Wednesday 3 April 2013

Spotlight On: Dry Fast Top Coats


They say that the only time that any women is really and truly HELPLESS is when she has wet nails. As someone who is certainly NOT helpless, even I can nod my head and agree with this. I also know how utterly soul crushing it is to declare your nails dry, only to have it ruined beyond repair the minute you put your hand in your pocket. I always make sure I've been to the loo before painting my nails too because that is AWKWARD (you know what I'm talking about). When I was younger, my mother would paint hers and then get in such a flap and start ordering me and my dad around to fetch her things whilst waving her hands around and blowing, manically, on them. Thankfully, in this day and age we have THESE....

Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat* and Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Topcoat*


These two products, although essentially very similar, are at the top of their game (and of the popularity contest). Many contenders have come and gone over time but none have stood the true test like these products. Up until both of these beauties landed in my lap just before Christmas 2012, I had only read about them in others' blog posts and didn't even realise what a beauty staple they were and if you still haven't tried one.... DO IT! These products have revolutionised the way I do my nails and I couldn't be without them now! So I'll tell you a bit about each one...


I was introduced to Seche Vite (after having read about it countless times) at the QVC SS13 Press Day. My heart did a little flip when I discovered it in my goodie bag on the way home and couldn't wait to see if it lived up to the hype.


Well doesn't it just!! This product does exactly what it says on the tin (or box, whatever). The consistency is very thick but it sweeps smoothly over the nail and it's touch dry before you know it! It claims to penetrate right through the underlying polish, although, if you've done multiple coats, I'd still sit tight for a good couple of minutes as I've had the whole mani try to slide off in one piece before. Touch dry only really means just that. It's dry to the touch, which is GREAT but be prepared to let it work it's magic for a little while longer before getting too physical with anything haha.

However, once it's worked it's magic, you're good to go and I've had manicures that have lasted up to 10 days with this before. I just love how glossy the finish is. Almost like I've had gels on! This product in on it's pedestal for a good reason and I don't think it'll be coming down anytime soon.


This product came into my possession just after Seche Vite, also from an event. To be honest, I didn't open this for AGES as I was getting on so well with Seche Vite and figured I'd keep this one in it's box until the need arose. Well, of course, being the Nails Inc FANATIC that I am, my curiosity got the better of me and I finally popped the cap on it last week.


The major difference between Kensington Caviar and Seche Vite is the consistency. The Nails Inc Topcoat is much thinner and more malleable than the Seche. I think this works in it's favour to be honest, but I think it depends on the kind of manicure you're doing and there are definitely pluses for thick and thin depending on the look you're going for. It's super shiny and, again, touch dry in seconds. The Nails Inc has a slight peachy tint to it, whilst Seche is just clear, but I don't think this is intended to add any colour and doesn't seem to translate that way on the nails, even over a pale polish. It gives a glossy finish and seems to be long lasting, but I haven't given it the beasting yet that I gave Seche Vite as I've not been using it for as long yet.

I haven't included nail photos with this post as I wasn't sure if there was that much of a visual difference! Both give a glossy, shiny manicure and I can't really demonstrate any of their other attributes via the medium of photography. I guess you just have to try them and decide for yourself which works best for you. I actually like both, if only for similar reasons. These products have totally changed the way I do my nails and I will NEVER go back!

I got my Seche Vite via qvcuk.com, who do some amazing multibuy deals on the product which means you're paying way less for each polish than the £12 Nails Inc are asking for the Kensington Caviar Topcoat. However, I still feel that Nails Inc are a name to be trusted though and you can browse the whole Kensington Caviar Range at nailsinc.com

Do you rate fast drying top coats?? Do you have a favourite brand?? What items/products can't you paint your nails without??

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4 comments

  1. Admittedly I haven't tried many top coats but that may be because I use the Nails Inc one and it does the job so I really like it. I'm always doing something and just can't sit around for ages waiting for my nails to dry!

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  2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it Hun!! I think they all do pretty much the same thing to be honest. The differences are really minor

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  3. I have only tried one top coat, I just find them all to be the same! x

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    1. They are pretty much all very similar. Some are definitely easier to work with than others but I guess it's mainly down to what brand and consistency you prefer x

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