base gel

A Guide to Selecting the Best Base Gel for Your Nails

A Guide to Selecting the Best Base Gel for Your Nails

Base gel is an essential step in any gel manicure. It helps color gel polish adhere to the natural nails, prevents color from staining the nails, and adds durability. Without a base coat, a gel manicure would peel off within days due to the natural oils in the nails. Whether you do your own nails at home or provide nail services, base gel is a necessity. At Sweetie Nail Supply, we offer hundreds of base gel products. With so many options, choosing the right base gel can feel overwhelming.

To start, consider your most frequent manicure needs. If you primarily do your own nails, one or two base gels should suffice. However, if you provide nail services to a diverse clientele, having multiple base gels with varying benefits is the best approach. The type of nails you have or work on, as well as the gel enhancements you do most, can also help narrow down your choices. 

Understanding the condition of the natural nails is key to selecting the appropriate base gel for optimal results. Different base gels offer their own unique set of features. Knowing what each product provides will help you make the best choice. Pairing the right base gel with specific nail needs ensures long-lasting wear and promotes healthy nails.

For instance, different nail conditions require different types of base gels. If your nails are generally strong and healthy, a basic base gel will work fine. Thin and weak nails benefit from a thicker base gel that adds strength and durability. Oily nails or nails prone to lifting require a base gel formulated with optimal adhesion properties. 

Another factor to consider is the brand of color gels you frequently use. While base gels, color gels, and top gels from different brands can generally be used together, compatibility and optimal results are not always guaranteed. Compatible combinations would have to be tested by individual users. For the best results, it’s recommended to use a base gel from the same brand as your color gels. 

Nail condition, personal preferences, and lifestyle all play a role in determining the most suitable base gel. Below are different types of base gels available at Sweetie Nail Supply and circumstances they may be best suited for. Many base gels offer multiple benefits and can be used in various ways. We encourage you to read each product description to understand its features and how to use them.

Types of Base Gels 


The Basics

These brand-specific basic base gels are developed to be used with their own gel polish system and other products from the same brand for optimal compatibility. If you frequently use colors from a specific brand, it is a good idea to invest in a base gel of the same gel polish brand. 


BANDI Base Gel

DGEL Signature Base Gel
Doi Base Gel
DVOK Essential Base 

Jel and Gel Base Gel 

Leav Base Gel
MAYO Long Base Gel 

Mostive Zinjja Base Gel
Mithmillo Original Base Gel 

Show Me Geukan Base Gel 

VALLA Base Gel
Yogurt Nail Zero Base Gel 



Peel Off Base Gels

Prefer to change your nail looks frequently? Then peel off base gels are the best choice as they are suitable for short-term wear and easy removal. These base gels will give you a few days to even weeks of wear without the hassle of acetone soak-off or file removal. 


Ablliz Peel Off Base Gel 

DIAMI Peel Off Base Gel 

Jello Jello One Kill Remover + Peel Off Base Gel Set

Sweet Candy Gel Handy Base Peel Off Gel 

YOGO Zombie Easy Peel Off Base Gel



HEMA-Free Base Gels

If you have sensitive skin or you’re just getting started on your journey with gel nails, consider HEMA-free base gels and gel colors. In comparison to traditional gel polishes, HEMA-free formulas may reduce the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation. This is a good option when you’re practicing your first manicures. We always recommend avoiding getting any gel products on the skin and immediately cleaning off any gel that does. 


Bevlah - Chak Base Coat 

CREARE - Repair Volume Base Gel

Doi Base Gel (HEMA Free and Vegan Certified)

Mithmillo Original Base Gel

Ssinstyle Clear Cover Shield Base Gel

Ssinstyle Natural Cover Shieled Base Gel 



Nourishing Base Gels 

Sometimes your nails just need a little nutritional boost. If you are looking to enhance your natural nails, consider base gels designed to minimize nail damage and enriched with nourishing ingredients to support nail health.


BANDI - Vita Base Gel 

Show Me Nutri Base Gel 

Viewgel - Perfect Base Gel 

Viewgel - Tan Base Gel
Viewgel - Zzon Base Gel 



Long-lasting Base Gels

Looking for retention and a long-lasting manicure? These base gels are notorious for their retention benefits with manicures lasting up to four weeks or more. Long-lasting base gels make a great base for nails that tend to lift or have retention issues. These gels likely contain essential  ingredients, such as HEMA and/or isobornyl acrylate, at safe levels when used correctly, helping the product adhere to the nails. If the nail is not too thin or brittle and properly prepped and dehydrated, using a long-lasting base gel can be a game changer. 


YOGO Zombie Base Gel 

Jello Jello - Fixer Base Gel 

Jello Jello Killing Base Gel 

JIN.B/Gracia Base Gel 

JIN.B/Gracia G-Gelly Base Gel 

MAYO Long Base Gel 

Mostive Perfect Base Gel 



Tinted & Rubber Base Gels

Nails that need structural support can benefit from the strength and flexibility of tinted base gels or rubber base gels. These base gels can be used to build an apex and structural base on the nail, providing more durability than a basic gel and traditional gel manicure. Color base gels combine base and color in one step for efficient application. 


BANDI - Color Skin Gel (Tinted Base Gel)

JIN.B Ivy Fiber Base Gel
Nail Thoughts Tinted Base Gels

Ssinstyle Clear Cover Shield Base Gel

SOFGEL Rubber Base Gels

Viewgel - Cover Base Gel 



Base Gels For Gel Extension Tips

Long artificial nails require a base gel that has adhesive properties and is strong enough to support length and retention. Typically, brands offer a specific base gel to be used with their gel extension system. It is best to use the base gel instructed by the manufacturer to adhere gel extension tips for durable and long lasting results. These gels tend to have a higher viscosity for a thicker overlay that provides more durability. 


Ssinstyle Clear Cover Shield Base Gel

DIAMI Feel So Good Base & Clear Gel 

Kokoist Gelip Bond Base



Understanding the different types of base gels available and benefits they offer empowers you to create the best manicure solutions for you or your clients’ nail needs. With the right base gel, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting gel manicures tailored to your specific needs. We hope this guide will help your base gel selection process. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new base gels and other premium nail products added to our site. 

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