12 Nail Polish Topcoats That Deliver a Chip-Free, Salon-Level Look Every Time

If you give me a chance to gush over any of Butter London's nail polishes, I'll take you up on it. One of my favorites from its line of high-performance products is the Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat that's smudge-free, goes on smooth, prevents chipping, and leaves my nails with an eye-catching high shine. It also prevents color from fading over time, making every manicure last longer. (I've been able to go up to two weeks without any wear or tear.)

Promising Review: "I love this topcoat, my nail color lasts an incredibly long time with this as my last step. I reapply about every 8-10 days for good measure."

This ultra-fast-drying topcoat delivers the Londontown signature high-gloss shine finish for a speedy, smudge-free manicure. It's the first one I reach for when painting my nails at home with any shade from the brand's line of nail polish. For best results, apply a thin, even layer over your polish of choice. At the first sign of wear, reapply to extend the life of your manicure or pedicure.

Promising Review: "I use this almost exclusively. It spreads nicely and dries quickly. It also leaves a great shine. I follow it up with a drop of Accelerating Drying Oil and it really speeds things up. If I keep the same polish on beyond five days I use another coat just to refresh it."

One of my favorite aspects of my job as a beauty editor is that I'm always on the go. Whether I'm sliding into the back seat of a cab on my way to an event or writing a story from the comfort of my home, I expect my nail polish to perform. The Liquid Glass Lacquer keeps my manicure looking fresh with a breakthrough formula that locks in color, prevents chipping, strengthens my nails, and adds a high-gloss finish.

Promising Review: "This is a holy grail for me. It instantly protects my nails and gives a beautiful shine to my color. It makes the color last AGES! It works with all nail polishes but static nail lacquers are unmatched overall."

I expect a lot from my at-home manicures, and longevity is among one of the biggest things I look out for when selecting which polish I'd like to wear. Essie's Stay Longer Top Coat keeps my nails chip-free and vibrant for days after initial application. I highly recommend pairing this one with any of the brand's base coat polishes for expert-level results.

Promising Review: "Goes on easy, comes off easy, and protects the color underneath for a long time! I use Essie nail polish as well and my nails still look good after a week! They don't chip easy or anything. I did one bottom and one top coat with two color coats between." 

This OPI topcoat has been the cornerstone of my nail polish collection since my manicurist recommended it to keep nails looking brand new for days on end. It seals in color to prevent scratches while creating a beautiful shiny finish in just one coat. Expect up to seven days of chip-free wear that can be easily removed with the brand's Expert Touch Lacquer Remover.

Promising Review: "I use this when my nail polish chips or I don't have time to get to the salon. Sometimes I'll just give my nails a break from the salon and just put this clear top coat on all of my nails to give them a rest. Another great feature is it dries almost instantly! This stuff doesn't chip and keeps the shine. Great product."

Mark my words—Manicurist Paris is one of the biggest brands beauty editors gatekeep. I've been using its Green Top Coat (part of the brand's Green Natural Nail Polish line) since it was first launched and haven't been let down. It works wonders for keeping my nails looking new using a uniquely powerful formula featuring 84% natural plant-based ingredients.

Promising Review: "A shiny top coat that is easy to spread, doesn’t drag the color under it and dries quickly. Recommended!"

I'm a huge believer in investing in little luxuries to add a touch of elegance to my self-care routine, including this nail polish topcoat by Dior. Made in France, this fast-drying setting lacquer protects nail polish and boosts shine in a single step. Use it with Dior's Base Vernis and Crème Abricot for an extra boost of protection and shine.

Promising Review: "Excellent top coat! Adds shine and helps nail polish dry faster. Absolute 5/5."

Essie's quick-drying topcoat is a must for helping to protect the longevity of your nail polish while magnifying shine for an ultra-glossy, flawless finish. I love how its swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush works to create even color and precise application with every swipe without having to go under the UV lamp for lasting results. To remove it, simply wipe away with a non-acetone nail polish remover (no soaking or scrubbing needed).

Promising Review: "I bought this product several months ago and it is absolutely wonderful! I use it on top of all brands and kinds of polishes. The top coat creates a smoothing effect completely eliminating all brush strokes. I’ll never use a different top coat!"

CND is one of those brands every Who What Wear beauty editor knows always deliver high-quality, cost-effective nail looks. The brand's Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat continues to tradition by creating long-lasting wear and durability with exposure to natural light over time. Part of a two-polish system for seven-plus days of wear, the topcoat is designed to be used with Vinylux color.

Promising Review: "This top coat is amazing! I do not use this brand of nail polish and it worked just fine with the variety that I have on hand. The shine lasts forever which is what I was looking for. I also think it helped with keeping the manicure longer."

Giving your nails the care they deserve shouldn't require making a manicure or pedicure appointment every time. Get salon-level results in minutes with the help of In a Rush Quick Dry Top Coat. It can dry up to four coats of enamel in just three minutes, delivering a high, glossy shine that hides any imperfections in the application of your shade. What's more, its formula contains a UV inhibitor, which prevents yellowing.

Promising Review: "I just received and used for the first time and I am impressed. I still allow more time than 3 minutes to dry, but my nails are not smudged, etc. This Fast drying top coat definitely is a game changer and certainly helps and works! I will continue to buy and use! Highly recommend."

Here's another topcoat that's been in my nail polish collection for as long as I can remember. The Won't Chip Top Coat instantly glides onto the nails for long-lasting wear, leaving a sparkling finish. Its flexible brush allows for smooth application while its powerful formula provides vibrant color intensity and a perfect, salon-quality finish.

Promising Review: "This top coat in nice and shiny. I used Orly base coat and the Orly Won't Chip as a top coat and I did not get any chipping, just minimal wear on my nail tips. My manicures now last 5-7 days."

There will never be a day when I don't recommend Olive & June's topcoat. A single layer of the Nail Polish Top Coat applies smoothly with a super-shiny finish to keep your manicure and pedicure chip-free for seven-plus days. It's also completely streak-free, making this one easy to use and a must for nail newcomers and experts alike.

Promising Review: "My nails were so weak and brittle and they would split. I started using this polish and top coat and my nails are getting stronger and growing out. I will definitely buy more."