mybest
Nail polish top coats

Recommendation Service

  1. TOP
  2. Beauty
  3. Nail care
  4. 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist
  • 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist 1
  • 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist 2
  • 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist 3
  • 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist 4
  • 10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist 5

10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Fashion Stylist

Nothing feels more frustrating than having your newly-painted nails chip the next day. In order to prevent that, applying a layer of top coat over your regular nail polish is important. This is because a good-quality top coat is designed to make your manicure last longer - it's an extra coat of armor designed to protect your nails from daily wear and tear.

In saying that, there are many different kinds and brands of top coats available in the market today, so we've outlined a buying guide, reviewed by fashion stylist Trish Denise Ramos, to help you see what you should be looking out for. We've also compiled a list of the top 10 best nail polish top coats to help you narrow down your options.

Last updated 08/18/2023
Trish Denise Ramos
Expert
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content Creator
Trish Denise Ramos

Trish is a fashion stylist for different celebrities, tv shows, and advertisements. She has been in the industry since 2011 and has been sharing her love for fashion through styling and content creation. She loves upcycling different pieces and creating different looks with them. When she likes something, she buys them in all colors available if possible and styles them in different ways.

Trish Denise Ramos's Profile
…Continue reading
Editorial Team
Guide
mybest
Editorial Team

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

Editorial Team's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Why You Should Use a Top Coat

Why You Should Use a Top Coat

A top coat's primary function is to prevent nail polish chipping. Aside from this, it also helps your nail polish look smoother - if you're doing a home manicure and you accidentally smudge or mess-up your nail polish, a top coat can fix that up for you quickly.


With textured or colored top coats, it can also elevate your look by adding an extra layer of design. An example of this is a matte top coat, that mattifies your nail polish instead of making it shine like the usual top coats in the market. 

Trish Denise Ramos
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content CreatorTrish Denise Ramos

There are a lot of available top coats in the market now which can amp up your nail look. Whether it's glossy, matte, metallic, magnetic, glitter, holographic, quick-drying, lightweight, or gel, you can be sure that your top coat can give your nails the added protection it needs.

How to Choose a Nail Polish Top Coat – Buying Guide

Most nail polish top coats give your manicure an extra shine and make them last much longer. This makes them a necessary item for anyone who does their own nails. In saying that, there are different kinds of top coats, so before choosing one, it's important to know what you should be looking for.

① Pick a Fast Drying vs. Shiny Top Coat

Pick a Fast Drying vs. Shiny Top Coat

Two common types of top coats are those that are fast drying and those that offer more intense shine for your nails. They each aim to address different nail needs that you might have so read on below to know their difference and to know which is best for you.

Fast Drying Top Coat for Those Always On-The-Go

Fast Drying Top Coat for Those Always On-The-Go
For those always on-the-go or for those who aren't fond of waiting for their nails to dry, a fast drying top coat was invented for you. Quick drying top coats dry quicker since they're meant to solidify on the surface of the nail quicker, locking in the polish and giving it a firmer, less smudge-prone finish. 
Trish Denise Ramos
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content CreatorTrish Denise Ramos

Quick drying top coats are great because they give your nails the protection they need fast. These are usually available at your go-to nail salons to cater to on-the-go clients.

Shiny Top Coat for Those Who Want a Next-Level Shine

Shiny Top Coat for Those Who Want a Next-Level Shine
For those who want their manicure to have next-level shine, applying a later of shiny top coat should do the trick for you. It can even make your regular nail polish look like gel polish with its shine. Not only that, it will also protect your polish from chipping while making sure your nails look their best. 
Trish Denise Ramos
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content CreatorTrish Denise Ramos
If you love the look of gel polish but hate the weight of it on your nails, a shiny top coat can be the trick for you. It gives your nails that extra gel-like shiny look without the added weight.

② Elevate Your Manicure With a Textured Top Coat

Elevate Your Manicure With a Textured Top Coat

Instead of buying more colors or repeating your nail polish combinations time and time again, it's possible to create different looks with a textured top coat. In saying this, textured top coats come in many different forms


Popular examples include matte top coats, glitter top coats, and even top coats that are able to add a holographic sheen to your nails. With the many possibilities now available, it is now easy more than ever to add some spice and style to your home manicures

Trish Denise Ramos
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content CreatorTrish Denise Ramos

Textured top coats are a game changer! They can create different looks for your nails, even if you only use one nail polish color. Don't be afraid to request a textured nail polish top coat next time on your next nail salon visit, and you might just be surprised how it can change your nail game.

③ Choose a Top Coat That Also Cares for Your Nails

Choose a Top Coat That Also Cares for Your Nails
Since continuous use of nail polish without allowing your nails to rest can cause damage, some top coats are infused with nail care ingredients. Examples of these are argan oil and vitamin E that helps your nails stay strong and moisturized to address or prevent brittle nails and protect your nails from damage
Trish Denise Ramos
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Content CreatorTrish Denise Ramos

There are a lot of nail polish top coats with nail care benefits available in the market now. Make sure to find a top coat that is good for your nails and won't cause damage to it. Whenever I want to give my nails a break, I usually just put on a vitamin E-infused nail polish top coat on my nails for added protection.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?
It was helpful.
It wasn't helpful.

10 Best Nail Polish Top Coats to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Size
Type
Texture
Nourishing Ingredients
1

OPI

Matte Top Coat

OPI Matte Top Coat 1枚目

Provides a Trendy and Protective Matte Finish for Any Nail Polish

15ml

Matte

Matte, Velvet

Not Specified

2

Essie

Good To Go Top Coat

Essie Good To Go Top Coat 1枚目

Protection and Shine in One Fast-Dry Top Coat

13ml

Fast Drying

Shiny

Not Specified

3

Seche Vite

Fast Dry Top Coat

Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat 1枚目

Makes Nails Plump and Shiny Within Minutes

14ml

Fast Drying

Shiny, Gel-Like

Not Specified

4

CND

Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat 1枚目

Long Wear and Fast Dry Top Coat with Vitamin E, Keratin, and Jojoba Oil

15ml

Fast Drying

Shiny

Vitamin E, Keratin, Jojoba Oil

5

Orly

Glosser High Shine Top Coat

Orly Glosser High Shine Top Coat 1枚目

Achieve Nails With Mirror-Like Shine With This Sucrose-Rich and Vegan Glosser

18ml

Shiny

Shiny

Sucrose

6

Sally Hansen

Miracle Gel™ Matte Top Coat

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ Matte Top Coat 1枚目

Get Gel-Like and Long Wear Nails In Just Two Steps

15ml

Gel Hybrid Polish

Matte

Not Specified

7

Caronia

Fast-Dry Top Coat

Caronia  Fast-Dry Top Coat 1枚目

Instant Glossy Nails at an Affordable Price

15ml

Fast Drying

Shiny

Not Specified

8

Tenten

Matte Top Coat

Tenten  Matte Top Coat 1枚目

Quickly Mattifies Even the Shiniest Nail Polish

12ml

Fast Drying

Matte

Not Specified

9

Girlstuff

Miracle Top Coat

Girlstuff  Miracle Top Coat 1枚目

Achieve Quick and Solid Shine with Anti-Chip Protection

11ml

Fast Drying

Shiny

Not Specified

10

Barry M

Wet Set Quick Dry Top Coat

Barry M  Wet Set Quick Dry Top Coat 1枚目

Super Quick-Dry, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free Top Coat

10ml

Fast Drying

Shiny

Not Specified

Product details
Close
If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

OPIMatte Top Coat

Matte Top Coat Image 1
Source:shopee.ph
Matte Top Coat Image 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
From ₱446.9

Provides a Trendy and Protective Matte Finish for Any Nail Polish

If you want to add a little edge and matte look to your nails, try this top coat from OPI. It not only promises a non-shiny finish but also provides incredible protection against chipping and wearing for up to 7 days. Furthermore, this top coat ensures a velvety and luxurious texture that will go well with a range of looks.

It's no wonder users rave about this top coat, affirming that it does deliver its mattifying claims and velvet feel. However, some say that the top coat isn't as long-lasting as it said it would be. Still, if you're looking for a night of stunning, matte nails, you'll get them with OPI.
Size15ml
TypeMatte
TextureMatte, Velvet
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
Was this Ranking helpful?
It was helpful.
It wasn't helpful.
No.2

EssieGood To Go Top Coat

Protection and Shine in One Fast-Dry Top Coat

Get ready to bedazzle with your nails using Essie's Good To Go Top Coat! This top coat is specially formulated to give your nails a stunning high gloss finish with just one coat and a few minutes of drying time. Even better, it provides excellent protection against chipping and splitting, ensuring that your shimmering nails will last long.

You won't have to worry about any yellowing either, as this top coat is crystal clear, allowing your bright-colored nail polish to stand out. Many users have been incredibly impressed by the fast-drying and shiny formula of Good to Go, making it their go-to product for nail emergencies. So, if you want flawless-looking nails, simply apply this top coat, and you're ready to go!
Size13ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.3

Seche ViteFast Dry Top Coat

Makes Nails Plump and Shiny Within Minutes

Seche Vite is one of the world's favorite nail product brands, and this Fast Dry Top Coat is one of the reasons. It offers so many benefits and features incredible quality in just one bottle! For instance, it's a fast-drying formula; thus, this can be a go-to solution if you have a nail top coat emergency.

Another thing is that it doesn't just make your nails shine! It also plumps them up so it's almost like you're wearing gel but without the hassle of using a UV or LED light. Users confirm all these benefits and even testify that these make them keep repurchasing this product!
Size14ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny, Gel-Like
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.4

CNDVinylux Long Wear Top Coat

Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat Image 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
From ₱479

Long Wear and Fast Dry Top Coat with Vitamin E, Keratin, and Jojoba Oil

Reapplying the top coat can be a hassle, especially when you have to do it every other day because your product won't last long. Fortunately, you can trade it for this long-lasting and fast-drying formula from CND! It's designed to dry in less than nine minutes and leave a shine that lasts for as long as seven days.

It also has nourishing ingredients, like vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil, incorporated into the formula to strengthen nails and improve hydration and absorption of nutrients. Thus, it's no wonder many users are satisfied with this top coat!

Size15ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsVitamin E, Keratin, Jojoba Oil
No.5

OrlyGlosser High Shine Top Coat

Achieve Nails With Mirror-Like Shine With This Sucrose-Rich and Vegan Glosser

Many top coat products promise to make your nails glow and shine, but are they vegan, cruelty-free, and free from 12 harmful ingredients like Orly? Many love this Glosser Top Coat because it does not have toxic substances like toluene, formaldehyde, xylene, camphor, parabens, and more!

It also promises to make your nails shine like a mirror with just one coat with the help of sucrose! Moreover, users confirm that it doesn't yellow, dries quickly, and is a real-deal glosser! Thus, if you want your nails to glimmer like the stars, try coating them with the Orly Glosser.
Size18ml
TypeShiny
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsSucrose
No.6

Sally HansenMiracle Gel™ Matte Top Coat

Get Gel-Like and Long Wear Nails In Just Two Steps

Gel nail polish is trendy nowadays, and it's easy to see why! After all, who wouldn't want gorgeous nails that last much longer than traditional polish? However, they can be quite a hassle and would often require a salon trip. But with Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel products, you can achieve those salon-quality nails in two steps without curing!

The line's Matte Top Coat is also well-loved since it's easy to apply and remove. It also offers a mattifying effect and chip resistance, allowing your polished nails to last long. Indeed, users testify that the polish can last up to a week or so, even while doing household chores!
Size15ml
TypeGel Hybrid Polish
TextureMatte
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.7

Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat

Instant Glossy Nails at an Affordable Price

Speed and convenience don't have to come with a hefty price tag - at least, the Caronia Fast Dry Top Coat does not! It can make your nails come out glossy and protected from smudging and smearing. Moreover, it dries within 3 minutes only - much faster than other fast-dry top coats. And the best thing is you can get it for less than 100 pesos!

This locally-produced top coat is also FDA-approved, so you're sure it's safe for use. It's perfect for those who like doing their own manicure. The only issue users have with it is that the quality is inconsistent, and the product dries too fast, so you must work quickly.

Size15ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.8

Tenten Matte Top Coat

Quickly Mattifies Even the Shiniest Nail Polish

If you realize that your shiny nail polish doesn't match the look you're going for, you don't have to remove and re-do your nails. The solution to your problem is as simple as this Tenten Matte Top Coat. It's created to mattify glossy colors, giving your nails some edge that matches your outfit and the event.

Moreover, you'll love that this top coat is formulated to be free from five of the most common harmful ingredients in nail polish: toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor. Plus, many users confirmed that it does dry fast!

Size12ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureMatte
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.9

Girlstuff Miracle Top Coat

Achieve Quick and Solid Shine with Anti-Chip Protection

Girlstuff uses a polymer-based formula to achieve a streak-free top coat that dries quickly, imparts a brilliant sheen, and protects nails with an anti-chip film that also seals color! Another great thing about this top coat's formula is that it's non-toxic and free from nine harmful substances.

Users fell in love with this top coat because it delivers on its promises and does more! Many are happy with how long-lasting their nail colors are, going four or so days without chips or bumps. It also doesn't smell. However, some said it might not work well with a wide range of nail polish brands.
Size11ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified
No.10

Barry M Wet Set Quick Dry Top Coat

Super Quick-Dry, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free Top Coat

It can be hard to find a top coat that is vegan and cruelty-free, like this Barry M Wet Set Top Coat. It is also PETA-certified, dries quickly, coats nails with a gorgeous shine, and is much more affordable than other vegan options, costing only less than 200 pesos per bottle!

Thus, if you're a vegan who needs a quick mani or pedi at home, you'll appreciate having this bottle in your collection. Most users confirm that it does dry quickly, but the top coat's finish has some inconsistencies. The common concern is the appearance of bubbles after application.
Size10ml
TypeFast Drying
TextureShiny
Nourishing IngredientsNot Specified

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Trish Denise Ramos

Below are some of the most asked questions online answered by Fashion Stylist Trish Denise Ramos.

How Long Should You Wait Before Applying Nail Polish Top Coat?

Waiting for at least 2 minutes should be good enough before you apply your nail polish top coat.

How Many Coats of Top Coat Should I Put on My Nails?

One coat of nail polish top coat should be enough to seal in your nail polish.

Do Nails Always Need a Top Coat?

Yes. To make your nail polish last longer, a top coat is necessary.

Look Your Best With These Products

For many, looking good is a big factor in feeling good. Feeling like you look your best is a big confidence booster, especially for those who are working or studying. That being said, check out our articles below for the best products to help you look good and feel good at the same time.

Re-editor: Dionn Marie Pacot

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Nail Polish Top Coats

No. 1: OPI | Matte Top Coat

No. 2: Essie | Good To Go Top Coat

No. 3: Seche Vite | Fast Dry Top Coat

No. 4: CND | Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

No. 5: Orly | Glosser High Shine Top Coat

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

Popular articles

Search by category