Top Coat reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 253 Reddit reviews across 17 subreddits and 61 posts to rank the best Top Coat brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/RedditLaqueristas, r/shortynails, r/ILNP, r/DIYGelNails, r/Dashingdiva. Top-rated brands include Seche Vite (4.3/5), Essie (4.4/5), Glisten & Glow (4.8/5).
Stats
Reviews253
Subreddits17
Posts61
Brands59
Products71
253 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Seche Vite
4.3
(28)
"I’m a die hard Seche Vite fan."
"Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat."
"For top coat, the only one I ever use is Seche Vite. It dries soooo fast and it’s so shiny."
"Top Coat is Seche Vite Fast Dry 99% of the time. It goes on super smooth."
"I only use seche vite. I like how glassy the finish is and how it keeps the polish from chipping for about 2 weeks."
"Top coat: seche vite. I get compliments on my nails all the time"
"Top coat - Seche Vite. It’s important to not allow the polish to dry too much in between coats!"
"Seche Vite is my go-to top coat."
"I use OPI natural base coat or ORLY bonder base coat with Seche Vite."
"Mine are OPI Nail Envy and Seche Vite."
#2
Essie
4.4
(27)
"Essie Speed Setter is always a 10/10 for both me and my mom."
"Essie gel couture (it’s not gel) top coat makes all the difference in the world to me."
"I use one base coat of essie Strong Start & one coat of essie no chips ahead top coat"
"My top 2 are Essie Good to Go and Sally Hansen Insta Dri."
"The gel couture topcoat is amazing, and you should deffo try it (if you want)"
"The matching gel couture topcoat is worth a try. The shine is exceptional."
"I swear by Essie Good To Go. It's around $8 or $9 on Amazon."
"I like Essie’s gel top coat, very shiny and little to no shrinkage for me."
"I love Essie Speed Setter!"
"My go-to is essie gel couture top coat! it’s relatively cheap, available in most drug stores, and dries super shiny and rock solid for me"
#3
Glisten & Glow
4.8
(24)
"Glisten & Glow's quick dry top coat is my Holy Grail."
"I use Glisten & Glow and it doesn’t smudge if I float it."
"Glisten and Glow and Vibrant Scents are basically the same formula."
"Glisten & Glow QDTC is my go to topcoat."
"I use Cuticula Mic Drop base and Glisten & Glow quick dry top coat and love them both."
"Glisten & glow QDTC, Essie gel couture, Sally Hansen insta-dri (in the red bottle)."
"Glisten and glow QDTP. It is HIGH shine, very gel like, fully dry (FULLY) in 5 min."
"For truly quick dry, Glisten and Glow. I've not experienced shrinkage, though."
"I use ... Glisten and Glow topcoat. This will get me seven days before first chipping and tip wear."
"I've seen people rave about Glisten and Glows topcoat - both are quick drying."
#4
KBShimmer
4.6
(12)
"KBShimmer’s Clearly on Top is also an MVP for repeated hand sanitizer exposure."
"All three of my Holy Grail basics come from KBShimmer."
"I use KBShimmer’s top coat and just do two coats."
"KB Shimmer Clearly on Top top coat."
"KB Shimmer's top coat is awesome. My bird can attack my nails and they still don't chip."
"I like KBShimmer’s Clearly On Top."
"2 coats of KBshimmer clearly on top has transformed my nail game."
"Yes QDTC (Quick Dry Top Coat) by boutique and indie brands are very good."
"I use their Clearly on Top top coat. And it is perfect but has salon smell."
"KBshimmer Clearly on Top has the same ingredient list as HT Super Glossy."
#5
Mooncat
4.4
(12)
"I like Mooncat's top coat. It dries super fast and is glossy af."
"I’m really liking mooncat speed demon right now."
"I love Mooncat's Speed Demon Top Coat"
"The best QDTC i’ve ever used was moon cat’s speed demon topcoat. it not only dries my polish quickly but it makes it feel so smooth and gel like!"
"Mooncat's Speed Demon top coat is my favorite!"
"I use a sally hansen drugstore primer after prep, and then mooncats speed demon topcoat."
"I've been using Essie First Base and Mooncat Speed Demon"
"Mooncat's Speed Demon is mine, after a lot of trial and error."
"Mooncat ... have heard good things about their Speed Demon top coat."
"Usually Mooncat top coat."
#6
Orly
4.2
(12)
"I'm an Orly Bonder base coat girl. I swear by it."
"The secret to long mannies lies in topping it off with orly’s shinning armor."
"I use Orly Bonder as the base and then Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Hardener as a top coat - keeps them shiny and strong!"
"I like Orly's base and top coats."
"Orly bonder, any quick dry top coat, and the normal nail prep."
"I'm using the Orly bonder (I know some people have issues with it so YMMV) and the Essie gel effect top coat."
"I usually use Orly Sec n Dry for top coat."
"Orly Shining Armor"
"Yeah, I use their Sec' n Dry and love it."
"Orly Shining Armor is extremely quick drying."
#7
Sally Hansen
4.4
(11)
"The red Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat is fantastic and reasonably priced."
"Both readily available and not too expensive."
"Try Sally Hansen miracle gel polish and top coat. I wear steel toe boots for 12 hours a day and polish lasts for weeks with no chipping."
"My favorite is Sally Hansen Insta Dri (red bottle, white cap). It's glossy, doesn't shrink, and is easy to find in drugstores."
"Sally Hansen insta dry doesn't shrink for me."
"Easily accessible: Sally Hansen Insta-dri (red bottle)."
"I've been happy with the Sally Hansen Insta dri top coat (red bottle)."
"Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Top Coat (in the red bottle) is my favorite."
"ILNP Glass Candy and Sally Hansen Miracle Gel top coat."
"Sally Hansen Insta Dri in the red bottle. Pretty much every store carries that."
#8
Vibrant Scents
4.9
(7)
"Both great for drying quick, hard and shiny."
"I’d recommend trying Vibrant Scents Fast & Hard and Cuticula Limitless!"
"Second vibrant scents quick dry top coat! always dries in less than five minutes and you can choose from 200+ scents"
"Vibrant scents quick dry top coat is my favorite top coat that I don’t see talked about enough!"
"Vibrant Scents Fast & Hard. It's all I use anymore and it has been the best I've tried so far."
"I like fast & hard by vibrant scents (formerly vibrant vinyls)."
"My favorite base and top coats are Vibrant Scents."
#9
KB Shimmer
4.9
(7)
"KB shimmer has a top coat for glitter and it is amazing it's called smooth moves"
"I just tried KBshimmer’s Clearly on Top topcoat yesterday and was blown away. Fast dry and my nails were so shiny!"
"KB NEVER lets me down, and it thins out very easily if it begins to get thick."
"KB Shimmer, hands down."
"I really like KbShimmer and glisten and Glow. If it's qdtc it's going to thicken up after a few uses and need thinner regardless of the brand."
"Have you tried adding a glitter grabber, then topcoat? KB shimmer makes one-Smooth Moves"
"KBShimmer Clearly on Top top coat"
#10
Essie Gel Couture
4.7
(7)
"Essie Gel Couture top coat."
"Essie gel couture top coat lasts forever for me."
"I previously swore by Essie Gel Setter but I've recently switched to Gel Couture and it's even better."
"Essie Gel Couture top coat is my ride or die."
"I use the white Essie bottle (top coat #2) gel couture. I it doesn’t need UV light."
"For me the Essie Gel Couture topcoat works really well."
"I wear flakies a lot and have never had issues with Essie Gel Couture!"
#11
Cuticula
4.4
(7)
"Cuticula Limitless. Never chips, never shrinks."
"I’d recommend trying Vibrant Scents Fast & Hard and Cuticula Limitless!"
"My go-to qdtc has been Cuticula Limitless."
"For top coat I usually use Cuticula Limitless."
"For top coat I usually use Cuticula Limitless."
"I've had luck with cuticula limitless."
"I've had luck with cuticula limitless."
#12
Essie Gel Setter
4.8
(6)
"Essie Gel Setter. I’m in US but it’s on Essie Canada’s website."
"Essie gel setter is my go to bc I also like the puffy clear glossy effect."
"I use Essie Gel Setter (not a gel polish!) and put my finger back in the magnet."
"I use Orly Bonder for a base coat and then Essie Gel Setter for the top coat."
"Personally I’d recommend Essie Gel Setter or Speed Setter."
"Essie gel setter works quite well for me! dries quickly and feels hard."
#13
Seche
4.3
(6)
"I really like seche vive, sally hansen miracle gel, and Mooncat base coat."
"For top coat I swear by Seche Vive (not Vite). I love how thick and glassy it looks."
"I like to use e - Seche Vite, but I like Seche Vive even better."
"A top coat that dries candy sugars hard is recommended, for example Seche Vite/Vive."
"I’ve had decent luck putting seche vive (the blue bottle) on top of stamping."
"Seche vite."
#14
OPI
4.2
(5)
"This OPI top coat. My nails last for weeks"
"I like the OPI infinite shine top coat for this. It’s a thinner formula so it sounds like it might be what you’re looking for!"
"They work great."
"I’ve done a simple just one coat of opi top coat and they’ll last me 3 weeks."
"I use OPI! I can get my DD nails to last two weeks."
#15
Sweet & Sour Lacquer
4.8
(4)
"I adore and have been using Sweet and Sour Lacquer Gloss Sauce."
"My personal fave top coat is Gloss Sauce from Sweet & Sour Lacquer!"
"Sweet & Sour Lacquer’s Gloss Sauce holds up really well for me."
"I recommend Saucy Marbles from Sweet & Sour Lacquer to create clear space!"
#16
Holo Taco
3.6
(5)
"The glossy taco is my ultimate fave top coat I’ve tried"
"I’ve been using holo taco’s long lasting base and glossy taco for a couple months now and have had great results with them."
"I use Holo Taco Super Glossy Taco or Matte Taco. I have never had a problem with streaking or it getting thick."
"I was using Holo Taco's Glossy Taco but I found that it had hella shrinkage no matter when or how I put it on."
"I realllly wanted to like Halo Taco but it chips easily."
#17
INM
4.3
(4)
"I am ride or die for INM Out the Door top coat. It's glossy, fast drying, and cheap."
"For top coat, INM Out the Door, Olive Ave Polish Quick Dry Top Coat, and the Poshe Super Fast Drying Top Coat."
"INM Out The Door. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Brilliant Top Coat. Poshe (can be shrinky though)."
"INM out the door. It is a super affordable QDTC and one (or two if it's immediately after the fir"
#18
CND
4.0
(4)
"I use CND Super Shiney as my refresher and it seems to work well for me."
"I've tried a lot of different top coats and have finally settled on CND Vinylux."
"CND Vinylux."
"I really like CND’s Vinylux gel effect top coat"
#19
Cuticula Limitless
5.0
(3)
"I love Cuticula Limitless but I found painting with chip resistant brands is really key."
"I use Cuticula Limitless or Sally Hansen Insta DRI."
"I tried Cuticula Limitless on a whim and it's become my favorite QDTC."
#20
DND
5.0
(3)
"I like the DND ones or the kokoist ultra glossy top coat"
"DND!"
"I use DND base and top. My nails take a lot of abuse at work and no chips or peeling."
#21
Seche Vive
4.7
(3)
"Seche Vive (not seche vite) has been my favorite so far and looks pretty gel like."
"Two coats of Seche Vive works wonders for me!"
"Have you tried seche vive (the blue bottle)? i’ve found it’s similar to vite."
#22
Glisten & Glow Top Coat
4.7
(3)
"Get the Glisten & Glow top coat. 10/10 shine and manicures last forever."
"I saw Glisten and Glow top coat and base coat recommended repeatedly."
"I’ve used G&G for years. It’s my go to."
#23
Light Elegance
4.7
(3)
"I used light elegance super shiny and it worked great."
"Light Elegance Super Shiny is my favorite."
"Light elegance super shiny (hard gel) hasn't let me down"
#24
CND Vinylux
5.0
(2)
"CND Vinylux long wear top coat. This combo can make my regular polish manis last up to 2 weeks!"
"I use the CND Vinylux top coat over all my polishes and love it!"
#25
Kbshimmer
5.0
(2)
"I have ordered the KBShimmer Smooth Moves!!"
"I like Kbshimmer’s Smooth Moves and then a layer of top coat over that."
#26
Polished for Days
5.0
(2)
"Look into the polished for days base coats."
"Polished for Days, Cuticula, and (of course) the cult classic Glisten and Glow! Those are my top threes!"
#27
Beetles
3.3
(3)
"I’ve heard Beetles is good."
"I’ve been using Beetles UV gel foundation and top coat and it’s stayed nice and shiny. I really like it."
"I did use Beetles for a Lily and Fox set I tried.. didn’t even last 3 days."
#28
Glisten and Glow
5.0
(2)
"I use Glisten and Glow ridge filling base coat and their quick dry top coat!"
"I love Glisten and Glow topcoat."
#29
KBShimmer Clearly on Top
4.5
(2)
"KBShimmer Clearly on Top, Vibrant Scents Fast & Hard and Cuticula Limitless all fit those requirements."
"KBShimmer’s Clearly on Top is my holy grail."
#30
Ohora
4.5
(2)
"I really like the Ohora top coat. That’s what I use."
"Ohora top coat is not bad, it's in the middle of my list."
#31
Jin.B
4.5
(2)
"Jin B crazy top standard might be a good option."
"I recently tried Jin.B crazy top, both standard and thick. They are pretty decent."
#32
ILNP
4.5
(2)
"I’ve had a lot of success with the ILNP top coat."
"I've had great results with ILNP's top and base coat."
#33
Gelish Top It Off
4.0
(2)
"Gelish Top it off is great."
"Try brands like Gelish Top It Off or CND Shellac Top Coat."
#34
Cuticula Top Coat
4.0
(2)
"Cuticula’s is great!"
"Cuticula does have UV protection, so solar nails won’t change if you use it."
#35
Vibrant Scents QDTC
3.5
(2)
"G&G and VS both dry incredibly fast and hard and give a nice glossy finish for me."
"I usually do a coat of Vibrant Scents QDTC and then a layer of Seche Vite."
#36
Matte Topcoat
3.0
(2)
"A layer of matte top coat under my glossy top coat seems to work well on most glitters."
"Personally, matte topcoats tend to peel or pop off (with the polish) on my nails in less than two days."
#37
Revel
5.0
(1)
"Glass shield by revel is the mvp for gel top coats."
#38
Emily de Molly
5.0
(1)
"I definitely recommend them. I like the sticky base, and for top coat Fusion for insanely fast dry."
#39
Poshe
5.0
(1)
"I love poshe topcoat! It dries pretty quick and has a juicy gel like finish."
#40
CN Designer Dips
5.0
(1)
"Always super shiny and smooth, and easily lasts 2 weeks or more."
#41
Kokoist
5.0
(1)
"Kokoist is my go to. Super shiny and durable."
#42
Vapid
5.0
(1)
"I swear by the Vapid base and top coats."
#43
SheModern
5.0
(1)
"Apipila is a popular one! I also cannot recommend SheModern enough."
#44
Sweet & Sour Gloss Sauce
5.0
(1)
"Sweet & Sour Gloss Sauce is my favorite by far."
#45
Patience Not Required
5.0
(1)
"I love Patience Not Required! Didn't realize it was safe for stamping, too!"
#46
iGel
5.0
(1)
"IGel and Cured Beauty HEMA free are my two favorites."
#47
Cured Beauty
5.0
(1)
"IGel and Cured Beauty HEMA free are my two favorites."
#48
Gelish
5.0
(1)
"I love Gelish no-wipe top coat! Cheap and does not chip."
#49
Cuccio
4.0
(1)
"Oh PS, Cuccio High Gloss might be what you’re looking for. Super shiny, thinner formula, dries fast but isn’t qdtc, very affordable."
#50
Pacifica
4.0
(1)
"I have been using Pacifica's top coat, glossy. I get it at Ulta if you are in the USA."
#51
Gaoy
4.0
(1)
"My favorite for a thick hard coat is Gaoy."
#52
Gel-ish
4.0
(1)
"Love Gel-ish no cleanse top coat. Classic, shiny, thick, great retention whether layered OR alone."
#53
Essence
4.0
(1)
"I started buying the Essence top and base coat at shoppers drug mart, since they're made in France and a German company afaik."
#54
Poochiez
4.0
(1)
"Poochiez no wipe top coat 🙂 I'm very happy with that one because it resists scratches amd scuff better than other top coats I tried."
#55
Born Pretty
4.0
(1)
"The Born Pretty top coat is excellent and affordable."
#56
Apipila
4.0
(1)
"I have been really happy with Apipila, although I use it more for magnetic manis than stamping."
#57
Venalisa
4.0
(1)
"I like Venalisa Tempered Top. It's really inexpensive, nice shine and holds up well."
#58
Kupa
4.0
(1)
"Have been using the Kupa topcoat lately and it’s been pretty great!"
#59
HT
3.0
(1)
"Had a bottle of my favorite top coat (HT Glossy Taco) but no base coat, and my manicure didn't last more than three days"
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