UV-filter, no-UV or matte top? How to choose a top coat for gel polish

The top coat finishes the manicure and decides how it will look after two or three weeks of wear. The Shelly range includes glossy tops with and without UV filters, a matte-satin top and milky and colour tops. Here is when to use which.

Glossy Top With UV — for white, pastels and light colours

A clear top with a strong shine and UV filters in the formula. The filters protect the coating from fading and yellowing, so white stays clean and pastels keep their tone. It leaves no dispersion layer, so there is no need to wipe it with a cleanser after curing.

Glossy Top No UV — for dark and saturated shades

The same strong shine, without UV filters. Dark colours gain depth and keep their original character — the top looks good on navy, black and strong, saturated shades. It also leaves no dispersion layer.

Matte Satin Top — when the client wants a finish without shine

It gives a soft satin finish with a single brush stroke. It suits every gel polish shade and leaves no dispersion layer. Combining matte and gloss on one nail gives an interesting effect, e.g. a glossy French on a matte background.

Milky and colour tops

Milky Top evens out the colour of the coating. If the colour underneath came out uneven or streaky, the top covers it with a delicate milky veil.

Color Top gives the coating its own shade and seals it at the same time, so one layer replaces a separate polish and top. On a camouflage base or gel it works as the colour; on gel polish it deepens and evens out the shade.

How to apply the top so the manicure looks good for longer

• Apply a thin, even layer as the last step.
• Cap the free edge — run the brush along the edge of the nail.
• Cure according to the instructions: UV lamp — 2 minutes, LED lamp — 1 minute.
• Do not wipe tops without a dispersion layer with a cleanser.

Quick cheat sheet

• White, pastels, light colours — Glossy Top With UV.
• Navy, black, strong colours — Glossy Top No UV.
• Matte or satin effect — Matte Satin Top.
• Uneven colour or streaks — milky top.
• Colour and top in one layer — colour top.

The products are for professional use. All tops are in the Top coats category, and bases in Base coats.