There’s nothing worse (understatement much!) than your manicure chipping or peeling off the second it dries. Applying a top coat of clear nail polish is an essential step while painting your nails and the best way to protect your manicure from cracking. Glossy, fast-drying, and everything in between, we’ve rounded up five of the best top coats to keep your manicure safe and gorgeous.

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Nail Polish Top Coat, BKIND

ELLE TOP: The 5 Best Top Coats for a Long-Lasting Polish

This top coat from Quebec beauty brand BKIND contains a UV inhibitor that prevents yellowing while also drying in just three minutes. Convenient!

$16

SHOP

Addicted to Speed - Quick-drying Nail Top Coat, Deborah Lippman

ELLE TOP: The 5 Best Top Coats for a Long-Lasting Polish

This long-lasting, high-shine top coat dries in an instant so you can go about your day without a chip, crack, or scratch.

$26

SHOP

Top Coat Abricot, Dior

ELLE TOP: The 5 Best Top Coats for a Long-Lasting Polish

In a single stroke, this top coat protects the nail’s enamel while improving its shine. Best of all, it dries super quick.

$35

SHOP

Retinol 45 Second Top Coat, Nails Inc.

ELLE TOP: The 5 Best Top Coats for a Long-Lasting Polish

Powered by retinol, this top coat is perfect for weak nails, creating a chip-resistant shield that locks in colour.

$17

SHOP

Plant Magic Top & Base Coat, Pacifica Beauty

ELLE TOP: The 5 Best Top Coats for a Long-Lasting Polish

This two-in-one vegan nail polish can be used as both a base and topcoat. While prolonging the life of our manicure, it also increases its shine.

$15

SHOP

Although the items featured in this round up were selected by our editors based on product effectiveness, we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

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