Best Drugstore Base Coat for prolonging manicures? | 2021

I tested 6 different base coats in the hopes of finding the one that makes my manicure last the longest. I hope my results can help you decide on which base coat you're interested in too!
Below are Amazon Affiliate links to the products mentioned in this video. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1) Essie Here to Stay: amzn.to/46inqqX
2) OPI Natural Nail Base Coat: amzn.to/3XaN5gI
3) ORLY Bonder Base Coat: amzn.to/3NtDnC3
4) Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat: amzn.to/466KN6I
5) Seche Clear Base Coat: amzn.to/3pabW7R
6) Wet n Wild Protective Base Coat: amzn.to/3JeqbzB

[@what_kay_says]

If you're interested in seeing more polish tests, please consider subscribing! I'm currently working on testing drugstore top coats!

[@ManL02]

This review has changed my polish life! I was getting discouraged spending time doing my nails and having them ruined in a day or two. After this video I purchased the Revlon base coat and now my manis last a week or more with little wear! So, big thanks for this video! 🤗

[@what_kay_says]

Wow I'm so glad it helped! It's crazy how big of a difference the base coat can make! Thanks for sharing!

[@natnailsit]

Revlon is the best! I have been using it for years and my manicure lasts for up to 7 days. Its really amazing I'm a nurse and wash my hands literally every 5 minutes lol. This basecoats grabs onto polish and doesn't let go lol.

[@what_kay_says]

That’s great! I wish I knew about the base coat sooner!

[@karacreswell8437]

Is it the Revlon Quick dry base coat or the Revlon Multicare base + top coat? I’d really like to try it! Thanks in advance!

[@what_kay_says]

I used the quick dry top coat in my video :)

[@susieq984]

@@what_kay_says you are using the revlon top coat?

[@anggedugang4836]

What top coat you've used?

[@BBGshop7]

Revlon, I have used before. Never paid any attention to how much longer the manicure lasted. This was a GREAT review. Thanks!

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you for the kind words!! It was really interesting comparing all the results!

[@PinkTigger33]

This was very helpful. I have just used whatever basecoat I had and never given it a second thought. It really did make a difference with that Revlon base. Thanks for doing this!

[@what_kay_says]

I'm so glad! I had so much fun comparing them, I'm now working on another video comparing those dual base/top coats. Wish me luck!

[@amandadesirae1572]

Thank you for taking the time time to test these for us! Very detailed and in depth but also entertaining! My nails are so weak and brittle that I have the worst time trying to get polish to last. I've resorted to investing in gel products to combat my chipping issues. Before I did however, I used the Revlon base coat and swore by it! Super underrated and over looked product.

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! I had no idea how well it worked as I had pretty much exclusively been using OPI base before I did the experiment!

[@richardrobinson3105]

Very scientific approach to this study. You even brought out a chart! Very much appreciated 👍👍❤

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! :)

[@immnotaboutthatlife2086]

Great video! Never thought Revlon would beat out Essie, OPI, and Seche Vite. Will definitely give it a try now.

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! Yea, I totally thought OPI would win! 😅

[@VictoriaNakaraKizer]

I use the Essie. My mani lasts an entire week, but I will indeed run get me some Revlon now. Thanks a bunch.

[@what_kay_says]

Wow! That's great it lasts you a week. I'm curious how Revlon's will work for you. :)

[@CynthisizerExplores]

You did a great job - thank you so much for this very well thought out research!

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!

[@bsantiago945]

No surprise here. I have used it for several years now since I heard from a Nail enthusiast is the only one she uses. I have several bottles. And even though I agree that prepping the nails will help even more I do give REVLON the best rating because even without all the prep, capping or top coat it did it’s job pretty good on its own. 👍🏽🙂

[@what_kay_says]

Very true! Thanks for sharing!

[@suzyocean7392]

I agree with some other users that a different application method could've changed the ratings significantly, but overall I found your rating system very fair and your voice soothing. Thank you for putting in the effort!! 😌🌹

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you :)

[@deborahlcox]

Very helpful video, thanks much for taking the time to review all these brands.

[@what_kay_says]

I’m glad I could help!

[@bri.a2k]

my absolute ride or die base coat is Pro FX sticky base coat. its a huge bottle (lasts me over a year) and its only $5. i also love it in combination with a coat of Seche Base (ridge filling)

[@what_kay_says]

I’ll have to keep an eye out for the Pro FX base! Thanks for sharing!

[@jeanellebevans3492]

How long do your manicures last?

[@monicak1832]

What a great review.. so thorough… thank you.. so helpful!!

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! :)

[@jezdp2098]

This was a great review, thank you for sharing all that work

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!!

[@Pathrissia]

Love your approach to the testing!!

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!

[@Purpleroses1974]

I use the Orly bonder base coat and I love it! My manicures last at least 7 days, which is perfect for me as I change my nail color once a week. Awesome video!!

[@what_kay_says]

That’s great! Thanks for sharing! And thanks for the kind words!

[@kaficrichlow4324]

This was a really great review!! Thank you for this I will try the revlon.

[@what_kay_says]

Glad it was helpful! I hope the Revlon works well for you too!

[@getyouryogaon8178]

What an incredible review 👌👌👌 thanks. I’ll be trying Revlon base coat. You saved me buying a bunch of base coats 😅

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! I hope it works well for you too!

[@sabrinagoddess_]

How’d it go?

[@bmoremom8458]

You have to remove all the excess oils on your nail bed before applying any base coat to make your manicure last longer without chips.

[@what_kay_says]

Absolutely, I do that too! Maybe I should make a video testing how many days it prolongs the manicure for if you remove the oils first. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@yikes9944]

Thanks for the video! Super helpful in helping me decide on what to buy

[@Chadeia]

This is such a great review! I’d love to see if the results differ if you use a matching top coat with the base coat

[@what_kay_says]

Thanks for the idea!

[@CalliePsalmz]

Yeass hunnnni Awesome 👌Thanks for doing this video!🥰🥰🥰

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you for watching! And thanks for the kind words!

[@carolz2825]

It appears that you don't bring the base coat to all edges of your nails. Also, wrap the tips of your nails. It makes a world of difference

[@what_kay_says]

On the bright side I kept it consistent. :) You’re right though I do need to wrap my nails with the polish!

[@evayaaasantewaa448]

I was going to suggest the same. My nails have been healthier than in previous years. So, I've taken advantage of that and grown them out a bit longer than usual and have been excitedly playing with great colors and great nail care techniques. Through KZbin, I've learned to oil my nails and hands, use glass files, and the like--and one essential is to use both a base and top coat, good ones. I alternate beteween Orly Bonder and Seche Vite base coats. I like Cutex top coat and Seche Vite top coats. Wrap the tips with the base coat and the first coat of your polish. After the second coat, which should stay a bit moist and does not need to be wrapped, put on the top coat and carefully wrap the tips there, too. That's going to greatly enhance the longevity of your polish.I've also started wearing gloves for dishwashing. And I'm always replenishing my oil or lotion. My nails love all that. I've been doing my own manicures for decades (I'm 70 now) but never knew all these tips. Now I'm having fun with all of this and have way more polishes than I know what to do with! LOL! Thank goodness for KZbin!

[@Laura-mj2zb]

absolutely LOVED this video! you earned a sub :))

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! You’re so sweet! :)

[@asa3409]

Extensive research but I would need to know along with top coat. Will definitely try Revlon.

[@what_kay_says]

Thanks! I’m mostly done with my topcoat video!

[@MikaelaArgyrakis]

Sally Hansen's Ultimate Shield base coat is wonderful too. My manicures regularly last 9+ days with no chipping.

[@what_kay_says]

Wow that’s awesome!

[@urquizac]

Ok. Hi. So… I’ve never been a fan of base coats cuz they never work for me… I even got some holo taco base coats thinking this has to work right? No. Still chips day or two later… so I came across your video… I thought what the heck. Let’s try this brand. 4 manicures later!!!! I’m in LOVE with this revlon base coat!!! This has been the longest ANY of my manicures have lasted!!! Thanks for your honest review!!!

[@what_kay_says]

I’m so glad to hear it worked well for you too! Thank you for sharing this. It helps me see if my results were similar to others!

[@swatch_me]

Thanks. Will get Revlon.

[@what_kay_says]

I hope it works well for you too!

[@swatch_me]

@@what_kay_says Wow, I didn't realise it was so long ago. I finally used it, and though it doesn't peel easily like Essie, it still chipped on day 1. I even used rubbing alcohol before putting it on. Not sure if the formula changed since 10 months ago. Trying Cucchio next based on reviews.

[@what_kay_says]

@@swatch_me So sorry to hear it didn't prolong your manicure. I hope you're able to find one that works better for you!

[@swatch_me]

@@what_kay_says thanks!

[@leonardodavinci4259]

I love how scientific you are about this

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!

[@RachelDaSilva]

I’d love to see this same video but with top coats!

[@what_kay_says]

I actually did test top coats and I just haven’t gotten around to finishing the video! I need to!

[@fabiolaherrera7160]

I love Revlon’s top coat. I will buy the base coat

[@what_kay_says]

I hope it works well for you too! 😀

[@thethriftyfawn]

Very helpful!

[@pattywood586]

This was amaznig and so comprehensive. Thanks for doing this experiment and documenting it for us to see! Did you happen to ever do one with top coats?! I've always assumed Seche Vite was the best but now I am curious bc I also thought Orly Bonder was the best base coat.

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! That means a lot! I have been testing quick dry top coats and I think I have three left to test. I took a little break but I’m planning to test the rest soon. Seche vite is definitely one I’ve included in the testing. :)

[@nefarious_seraph13]

Good job!

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!

[@RJ-vz5ns]

Very good video. Appreciate the work and effort you put.

[@what_kay_says]

Thanks so much!

[@littlebabybugjones2676]

I am using orly base now and am on day 3 no chipping whatsoever on this manicure. But my top coat was sally hansen gel manicure so idk if that plays a bigger role or not

[@what_kay_says]

That's great! I hope it continues to work well! :)

[@lexie3840]

thank u very much ! very very helpful, regards from italy💝

[@connierexroat9502]

Great video

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!

[@alexxxca7971]

This is good information 👌

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you!!

[@cutepanda2825]

I will have to definitely try the Revlon base coat and maybe thier top coat even! Which top coat are you using in the video? I didn't catch that. I don't normally wrap my nails either because I have to keep them cut so short cause they are thin and weak and break easy. If I do try to paint my free edge, it goes on my skin usually and I hate that. Once in awhile I do try to paint free edge with just top coat though. My nails used to grow a little longer and stronger when I was younger. Not they split, break or peel all the time and seem so thin..no matter what nail treatments I try.

[@what_kay_says]

I use the Seche Vite dry fast top coat. I’m impatient and it dries so quick! I can completely relate to needing shorter nails. I often have brittle nails myself. And wrapping them when they’re short is so annoying! I wonder if that’s why I haven’t gotten into the habit of wrapping them even when they’re long. Have you tried cuticle oil for your nails each day? That has helped me sometimes, but my problem is remembering to apply!

[@sarahgillies7162]

I’ve noticed once I started taking taking a B-multivitamin (I was low in 6 and 12 so figured why not) my nails began to grow so much faster and stronger. It might be worth asking a pharmacist or Dr about. Deficiencies can definitely make a difference

[@what_kay_says]

@@sarahgillies7162 actually it’s interesting you bring that up. I’m often low in B12 and iron. I bet that contributes for me too! Thanks for the advice! 😊

[@shirley-ann7164]

What a great review of the base coats. I always used the essie one. But now i see that the one from revlon is better. I will try to purchase the revlon base coat online. In my country they don’t sell the revlon brand in the stores. Can you make a video to see wich top coat is the best?

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! The only thing I am wary about with buying polish online is sometimes, some places sell old or "fake" polish. Just something to keep in mind. If you do get it, I hope it works well for you like it does for me! And the top coat video is a great idea! I'd like to do that some day!

[@shirley-ann7164]

@@what_kay_says i will keep in mind that if i order the revlon base coat that hopefully it is not a old one. Do you now another good brand of base coat wich is easier to buy in a store?

[@what_kay_says]

@@shirley-ann7164 unfortunately I tested all the regular base coats I was able to find in my local store in this video. On the bright side, Essie did get second place, which you have :)

[@shirley-ann7164]

@@what_kay_says i think that i will use the essie base coat. Here in the netherlands i can purchase it in the drugstores. The revlon one i can only order online 😞. Thank you so much for you’re answers. I have subscribed for you’re channel 👋

[@what_kay_says]

@@shirley-ann7164 thank you for subscribing! I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful with basecoat options. However I do think it’s possible to get good polish online as long as it’s from a good seller.

[@anggedugang4836]

Please create a video for top coat that last longer

[@what_kay_says]

I have everything recorded for a top coat comparison video and I have been meaning to compile and edit it! :)

[@lexie3840]

i'm curious about the Essence base coat

[@what_kay_says]

I’ve never tried that one before. Is it a good brand?

[@iamatoaster2693]

Like skin, nails will never be the same person to person.

[@what_kay_says]

Very true!

[@jazzibun]

Have you compared Essie First Base to Essie Here to Stay?

[@what_kay_says]

I have only tried their here to stay and dual base/top coat. That would be interesting to compare.

[@SydneyYaeko]

Interesting experiment! Great video. I personally use the ORLY basecoat with the Sally Hansen topcoat and I usually don’t get any chipping with creme until the 4th or 5th day, or with glitter polishes until over a week has passed. And I’m someone who uses their hands a lot. Not sure if it’s the combination of the two that works for me so well but I haven’t had to try another basecoat since I found the ORLY one. I wonder how long I could go without chipping if I used the Revlon base coat with the Sally Hansen top coat :)

[@what_kay_says]

That’s great! Which sally hansen top coat do you use? I’d love to try it out. :)

[@SydneyYaeko]

@@what_kay_says I use the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. I just haven’t found anything yet that beats its combination of effectiveness and low price point!

[@cutepanda2825]

I will have to try this orly base coat and Sally insta DRI top coat combo...ty ;-)

[@serigabe6452]

I will have to try this combination. I use the Orly but my nails still chip bad

[@Skyehye3113]

I use the Essie one it literally lasts a day even with a nail dytrator wtf is wrong with my nails

[@what_kay_says]

Hmm, there could be so many reasons. Maybe it’s the other polishes on top? Or maybe the store sold you an expired base coat? I’m sorry to hear this is happening to you!

[@hoosieraussis1]

Could just be that the formula doesn't work for your nail chemistry. Are you thoroughly removing oils from your nail with either acetone or 91% alcohol before you begin? Also, for me, the top coat has done more to prolong the life of my manicure, regardless of the base coat used. I swear by Salon Perfect Plumping "Gel" top coat and Essie "Gel" Couture top coat. Give them a try!

[@Skyehye3113]

@@hoosieraussis1 I’m now using gelish base and top it works great just turns out normal nail polish base and top doesn’t work for me

[@aquariaaustin2077]

The Wet n Wild works like a peel off base coat on my nails, and is much cheaper for that purpose than UNT. I use it for testing new polishes now.

[@what_kay_says]

Wow that’s interesting! I’ll have to see if it works like that for me too!

[@happy_bubble7]

Just... fyi... youre supposed to paint the edges of the nails to prevent chipping. And the chemical composition of a base coat isn't compatible with every polish. IE OPI works best with OPI polishes. Revlon Diamon Coat is my all time favorite top coat, but Im missing a good base, so here I come to yt for reviews. Tyvm Im curious how you maintain such long, thick nails? When you do break, how do you repair? New to channel so Im sure I'll find references in other videos.

[@what_kay_says]

I feel like some months my nails are great and other months not so much. I try to remember to use cuticle oil or jojoba oil. And maintaining my manicure on my nails really helps keep them stronger. Honestly if I have a bad break, I usually shorten the nail. I tried tricks involving glue that I heard about online and I just didn’t like the result.

[@QuietlyCurious]

What nail color is that? Such a pretty warm red..

[@what_kay_says]

I'm pretty sure it was "Haute Springs" from the Color Therapy line of Sally Hansen. I love it!

[@QuietlyCurious]

@@what_kay_says Thank you! Great vid 😃

[@ambrosia1917]

what nail polish brand and top coat did you use with these trials?

[@what_kay_says]

I believe I used Sally Hansen color therapy line for the red polish and Seche vite for top coat.

[@ambrosia1917]

@@what_kay_says thanks! this video was awesome. I bought the revlon base coat because of this video! using it with essie gel couture

[@what_kay_says]

Thank you! Also I hope the base coat works well for you too!

[@bees_nail_art82]

Orly bonder is supposed to be really good hmm... I was going to try they Revlon one now I definitely will but it cost $7.97 here in Australia at my local chemist

[@what_kay_says]

The revlon base coat in the USA has gone up so much in price since I posted the video. It now costs almost $15 on Amazon. :( I’ve started to use the Essie because of that.

[@bees_nail_art82]

@@what_kay_says oh no it's only 7.97 here at my chemist I think that's on special I think it's usually more I'll look tomorrow

[@bees_nail_art82]

​@@what_kay_says thought it was $13 but it's on sale for 7.49 I got one

[@Harlow_Khmer]

Doesn't look like you're even painting your nails correctly on some nails, they don't look fully coated

[@what_kay_says]

Sometimes it’s hard to see the finer details on my nails until I see it close up on camera, then I see every detail. It definitely bugs me but oh well! :)

[@Harlow_Khmer]

@@what_kay_says I just meant maybe that's why the polish doesn't last as long

[@gale5634]

is more shinning seche vite or revlon?

[@what_kay_says]

I'm not sure, I just paid attention to the wear of the base coats. Sorry!

[@ht8038]

I find that many base coats just make my nail polish peel off. The wet n wild one is the worst

[@what_kay_says]

Yea some of them are worse than wearing no base coat at all!

[@belindagonzalez1021]

Do you have a top coat video?

[@what_kay_says]

I’ve finished testing several quick dry top coats and I’m currently working on putting it all together into a video :)

[@morganaluthor]

sad.. they dun sell Revlon nail products where i'm at..

[@what_kay_says]

I’m sorry to hear that! :(

[@maureenwilson6031]

Impress Presson Nails are so much easier! Don't have to go through all this anymore.

[@what_kay_says]

I've actually never used press on nails before! There's so many pretty ones! Can I ask how long they last for you? And how do your natural nails hold up after removing them?

[@asboukcomfortable1670]

Saved me time, more wasted time and energy. I like Essie polish it's gorgeous here but the Essie basecoat is an expensive £12/$13. Budget girls like me don't spend £12/$14 on a 13ml/2 oz tiny bottle! Revlon basecoat it is then! UK 🇬🇧

[@what_kay_says]

Glad it saved you time! Basecoats sure are getting expensive these days!

[@lexie3840]

i use sally Hansen hard as wraps but my nail polish chip in one day

[@what_kay_says]

Wow that’s really frustrating it chips so early!

[@missouriprideusa6241]

I noticed that you didn't wrap the tips of your nails. If you wrap the tips, there shouldn't be any chipping. You should do another video like this wrapping the tip and then see what product is the best. I've seen some youtubers do that.

[@what_kay_says]

Thanks for sharing! I have definitely considered it. It takes so much patience to do these kind of experiments. Haha!

[@Nouran6l8892]

صلي على محمد

[@nanetterodriguez8989]

Wrapping the nail tip makes a huge difference on chipping, I didn’t see where she wrapped the tip. I could just be my nails, but just about all my bases and polishes last at least 7 days if I wrap the tips.

[@what_kay_says]

You're right! And I have a bad habit of only wrapping the top coat. I'm not sure why.

[@Harlow_Khmer]

@@what_kay_says ya definitely cap the free edge with the base coat, nail polish and top coat 🥰