Butter London Nail Foundation

Been ixnay-ing on the nail salon in favor of doing your own mani-pedis at home? We'll go out on a limb and assume that you're saving money, but are seriously p.o.'ed at how quickly your DIY polish jobs chip. How do those manicurists get color to stay in place so damned long? They pick the correct base & top coats. After a lot of trial and error, we discovered Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat ($18), which is pricier than our usual drugstore picks, but worth it in the long run when you consider that it helps polish stick around for days longer than a basic clear basecoat. It fills in ridges and leaves a smooth, matte surface that nail lacquer can adhere to more easily. Genius!

PS - We're now on the search for the perfect chip-proof clear topcoat. Any suggestions?

See more nail polish base coats.

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Comments

Clare

Posted on 08.10.10 at 9:31 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Gena-Healthy-Lacquer-Protein-Treatment/dp/B00011JTNM

Hoof lacquer. The single best topcoat I have EVER found. Dries super quick too, and makes my manicures freaking unstoppable.

wiley

Posted on 08.10.10 at 10:15 AM

Mystic Nail is the BEST TOPCOAT EVER! I have tried everything and it is hands down the best. It is super cheap $2.99 for 2 bottles. It smells like toxic waste and is made it staten island, but is sooo shiny. If you put it over your regular mani after a week it will look like you just came out of the salon. I used to buy it at duane reade but I think you can find it online. I do not work for mystic nail. xx

Jillian

Posted on 08.10.10 at 6:28 PM

I am a cocktail server so you know I have to keep my polish neat and not grungy. I also have like five jobs where I use my hands a lot, so I rarely have time to do my nails. So far, this has been my best friend. It lasts almost 2 weeks. Yeah, 2 weeks! Amazing! It treats your nails, cheap (less than $5), formaldehyde-free and lasts a long time.