A coloured nail base is a real find in the arsenal of every manicurist. Now it is much easier and faster to achieve an excellent express manicure, and all this thanks to coloured bases. In this article we will tell you what is a coloured nail base, what are its advantages and how to use it. We will also present an overview of the best coloured nail bases. 

Nail base is the first and most important layer in the gel system, which provides a reliable adhesion of the material to the nail plate. It creates a strong base for subsequent materials, which guarantees the quality of the manicure and its longevity. 

Initially, bases for manicure were produced only in a transparent version and differed in degree of rigidity. They could be divided into four categories: elastic, hard, medium and soft. However, over time, manufacturers began to produce camouflage bases - these are coatings that have a natural shade similar to the colour of the skin. 

Camouflage bases often come in light nude shades such as peach, pink, beige and milky. These shades are ideal for French manicures, as that's what they were created for by the manufacturers. However, they can also be used as an independent coating, creating the effect of ‘manicure without manicure’. Such bases are perfect for those who want to paint their nails in a natural colour, as close as possible to the skin tone.

Manufacturers do not stand still and, in addition to classic and camouflaging nail bases, began to produce coloured bases. Today the market offers a wide range of coloured bases in many shades - from translucent pastel shades to saturated neon colours. They can be used as a base coat or as a stand-alone nail colour.

- Dense. These bases have high pigmentation, which allows you to use them as a full colour coating.

- Translucent. These bases are ideal for creating a ‘jelly’ effect on the nails.

- With shimmer. Such bases contain glitter particles, which can vary in size: some have large glitters, while others - small.

More recently, 3-in-1 bases have appeared on the market, which combine the functions of a base coat, a coloured lacquer and a top. These innovative products allow you to reduce the number of steps in the manicure process, replacing three steps at once. Unlike single-phase gel polishes, 3-in-1 bases provide excellent wear, keeping your manicure in perfect condition for 2-3 weeks, just like a traditional three-step gel manicure. 

Coloured nail base is a real find for every manicure master. To make sure of this, let's consider its advantages:

1. Speed of manicure. A base that combines both base coat and colour is a great solution for those who want to save time on creating a coloured manicure. It is an ideal option for busy people who want to quickly but qualitatively make a full manicure.

2. Large palette of colours. The wide range of colour bases offers a variety of shades, allowing everyone to choose the perfect colour to suit their taste.

3. Ease of use. Thanks to the variety of stiffness and consistency of coloured bases, they can be selected according to individual preferences and nail characteristics. In addition, coloured bases are not inferior to conventional bases in their ability to smooth the surface of the nail.

4. Saving time and money. Colour base, which combines two materials - base and colour, allows you to significantly speed up the process of manicure and save money and time. You can buy one product and use it at two stages, which makes the manicure more economical, but at the same time does not reduce the quality compared to the use of separate base and colour gel-lacquer. 

There are two ways of applying a coloured base, which manicurists successfully use in their practice. If you have not yet tried a coloured base, we recommend trying both methods to see which one suits you best.

The technology of application without a base layer:

1. Make a hygienic manicure with careful treatment of the shafts and cuticles.

2. Degrease the nail plate to remove all impurities. Then carefully apply a primer in a thin layer. The choice between acidic and acid-free primer depends on the condition of your nails: different types require a personalised approach.

3. Apply the coloured nail base in an even, medium-thick layer, paying particular attention to the side edges. Use a thin brush to neaten the edges and don't forget to seal the end for a long-lasting manicure.

4. Dry the layer of coloured base in the lamp: for LED lamp 1 minute is enough and for UV lamp it will take 2-3 minutes. If necessary, to achieve a more intense colour, apply another layer of base and dry again in the lamp.

5. Without removing the stickiness, apply a nail top - choose between glossy or matte.

6. If the finish coat with a sticky layer, carefully remove it with a special product and a lint-free napkin.

Application technology with base coat:

1. Prepare nails: perform a hygienic manicure.

2. Degrease your nails and then apply a thin layer of regular transparent nail base to enhance adhesion and prevent camouflage pigments from staining the nail plate.

3. First, dry the base coat in the lamp as usual. Then apply a levelling layer of coloured base and dry in a UV lamp for 3 minutes or in an LED lamp for 1 minute. Repeat application if necessary and dry again.

4. Apply top and dry in the lamp.

Sometimes masters apply coloured bases directly on degreased nails, without the use of primer and preparatory layer. However, it is worth considering that in this case the adhesion will be less reliable, and it is difficult to predict the wear time of the coating - it all depends on the condition of the nails, their length and the client's lifestyle. etc. etc.

1. Opal Global Fashion Rubber Base 8ml

✅ Camouflaging rubber nail base with fine shimmer and glitter;
✅ Medium consistency;
✅ Self-leveling and easy to apply;
✅ Distributes easily over the nail plate, does not spread or drip onto the side rollers and cuticle;
✅ Suitable for manicures and pedicures;
✅ Can be used as a base for gel-lacquer or self-coating and for French manicure;
✅ Hides aesthetic imperfections of the nails;
✅ Handy brush;
✅ Polymerisation in LED lamp 1-2 minutes, in UV-lamp 2-3 minutes.

2. Global Fashion, Color French Base Coat 8 ml

✅ Hypoallergenic safe 14-free formula;

✅ Medium thickness;

✅ Quickly self-levelling and easy to apply;

✅ Bright and nude shades;

✅ Easy to spread over the nail plate, does not spread or drip on the side rollers and cuticle;

✅ Suitable for manicures and pedicures;

✅ Can be used as a base for gel-lacquer or self-coating and for French manicure;

✅ Hides aesthetic imperfections of the nails;

✅ Handy brush;

✅ Polymerisation in LED lamp 30-60 seconds, in UV lamp 2-3 minutes.

3. Rubber base Global Fashion 8 ml

✅ Contains different tones of potale particles;

✅ Made of high quality American raw materials;

✅ Smooths and strengthens the nail plate;

✅ Quickly self-levelling and easy to apply;

✅ Lasts up to 3-4 weeks without peeling or chipping;

✅ Easy to spread over the nail plate, does not spread or drip on the side rollers and cuticle;

✅ Can be used as a base for gel-lacquer or self-coating and for French manicure;

✅ Handy brush;

✅ Polymerisation in LED lamp 30-60 seconds, in UV-lamp 2 minutes.

Read also: What is gel nail varnish? Types and recommendations on choice