Primer, Base, and Finish Coat
Primer, Base, and Finish
The primer and base coat allow for the adhesion of the semi-permanent polish or gel applied afterward. These products also protect the nails from the color applied in the next step. Meanwhile, finishing products enhance and improve the wear of the polish.
Why use these products?
The usefulness of primer
Primer is not mandatory when doing your manicure. However, it is highly recommended. It is used first to prepare the nail surface before applying polish for better adhesion.
Base coat, the essential
Base coat, on the other hand, is essential! It is applied after the primer and serves to strengthen the nail and improve polish adhesion. It can also contain nourishing ingredients to strengthen nails. Base coat has a much less liquid texture than primer. As you understand, this step is mandatory when applying semi-permanent polish, gel, or tips.
It can come in a bottle and must be cured under a UV or LED lamp.
Top coat, for a star finish
Top coat is used to finalize a semi-permanent or gel manicure. It protects the color from daily wear and tear and gives a glossy finish. It is the final step of the manicure. It helps maintain a vibrant color and prevents scratches.
Top coat is available in several finishes:
High gloss: Also known as gloss, it is the most popular and commonly used finish. It provides a perfect lacquered finish and adds shine to all color bases. This will give your manicure a boost.
Matte finish: The matte finish gives unique nails with a perfect matte finish, ideal for an elegant and distinctive style. The product's shade may be mauve, but it will appear transparent once applied to your nails.
Glitter finish: The glitter finish adds a feminine touch to your color. Instead of buying a glitter gel or polish, you can simply use a glitter top coat.
How to apply it?
Once your last layer of gel or semi-permanent polish has been applied and cured, take some product with the brush and apply it evenly to your nail. Then cure the product under a lamp (UV or LED, depending on the technology you are using).
You can double the gloss layer to enhance the shiny, matte, or glitter effect. To do this, repeat the application and curing.
Complementary or substitutable?
Primer is not a mandatory step in a manicure; it is a product that promotes better hold. Unlike base coat, which is mandatory in the artificial nail process with gel or semi-permanent polish.
Moreover, excessive use of primer (especially with acid) can be harmful to the nail because its complex aims to lift the small scales of the nail to make the base adhere better.
Therefore, choose an acid-free formula, like Mesauda's Ultrabond, and do not use it too regularly.
