Makartt - Portable Handheld Mini UV Nail Lamp with Bracke

Yes, they are highly recommended. A base coat helps the polish adhere better, extends the life of your manicure, and creates a protective barrier to prevent pigmented polish from staining your natural nails. A top coat seals the color, adds shine (or a specific finish), helps prevent chipping, and can make your manicure last longer.

However, there are some products can be used without topcoat or basecoat. It is normally mentioned in the descriptions of products.

Proper nail prep (cleaning the nail plate with remover before application), using a base and top coat, and "capping" or sealing the free edge (tip) of your nail with each coat can help prevent chipping.

Avoid soaking your nails in water before a manicure and wear gloves when using household cleaning products.

• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than gel polish and requires no special equipment, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Easy to apply and remove: Requires no special tools or UV light, and removal is quick and simple with standard nail polish remover.
• Frequent colour changes: The ease of removal and low cost makes it easy to switch colours often, satisfying a desire for frequent changes.
• Wide variety of choices: Available in a vast array of colours and finishes at most stores. 

• Shorter lifespan: Lasts about 5 to 7 days before it starts to chip, chip, or fade.
• Prone to chipping: More susceptible to chipping and smudging, especially with active use of the hands.
• Drying time: Each coat needs to dry properly, and full hardness can take up to an hour or more, requiring patience and careful handling to avoid smudges. 

Normal nail polish is easily removed with standard nail polish remover, which can be acetone or non-acetone based. Acetone is a very effective solvent, but non-acetone removers can be less dehydrating for some individuals.

Store your polish bottles upright in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a cabinet or drawer). Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and high humidity, which can cause the formula to separate or thicken.