The 9 Best Chip-Resistant Topcoats

This way to a long-lasting mani.

NewBeauty Editors
NewBeauty Editors
About NewBeauty

Published: Jun 23, 2015 Updated: Jul 11, 2024

Hate being a slave to your nails? Us too. Thanks to these chip-resistant topcoats, you can extend the life of your manicure a little longer because your polish will stay in place.

1 / 9

LONDONTOWN Protective Top Coat

Not only does this topcoat promise not to chip off, but it also prevents your polish from fading and turning yellow. And, it detracts the sun's rays from interfering with cellulose in the polish to keep it bright and glossy. $25, londontownusa.com

2 / 9

tenoverten The Shield

Completely 5-free so there are no ingredients or chemicals in it that are linked to being toxic, we like this clear topcoat for locking in polish and giving it a shiny finish. $10, tenoverten.com

3 / 9

JINsoon Top Gloss

For super strong nails that don’t stand a chance against chipping, give this topcoat a shot. The unique, clear formula reaches all the way down to the base coat, and, when it dries, forms a solid bond between all polishes. $18, spacenk.com

4 / 9

Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

This clear coat gives nails the shine factor and long-lasting wear of a gel without the need to cure it. It’s also made with acrylates copolymer, a special technology with anti-chip features for a manicure that really lasts. $10, essie.com

5 / 9

Lauren B. Dual Base/Top Coat

Acting as both a base coat and a topcoat, this multifunctional polish protects against chipping, breakage and peeling nails. $20, runway2street.com

6 / 9

CND Xpress5 Top Coat

Use a UV lamp to cure this topcoat—it takes just one minute—for long-lasting polish that promises not to chip for up to two weeks. cnd.com

7 / 9

Pacifica 7 Free Top Coat

New from Pacifica comes their first foray into nail polish with this chemical-free topcoat that goes on smooth yet dries matte. $9, pacificabeauty.com

8 / 9

Whim The Finisher

Whether you use this polish, which preserves the longevity of your polish so it doesn’t chip or peel, in conjunction with the Whim colored polishes, on its own or with something else, you get the look of a gel polish without the need to cure it under a light—it cures totally on its own. $10, ulta.com

9 / 9

Formula X Neon Top Coat

Summer is all about brightly colored polish, which can chip easily. This one prevents that from happening and even makes neon shades look that much brighter. $11, sephora.com