When you are doing a manicure, there are 2 key steps that you cannot skip they are the base coat and the top coat. The myth surrounding both of these is that they do the same job, but here’s why they are different and consequential in manifestation.
Yougel is a gel polish manufacturer and wholesaler from China, which will illustrate the real differences that appear in the formulations of the base coat and top coat, and their initial use.
What Is a Base Coat?
A Base Coat is the first step in any gel manicure routine. It acts as a protective barrier between your natural nail and the colored polish.
Main functions of a Base Coat include:
- Safe guards your nails: Traps pigment from making a mess of your nail or tarnishing.
- Improved adhesion: Soaks away some of the nail oils and helps the gel color bind to the nail plate.
- Filing out imperfections: Fills small ridges to produce a smooth, professional look.
Yougel ‘s base coats are made with flexible resins plus nutrients, which not only strengthen the nail bed but also provide great adhesion. They are perfect for wellness care or for your salon workflow.
What Is a Top Coat?
The Top Coat is the final step in your manicure and serves as a protective seal for the entire nail design.
Main functions of a Top Coat include:
- Avoid scratches and fading: Guarantees the paint layer and fights off everyday wear.
- Increase shine: A smooth, glossy finish to the surface to make it look good.
- Lasting longer: Good top coats can make your manicure last for 2-3 weeks.
Yougel’s top coats are clear top coats with UV and LED light shielding, anti-yellowing high high-hardness resin formula to keep high shine and fresh looks for a long period of time.
Base Coat vs Top Coat: Key Differences
| Comparison Point | Base Coat | Top Coat |
|---|---|---|
| Main Function | Protect nails, prevent staining, enhance adhesion | Seal color, protect surface, add shine |
| Application Step | Applied before color gel | Applied before the color gel |
| Texture | Slightly tacky, soft | Smooth, glossy, and hard |
| Main Ingredients | Soothing oils, flexible resin | High-hardness resin, gloss agents |
| Can Be Used Alone? | Yes, for nail protection | Yes, for glossy finish |
| Recommended Product | Yougel Strengthening Base Coat | Yougel Diamond Shine Top Coat |
💡 Pro Tip: Always follow the correct order — Base Coat → Color Gel → Top Coat — to achieve professional, long-lasting results.
Why High-Quality Coats Matter?

Many people focus on choosing trendy gel colors but ignore their base and top coats. However, these are the 2 layers that make sure a manicure is healthy and long-lasting.
Reduces Nail Damage
- Cheap base coats sometimes use harsh solvents that destroy the integrity of your nails.
- Yougel Base Coat has a non-toxic formula with none of the odor and all of the protection your nails need.
Increases Longevity
- A top coat will lock in your color making sure it lasts for 2-3 weeks without a single chip.
- Yougel Top Coat was tested out in salons against being discoloured or scratched when drying.
Finishes Off The Look Well
- A shiny, glassy finish elevates your manicure’s texture and look.
- Yougel’s top coats dry quickly under UV/LED lamps and provide 30% more shine than other standard brands.
How to Apply Base and Top Coat Correctly?
To achieve the best results, it’s important to apply these products in the right order and under proper curing time:

a.Clean and buff the nails – Remove oil and dust from the surface.
b.Apply Base Coat – Cure under UV/LED lamp for 30–60 seconds.
c.Apply Color Gel – Cure each layer properly.
d.Apply Topcoat – cure for 60 seconds, let it seal and shine.
e.Clean off sticky layer (if any) for a smooth finish.
⚠️ Tips: Don’e skip base coats ever or use base coats as top coats. This will cause yellowing and uneven color.
Yougel – Your Trusted Gel Polish Manufacturer
Yougel is the gel polish supplier and manufacturer in China with over ten years of experience. We are producing and wholesaling premium-grade and environmentally friendly nail products for salons, distributors, and brands worldwide.
Our product range:
🍾 Yougel Top Coat Series – Ultra shiny mirror finish, provides long-term anti-yellowing scratch resistance.
Yougel’s products have the common characteristics: vegan, cruelty-free and meets the international cosmetic safety standards.
Result: You Need the Right Coats to Get a Perfect Manicure
The key to a gel manicure that lasts and looks flawless is not just the color, but also have a base & top coat and all.
Yougel’s premium base coat and top coat will ensure that you have a tougher, shinier and a longer lasting manicure which will make you stand out in the right way.
🌸 Yougel – Where nail beauty meets protection, every single time.











