glitter top coats, as they use the same base as crème coats and contain certain amounts of glitter. The glitter can come in different hues and colours such as silver and gold, which give the shimmer top coat a unique tint. This top coat is mostly used to create sparkly looks without them looking too aggressive.
Jelly
Jelly top coats are translucent and typically have a tint of colour, and this is why they’re known to give nails a wet look. Hence, they're most recommended for colourful manicures where you want to achieve an ultimately shiny finish.
Textured
Textured top coats are best to give any manicure a 3-dimensional look. These top coats are a combination of polish drying with a grainy finish and sparkles that are supposed to “catch” the light. Hence, they make for the perfect top coat for special occasions.
Pearl
Pearl top coats deliver a softly-reflective, iridescent look which makes any manicure look ultimately luxurious- like a pearl. Hence, a pearl top coat is perfect for everyone who wants a sparkly finish without it being extremely intense.
Duochrome
Duochrome finishing coats are considered one of the most unique types, as they have a very wild effect of appearing in two different colours- based on how the light hits. These top coats come in a variety of shades to give polishes different tints- some may appear red at particular lighting and blue to others etc…
Iridescent
Iridescent top coats are very similar to duochrome ones, with the only difference being that they give nails more of a colour blend. Hence, the polish will feature the same shine, but once the light hits it you can see the base colour in the middle of the nail. So, if you want to craft a very unique manicure, make sure you provide yourself with an iridescent top coat.
Metalic
Just like its name suggests, a metallic top coat gives nails a metallic finish with a realistic shine. These top coats come in a plethora of different finishes- from silver and gold one to bronze and copper hues to give manicures a unique tint.
Holographic
Holographic, or holo top coats are a part of the latest trends known for the unique touch they give to any manicure. These top coats contain glitter and are supposed to create the colour effect of a rainbow when hit by sunlight. However, holographic top coats can differ between different manufacturers, as some of them may use different application techniques to get the real holo effect.
Foil
Foil top coats can create a couple of different fun looks, depending on one’s needs and preferences. For instance, you can create a look similar to gold leaf, as well as give your manicures a unique metallic touch with a dose of foil. The range of opportunities is huge, as long as you’re willing to experiment.
Neon
Last, but not least, neon top coats change the manicure’s tint under a specific neon light. These top coats have a thick and creamy consistency, but once they dry out, they give nails a matte finish with interesting tints.
Now that you learned the different types of top coats, it’s time to hit the market and equip yourself with the most unique ones.
