The Secret to Nail Polish That Actually Lasts? These 9 Insanely Effective Top Coats (2024)

Cosmo’s senior beauty editor, Chloe Metzger, tipped me off to this ridiculously cool top coat from Sally Hansen (which, BTW, is kinda perfect for anyone who hates gel manicures but still wants a long-lasting finish). Paint a single coat on each of your nails post-polish and the top coat willdry into a smooth, gel-like layer thatactually lasts.

Want to paint your nails at home but don’t have, like, five hours for it to dry? Feeeeel you, ’cause I’m personally obsessed with this quick-drying top coat from Deborah Lippmann. Throw a couple of coats on top ofa fresh manicure and it dries down within minutes.

Not only is this shiny top coat free ofparabens, formaldehyde, and other potentially ~icky~ chemicals, but it also moonlights as the perfectbase coat. Prep your nails with a single coat, layer on your polish, and then finish it off with a couple of swipesfor a glossy finish.

I get it: Sometimes you want a sparkly, holographic finishanda simple, super-wearable shade. This top coat from ILNP makes it all possible—just layer one to two coats over your polish and it’ll give your manicure some next-level glitz.

Cute packaging aside, this top coat has a kinda genius approach. Instead of a brush applicator, you get adropper—just hold it half aninch above your nails, squeeze a small drop onto your nail beds, and then wait about 20 seconds asit quickly dries your manicure. For an even stronger finish, use this on top of a standard top coat.

Weak, brittle nails shouldn’t be the reason you aren’t wearing polish. Finish off your manicure with this nail-strengthening top coat from OPI, and the formula’s hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium will work to grow your nails longer and stronger—or at the very least, keep ’em protected.

Fun fact: Just like your gel manicure is cured by a UV light, this top coat is cured by natural UV rays (i.e., sunlight) to lock in your nail polish color—no lamps or gel formulas necessary. Wear it on top of your go-to shade to keep it looking fresh for up to 14 days.

You know that matte manicureyou keep seeing on your Insta feed? Yeah, it’s actually totally attainable at home, thanks to this smart little top coat from Revlon. Paint it over any regular polish (make sure to shake the bottle first), and you’ll be left with a smooth, ultra-matte finish that’s ready for the feed.

As much as I love a good top coat, I have no problem admitting it isn’t the most ~luxe~ item Ihave lying around my apartment. That’s what I love about this long-wear top coat from Chanel—not only does it make your manicure last longer, but the packaging alsolooks objectively pretty.