Which top coat should you choose for your nails? Compare glossy, high-gloss, matt and residue-free finishes for semi-permanent, gel and Acrygel polishes with LuluNails.
Which Top Coat to Choose for Semi-Permanent and Gel Polish? Glossy, Matt or Residue-Free | LuluNails Belgium
You’ve finished applying your semi-permanent nail polish, Builder Gel, construction gel or Acrygel, but you’re not sure which top coat to choose?
The top coat is the final step in a manicure. It finishes off the application, protect the colour and create the desired effect: glossy, mirror-like, matt or a residue-free finish.
However, not all top coats produce exactly the same finish.
At LuluNails Belgium, a range of finishes allows you to tailor the result to your desired manicure style.
In this guide, find out how to choose your top coat based on your application technique, colour and the finish you want.
What is a top coat used for?
The top coat is applied at the end of the manicure, after the colour or after the nail extension, where the procedure calls for it.
In particular, it can help to:
- protect the colour;
- add shine;
- create a matt finish;
- minimise surface scratches;
- achieve a smoother surface ;
- to finish off a French manicure or a Baby Boomer manicure;
- to protect certain nail art designs;
- give the manicure a professional finish.
Top Coat should not be confused with Base Coat.
It is applied at the start of the manicure to create a base suitable for the system being used.
Top Coat
It is applied at the end to finish off and protect the application.
So, to summarise:
Base Coat = start of the application
Top Coat = end of the application
Which Top Coat should you choose?
The choice depends mainly on the look you want to achieve.
Glossy Top Coat: for a classic and elegant finish
The Glossy Top Coat is the most versatile finish.
It is particularly suitable for:
- semi-permanent nail varnishes;
- nude shades;
- reds;
- burgundy;
- chocolate shades;
- pastel colours;
- French manicure;
- Baby Boomer;
- Builder Gels;
- builder gels;
- Acrygels.
The glossy Top Coat helps to keep the colour visible whilst adding a luminous finish.
It is particularly useful when you want to achieve a classic, neat and éelegant.
At LuluNails, the Professional Glossy Top Coat 10 ml is available without HEMA or TPO.
High-gloss top coat: for a mirror effect
If you want even more shine, you can choose a high-gloss / mirror-effect finish.
The LuluNails UV/LED Top Coat 7 ml is designed to create a glossy, residue-free finish aftercuring. It is compatible with semi-permanent nail varnish, gel, Acrygel and Polygel.
This top coat is particularly suitable for:
- dark colours;
- deep red;
- burgundy;
- black;
- chocolate;
- Cat Eye ;
- glitter;
- Glossy French manicure;
- Nail art requiring a glossy finish.
A very glossy finish can also bring out the depth of a colour even more.
Matte Top Coat: to completely transform a colour
The Matte Top Coat allows you to transform a glossy colour into a matt finish.
This means you can use exactly the same semi-permanent nail varnish and achieve two completely different styles.
For example:
Glossy burgundy → elegant classic manicure
Matt Bordeaux →modern and sophisticated result
The LuluNails Matte Top Coat 7 ml is stated to be compatible with semi-permanent, UV/LED gels and Acrygel, with a finish free from sticky residue.
Which colours work well with a matt finish?
A matt finish can be particularly striking with:
- black;
- burgundy;
- chocolate;
- beige;
- nude;
- olive green;
- midnight blue;
- plum;
- autumn-winter colours.
You can also combine glossy and matt in the same nail art.
What is a residue-free top coat?
Some top coats are designed not to leave a sticky layer after curing.
We often hear about:
Residue-free top coat
or
No-Wipe Top Coat
Once properly cured in accordance with the product’s instructions, it is therefore generally not necessary tocarry out a final degreasing step.
At LuluNails, the High-Gloss Top Coat Finish and the 7 ml Matte Top Coat are marketed as residue-free finishes.
This feature can be particularly useful for a professional who carries out several treatments in quick succession.
Which top coat should you choose for semi-permanent nail varnish?
For a standard semi-permanent nail polish application, choose your top coat based on the desired finish.
Do you want plenty of shine?
Choose a High-Gloss Top Coat Finish.
Fancy a classic finish?
A Professional glossy top coat is just the thing.
Fancy a modern, non-shiny finish?
Choose a Matte Top Coat.
The general procedure is then as follows:
Preparation → Base Coat → Semi-Permanent Polish → Top Coat
Each product must be cured in accordance with its own instructions.
Which Top Coat should you choose for a Builder Gel?
Once your builder gel has been correctly applied and cured, you can keep its natural colour or add a semi-permanent top coat.
If you like the colour of the builder gel:
Builder Gel → Top Coat
If you’d like to add a colour:
Builder Gel → Semi-Permanent Nail Polish → Top Coat
The Milky, Nude, Rose or Cover shades work particularly well with a glossy finish to achieve a natural-looking manicure.
A matt finish can also create a completely different look.
Which top coat should you use after a Baby Boomer?
The Baby Boomer look generally aims for a soft, luminous finish.
A high-gloss finish is particularly effective at bringing out the gradient between nude and white.
You can, however, use a matt finish if you wish to create a more modern look.
The choice is therefore mainly a matter of aesthetics.
Which top coat should you use for a French manicure?
For a classic French manicure, a glossy top coat remains a safe bet.
It helps to bring out:
- the nude base;
- the white border;
- the transition between colours;
- the overall shine of the manicure.
For a modern French manicure, also try:
- Black French Matte Top Coat;
- French Bordeaux glossy;
- French Chocolate matt;
- French Cat Eye high-gloss.
Can you apply a top coat over nail art?
Yes, provided the nail art and the top coat used are compatible.
In particular, a top coat can be used to finish off:
- fine lines;
- patterns;
- glitter;
- Baby Boomer;
- French;
- ombre;
- certain decorations.
The final thickness must, however, remain maîuniform.
It is best to apply an even coat rather than an excessive amount of product.
Why is my top coat losing its shine?
Several factors can influence the final result.
Coat too thick
An excessively thick layer can hinder uniform polymerisation.
Inadequate curing
Use a compatible UV/LED lamp and observe the recommended curing time for the Top Coat.
Product on the skin
Avoid getting the Top Coat on the cuticles or the side folds.
Incorrect application
An uneven surface may result in a less defined shine.
Everyday wear and tear
Everyday activities, household products and friction can naturally affect the appearance of a finish over time.
How to apply a top coat correctly?
1. Finish applying your colour
Make sure the previous coat has been applied correctly and has cured.
2. Apply an even coat
Spread the top coat over the entire surface.
Avoid applying an unnecessarily thick layer.
3. Check your cuticles
The product must not run onto the skin.
4. Check the free edge
Depending on the product and the procedure used, shape the free edge correctly toachieve a uniform finish.
5. Cure
Observe the curing time specified for the Top Coat and use a compatible lamp.
6. Check for any residue
A top coat that leaves no residue does not normally require the same final step as a top coat that leaves a sticky layer.
Always follow the specific instructions for the product you are using.
LuluNails Top Coat – HEMA- and TPO-free
The LuluNails Top Coats mentioned in this guide are available HEMA- and TPO-free.
However, this does not mean that a product is hypoallergenic or that a reaction is impossible.
As with all UV/LED products:
- avoid contact between the uncured product and the skin;
- remove any excess before curing;
- follow the protocol;
- use a compatible lamp.
Which LuluNails top coat should you choose? Quick answer
For an ultra-glossy manicure
High-gloss, residue-free UV/LED top coat
For a classic glossy finish
LuluNails Professional Glossy Top Coat 10 ml
For a matt manicure
LuluNails UV/LED Matt Top Coat 7 ml
So you can use the same colour and completely change the look simply by choosing a different finish.
FAQ – Top Coat for Nails
Should you always apply a top coat over semi-permanent nail varnish?
In a standard semi-permanent nail polish system, the top coat is the final layer that completes the application and achieves the desired finish.
What is the difference between a glossy top coat and a matt top coat?
A glossy top coat gives a luminous, glossy finish. Matte Top Coat eliminates shine to create a matt finish.
What is a residue-free top coat?
It is a top coat designed so that it does not leave a sticky layer that needs to be removed after proper curing.
Can a top coat be used over builder gel?
Yes, provided the products are compatible. You can retain the natural colour of the Builder Gel and finish directly with a suitable Top Coat.
Can you apply a top coat over Acrygel?
Yes, provided it is compatible with your system. The LuluNails Matte Top Coat and the Finish Top Coat are specifically designed for use with Acrygel.
Which top coat should you choose for a dark colour?
A high-gloss top coat helps to bring out the depth of a burgundy, chocolate, black or midnight blue. A matt finish, on the other hand, creates a more understated and modern look.
Which top coat should you choose for a ‘Baby Boomer’?
A glossy finish really brings out the best in the nude and white ombre. A matt finish is also an option if you’re looking for a different effect.
Are the Top Coat and Base Coat interchangeable?
No. They have different functionsand must be used according to their respective application procedures.
D&Discover LuluNails Belgium’s Top Coats
LuluNails offers a range of finishes to complement&your semi-permanent nail polish, Builder Gel, builder gel, Acrygel, French, Baby Boomer and Nail Art.
Choose your finish to suit your style:
glossy → mirror effect → matt
LuluNails is a Belgian brand specialising in nail care products and equipment in Liège, with online sales in Belgium and across Europe.