What should be applied to nails before applying nail polish?

Applying a base coat before nail polish is essential for several reasons. The base coat serves as a protective layer between the natural nail and the nail polish, helping to prevent staining and damage to the nail surface. It creates a smooth canvas that enhances the application of the color polish, promoting better adhesion and even coverage. Additionally, some base coats are formulated to help strengthen the nails or improve their health, further enhancing the overall quality of the manicure.

While top coat, nail strengthener, and cuticle oil are important in the nail care process, they are not meant to be applied before the nail polish. The top coat is used after the nail polish to provide shine and protection, nail strengtheners are typically applied directly to the nails for their strengthening benefits, and cuticle oil is used to hydrate and nourish the cuticles, usually after the entire nail application process is complete.