</p><p>Whether you opt for a <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/nails/advice/g3983/best-fall-nail-polish/” target=”_blank”>DIY manicure</a> at home or frequent the salon, it’s best to have a high-quality top coat on hand to ensure your polish lasts for weeks. Ahead, we found the best ones, from quick-drying formulas to high-shine finishes, that will give your nails the extra protection they need.</p>” />
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
1
Best Overall Top Coat
Ardell Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
1
Best Overall Top Coat
Ardell Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
Pros
- Affordable
- Dries fast
This top coat has over 30,000 satisfied customer reviews and dries in seconds, so you can run out the door without the fear of chipping or destroying your just-finished manicure.
Customer review: “I have been using this topcoat for the better part of 20 years, it is a quality product for someone that does their own nails, and you cannot beat this price.” —Mokitty87
2
Nail Artist Favorite
OPI Top Coat
2
Nail Artist Favorite
OPI Top Coat
Pros
- Non-yellowing
- Prevents smudges
This cult favorite may not give your polish the shine of a gel, but it creates a thicker film that makes your manicure less susceptible to scratching or chipping.
Customer review: “My new go to clear polish/topcoat. I like the plumping effects that helps regular polish look a little more high quality in a bit more like gel polish.” —Bryna Gallegos
| Finish | High-gloss |
|---|---|
| Color | Clear |
3
Best Chip-Resistant
Chanel Le Gel Coat
3
Best Chip-Resistant
Chanel Le Gel Coat
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Chanel’s Le Top Coat is a cult-favorite pick, but the fashion house’s newer Le Gel Coat features film-forming agents that act like resin for your polish, to lock it in place. Plus, camellia oil in the formula adds tons of shine and hydrates the nails and cuticles around them.
Customer review: “Great coat! keeps my manicure in great condition for a long time! Been using le gel coat for years!” —Margot
4
Best Splurge
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Top Coat
4
Best Splurge
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Top Coat
Pros
- Long-lasting
- High-shine
Cons
- Pricey
If you’re looking to splurge, look no further than Hermès. Not only is the bottle all kinds of chic, but the formula mirrors natural light to deliver a high-shine, curved-depth effect.
Bazaar associate beauty editor Katie Intner says, “This smooth polish gives a gorgeous shine that lasts for days.”
| Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Finish | Mirror, curved-depth |
5
Best Matte Pick
Essie Gel Couture Matte Top Coat
5
Best Matte Pick
Essie Gel Couture Matte Top Coat
Pros
- Long-lasting
This Essie polish gives a gel finish without the need for UV light or harsh acetone to remove it. One swipe gives your polish a velvety-matte look that lasts for weeks.
Customer reviews: “I’ve never tried a product that instantly made my nail polish matte in just under a minute. It goes on very easily and I love the style of the bottle. It has a step-to when doing your nails and I like that it doesn’t clump when putting it on top of a nail polish.” —Jhmesico
| Finish | Soft matte |
|---|---|
| Color | Clear |
6
Best Everyday Top Coat
Dior Top Coat
6
Best Everyday Top Coat
Dior Top Coat
Pros
- Speed-drying
Cons
- Pricey
When polish appears dull, reach for this Dior top coat, which dries in seconds and has a wide brush to paint your entire nail in one swipe. Plus, isn’t the bottle just so pretty?
7
Best Pearly Finish
Pleasing Pearly Tops Polish
7
Best Pearly Finish
Pleasing Pearly Tops Polish
Pros
- Can be worn alone
If you want to protect your color and get that Hailey Bieber–inspired glazed-doughnut finish, then opt for Pleasing’s Pearly Tops Polish. The pearlescent formula gives nails a subtle sheen that looks amazing on its own—or elevates any color underneath.
| Color | Off-white |
|---|---|
| Finish | Pearly, matte |
8
Best Drugstore Formula
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
8
Best Drugstore Formula
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
Now 18% Off
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Made to dry in under 30 seconds, this top coat has acrylic polymers that hardens to protect both the paint and nail themselves from any breakage.
Customer review: “I love the Insta-dri polishes. They go on smoothly and easily and do dry quickly. With the Insta-dri clear top coat applied every other day or so, my self manicure on my natural nails lasts about a week.” —lisa
9
Best Vegan Pick
Londontown Kur Gel Genius Quick-Dry Top Coat
9
Best Vegan Pick
Londontown Kur Gel Genius Quick-Dry Top Coat
Pros
- Prevents polish bubbles
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pricey
This vegan top coat is more on the expensive side, but worth every penny. The polish sets when exposed to sunlight, so your color will stay pigmented even after a weekend at the pool.
Customer review: “My manicure lasted for over a week. I tested this for a month. It lasts from 6-8 days. I am thrilled!! I have tested every single product out there. Not a fan of tips, dips or no chip. They all torture your nails. This is a regular manicure polish. I bought the base and to only. AWESOME!!! 5tars!!!” —Mary Budler
| Finish | Ultra glossy |
|---|---|
| Color | Clear |
10
Best UV-Protecting Pick
Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat
10
Best UV-Protecting Pick
Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat
Cons
- Reviews say it takes a while to dry
Even your polish can benefit from UV protection. Ensure your color never fades with Butter London’s Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat. The formula is as light as, well, butter, but gives a luxe shine and is smudge-free.
Customer review: “Love the shine. Looks like nails are still wet and wears much better than OPI or Essie brands. More expensive but worth it.” —karen
| Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Finish | High-shine |
11
Best for Preventing Color Fade
CND Vinylux Weekly Long Wear Top Coat
11
Best for Preventing Color Fade
CND Vinylux Weekly Long Wear Top Coat
Pros
- Strengthens nails
Polish color can fade and look lackluster over time, but this CND top coat increases its strength as the nails are exposed to light, for the ultimate layer of protection.
Customer review: “Love this product. It helps my polish stay on for over a week. Dries fast too.” —Rochelle M
12
Best Gel Formula
Lights Lacquers Totally Gelly
12
Best Gel Formula
Lights Lacquers Totally Gelly
Pros
- Best plumping polish
- Good for nail art
Seal in any design with this no fuss, gel-like formula, which has a plumping effect that makes nails look extra glossy. The best part? There’s no need to seal in your manicure with an LED light, as you do with typical gel polishes.
Customer review: “I’ve been wanting some longer lasting polish that looks professional! So far so good!” —Kristin
| Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Finish | Extra glossy |
Sales Assistant
Izzi Friedman is a salesperson, content creator and creative currently based in NYC. She is passionate about beauty, fashion and lifestyle.
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