Cruelty-Free Beauty: The Top Coat Options You Need to Try Now!
Top Coat Options for Cruelty-Free Beauty Products: A Humorous Guide
As someone who has spent way too much time and money on nail polishes, I know the importance of a good top coat. It’s not just about making your manicure last longer (although that’s definitely a perk), it’s also about adding shine, preventing chips and smudges, and basically making your nails look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Fear not my fellow cruelty-free beauty lovers! I’ve done some research (and testing) to bring you this guide to the best top coats for our animal-friendly nail routines.
1. The Classic: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Let’s start with the OG of fast-drying top coats: Seche Vite. This stuff has been around since 1991 and is still one of the most popular options out there. And for good reason! It dries super quickly (like within minutes), adds insane shine, and really does help prevent chipping. The only downside? It contains toluene which some people prefer to avoid due to potential health risks. However, if that doesn’t bother you then give this classic a try!
2. The Game-Changer: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
If you’re looking for something that will give you salon-quality results without actually going to the salon, Essie Gel Couture is here for ya! This line was specifically designed as an alternative to gel polish – meaning no UV light needed – but with all the benefits (long-lasting wear, high-shine finish) without any of the downsides (damage or difficulty removing). And their top coat is legit amazing! Not only does it dry quickly but it gives your nails that gorgeous “plump” look that makes them seem like they’re coated in actual gel.
3. The Eco-Friendly Option: Zoya Armor Top Coat
If you’re someone who likes to keep things as natural as possible, Zoya has got your back. Their Armor top coat is free of the “big three” (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate) but still manages to give you a strong and protective finish. It also contains UV blockers which helps prevent yellowing or fading over time. And let’s not forget about that high-gloss shine! If eco-friendly is your jam, definitely check this one out.
4. The Matte Master: ILNP Matte Top Coat
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “why would anyone want their nails to be matte? Isn’t the whole point of nail polish to be shiny?” Hear me out though – there are some really cool designs you can create with a matte top coat! Plus it adds a bit of edge to even the most basic polishes. And if you want a great cruelty-free option for trying out this trend, look no further than ILNP’s Matte Top Coat! It applies smoothly and evenly without any streaks or bumps and dries quickly too.
5. The Budget Buy: Wet n Wild Megalast Hard As Ice Top Coat
Listen, not everyone wants (or can afford) to drop $20 on a top coat every time they paint their nails. But just because something is budget-friendly doesn’t mean it has to suck! Case in point: Wet n Wild’s Megalast Hard As Ice top coat. This little bottle costs less than $3 but does an impressive job at keeping your polish looking fresh for days on end while adding some serious shine too.
6. The Vegan All-Star: Pacifica Glossy & Long Lasting Topcoat
If finding vegan beauty products is important to you then allow me introduce you to Pacifica’s Glossy & Long Lasting Topcoat. Not only is it cruelty-free and vegan (obviously) but it’s also 7-free – meaning no toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, xylene, camphor or resin. And yet somehow it still manages to give you a shiny and long-lasting finish that rivals any traditional top coat out there.
7. The Indie Darling: Holo Taco Glossy Taco Top Coat
Okay okay I know this one might be cheating a bit since technically Holo Taco isn’t available in stores (yet!) but hear me out: if you’re looking for a top coat that will make your nails look like they were dipped in liquid diamonds then you need Glossy Taco in your life. This indie brand was created by YouTuber Cristine (aka SimplyNailogical) and her formula truly lives up to the hype. It dries quickly, adds insane shine, and even helps smooth out any bumps or imperfections on the surface of your polish.
So there you have it! Seven amazing options for all your cruelty-free top coat needs. Whether you’re after quick drying time or eco-friendly formulas or just something shiny AF – these brands have got ya covered. Now go forth and paint those claws with confidence!