Base coats are applied before applying nail polish to the nails. Its importance cannot be stressed enough, but still, there are many who don't give much importance in applying it Base coat not only strengthens the nails and moisturises it, but also keeps the nail pretty. One can purchase either Multipurpose Base/Top Coat or dedicated Base Coat. Of course, quality wouldn't be the same. It is always better to go for dedicated Base coats. Base coats are available in different types. Important ones are following.
The main reason people skip the base coat step is to save time. It’s an extra step, more drying time, and no one can really notice that you missed a base coat. The lasting power your lacquer and manicure is only as good as your base coat. So if your excuse for not applying base coat is barely you have time to do your nails as it is, skipping a base coat almost guarantees your polish will be chipping in a day or two and you’ll have to spend more time taking your now messy manicure off and polishing again. Base coats make your nail polish last chip-free longer so you won’t need to do your nails twice a week
There are three main benefits of applying base coat
1. Prevent Staining
When you wear dark shades like red, blue, black etc.., it tends to stain your nails and nail bed after removing it and will give you a unhygienic look. Base coats are a protective layer that keep lacquer pigments from discoloring your nail bed.
2. Lasting Manicure
Base coats are liquid double-sided tape. They anchor to your nails and create a surface that your lacquer can really grab hold of. They stick to the nail below and the polish above to prolong the manicure and allow for enough flexibility to move with the nail as it bends." Without this sticky, elastic surface for the pigment to adhere to, your manicure would chip a lot faster.