The 12 Best Nail Polish Top Coats of 2023

Oct 08, 2023

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The easiest way to keep your mani fresh for weeks

We’ve all been there: You’ve meticulously painted your nails—or paid for a manicure—and the polish chips not even a day later. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to avoid ruining your fresh manicure (and it’s not gel).

The best top coats of 2023 not only protect the polish underneath from getting chipped or tarnished, but also prevent color fade, add shine, and protect the nail overall. Nail artists wax poetic about how a protective top coat is the key to a long-lasting manicure, and who doesn’t want that? “It prolongs intense shine and stays very shiny, like gel polishes, for days without the need for the LED lamp,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen, whose clients include Margaret Qualley and Ashley Tisdale.

Whether you opt for a DIY manicure at home or frequent the salon, it’s best to have a high-quality top coat on hand to ensure your polish lasts for weeks. Ahead, we found the best ones, from quick-drying formulas to high-shine finishes, that will give your nails the extra protection they need.

This top coat has over 30,000 satisfied customer reviews and dries in seconds, so you can run out the door without the fear of chipping or destroying your just-finished manicure.

Customer review: “I have been using this topcoat for the better part of 20 years, it is a quality product for someone that does their own nails, and you cannot beat this price.” —Mokitty87

This cult favorite may not give your polish the shine of a gel, but it creates a thicker film that makes your manicure less susceptible to scratching or chipping.

Customer review: “My new go to clear polish/topcoat. I like the plumping effects that helps regular polish look a little more high quality in a bit more like gel polish.” —Bryna Gallegos

Chanel’s Le Top Coat is a cult-favorite pick, but the fashion house’s newer Le Gel Coat features film-forming agents that act like resin for your polish, to lock it in place. Plus, camellia oil in the formula adds tons of shine and hydrates the nails and cuticles around them.

Customer review: “Great coat! keeps my manicure in great condition for a long time! Been using le gel coat for years!” —Margot

If you’re looking to splurge, look no further than Hermès. Not only is the bottle all kinds of chic, but the formula mirrors natural light to deliver a high-shine, curved-depth effect.

Bazaar associate beauty editor Katie Intner says, “This smooth polish gives a gorgeous shine that lasts for days.”

This Essie polish gives a gel finish without the need for UV light or harsh acetone to remove it. One swipe gives your polish a velvety-matte look that lasts for weeks.

Customer reviews: “I’ve never tried a product that instantly made my nail polish matte in just under a minute. It goes on very easily and I love the style of the bottle. It has a step-to when doing your nails and I like that it doesn’t clump when putting it on top of a nail polish.” —Jhmesico

When polish appears dull, reach for this Dior top coat, which dries in seconds and has a wide brush to paint your entire nail in one swipe. Plus, isn’t the bottle just so pretty?

If you want to protect your color and get that Hailey Bieber–inspired glazed-doughnut finish, then opt for Pleasing’s Pearly Tops Polish. The pearlescent formula gives nails a subtle sheen that looks amazing on its own—or elevates any color underneath.

Made to dry in under 30 seconds, this top coat has acrylic polymers that hardens to protect both the paint and nail themselves from any breakage.

Customer review: “I love the Insta-dri polishes. They go on smoothly and easily and do dry quickly. With the Insta-dri clear top coat applied every other day or so, my self manicure on my natural nails lasts about a week.” —lisa

This vegan top coat is more on the expensive side, but worth every penny. The polish sets when exposed to sunlight, so your color will stay pigmented even after a weekend at the pool.

Customer review: “My manicure lasted for over a week. I tested this for a month. It lasts from 6-8 days. I am thrilled!! I have tested every single product out there. Not a fan of tips, dips or no chip. They all torture your nails. This is a regular manicure polish. I bought the base and to only. AWESOME!!! 5tars!!!” —Mary Budler

Even your polish can benefit from UV protection. Ensure your color never fades with Butter London’s Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat. The formula is as light as, well, butter, but gives a luxe shine and is smudge-free.

Customer review: “Love the shine. Looks like nails are still wet and wears much better than OPI or Essie brands. More expensive but worth it.” —karen

Polish color can fade and look lackluster over time, but this CND top coat increases its strength as the nails are exposed to light, for the ultimate layer of protection.

Customer review: “Love this product. It helps my polish stay on for over a week. Dries fast too.” —Rochelle M

Seal in any design with this no fuss, gel-like formula, which has a plumping effect that makes nails look extra glossy. The best part? There’s no need to seal in your manicure with an LED light, as you do with typical gel polishes. Customer review: “I’ve been wanting some longer lasting polish that looks professional! So far so good!” —Kristin

Izzi Friedman is a salesperson, content creator and creative currently based in NYC. She is passionate about beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

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