If you like to extend the life of your nail polish, you may have already heard about top coats. You may be concerned that it’s just another layer to make you waste time, then you need to try a quick dry top coat. These formulas give you all the extra shine and resistance that you want for your manicure, with a drying time of 60 seconds (or even less in some cases!). Since we’re on the subject of quick dry nails formulas, we couldn’t help ourselves and we’ve added a top coat cousin to the list: the quick dry drops. Keep reading to find your questions answered, and keep scrolling to check our product recommendations.
What is a quick dry top coat? Answering your questions
A quick dry top coat is a clear nail polish that adds an extra protective layer to your nail makeup while granting a quick dry—for your nail polish to dry extra fast. Most formulas help the nail polish to stay on your nail for longer, keeping your lovely manicure sharp and chip-free for as long as possible.
Does quick dry top coat really work?
Yes, it actually does. And, as usual for magical cosmetics, science explains! Quick dry top coats are quite similar to regular top coats in the formulation; however, the proportion of the ingredients used is adjusted, to “solidify on the surface quicker, giving it a firmer, less smudge-prone surface”, according to chemist Michelle Wong.
How long to wait before applying a quick dry top coat?
You should like to wait a few minutes before jumping in with your quick dry top coat—five to ten minutes should do the trick! The top coat should only go over your nail polish once it has set—and the time should vary depending on the formula you’re using. If you’re using both the quick dry top coat and the quick dry drops, make sure to use the drops only after applying the top coat. And no, you cannot put a quick dry top coat on wet nails.
How often should I reapply the top coat?
In this case, there’s no science to back us up. However, the word on the street is that topping up your top coat every two to three days extends the longevity of your manicure: and your quick dry top coat is the way to go if you don’t want to spend much time with your manicure touch-ups.
Our top 7 favorite quick dry top coats
Quick dry top coats are an amazing cosmetic when it comes to amp up your nail look and save you time. We’d like to show you a short list of our favorites, as well as a couple of quick-dry drops—a top coat relative that speeds the drying time, just as you like. Let’s see which formulas are finding the way to your necessaire.
essence Express Dry Top Coat
45 seconds dry
essence Express Dry Top Coat
With a clear and shiny finish, this vegan quick-dry top coat speeds up the drying time of your nail polish. In as short as 45 seconds, this formula sets your nail polish and dries down completely. Easy to apply and affordable, this top coat makes a clean entrance to our top. Here’s the proof that time doesn’t need to stay in the way of your dream manicure!
Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Polish 1 Top Coat
Extreme shine gel-effect
Maybelline Fast Gel Nail Polish 1 Top Coat
Finish your manicure with salon-quality using this quick dry top coat from Maybelline . Applying this clear last coat, you’re extending the longevity of your nail polish, sealing and protecting the color with a single coat. The shiny effect amplifies the color, and its fast-drying formula allows for a quick and failproof application.
Catrice Quick Dry Top Coat
Glossy & set nails in 40 seconds
Catrice Quick Dry Top Coat
Coat your nails with a lasting clear layer that adds a glossy finish while accelerating the drying time. In as short as 40 seconds, this top coat dries down—saving your manicure as well as your precious time. Featuring anti-yellowing technology, this top coat seals your manicure into place, boosting it with a new and longer life.
Flormar Quick Dry Extra Shine Top Coat
Extra shine & quick set
Flormar Quick Dry Extra Shine Top Coat
This quick dry top coat is all you’ve been looking for: it not only sets quickly but also extends your nail longevity, preventing nail polish peeling and wear-out. As if this wasn’t enough, it boosts shine with a glossy finish that elevates any nail color. This formula is the shortcut to your shiny and lasting manicure!
essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish 390 Always Transparent
Quick set with an intuitive angled brush
essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish 390 Always Transparent
For all that struggle with nail polish application, here’s the brush you need to step up your game! This angled brush allows you to apply the top coat easily, creating a long-lasting chip-free shield that makes your nail look last for longer. The key feature that puts it in this short-list is how quickly it sets. Add it to your colored nail polish to amplify shine and longevity!
Catrice Express Quick Dry Drops
Magic nail drops
Catrice Express Quick Dry Drops
This writer doesn’t resist a good practical hack to dry the nail polish! This may not be a top coat, yet it may be just what you need. A few drops over your fresh manicure is all it takes to accelerate your nail polish drying time and you don’t need to watch the paint dry—at least for as long as it normally takes. The dropper gives you full control and requires no skill at all!
essence Nail Art Express Dry Drops
60 seconds to dry
essence Nail Art Express Dry Drops
Again, these express dry drops are not a top coat, yet we couldn’t possibly talk about quick dry top coats without including them. Each drop helps your nail polish dry in 60 seconds, providing an extra shiny finish to your manicure. Containing vitamin E and almond oil, this solution hydrates the cuticles for a 360º lovely manicure.
For more tips on how to dry nails fast at home, learn all of our suggestions on a post entirely dedicated to the matter.
