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Welcome to Beautyistic! If you’ve ever struggled with nails that chip, peel, or just don’t seem to hold a polish well, you’re going to want to hear about what I’ve been testing recently. We’re talking about essie’s Strong Start Base Coat—an 8-free, vegan, strengthening nail polish designed to give your nails the perfect foundation before adding color. It promises to reinforce, harden, and protect your nails while giving your manicure a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Right out of the bottle, this base coat has a clear, glossy finish and a lightweight texture that’s easy to apply. What makes it stand out is its formulation enriched with biotin, a nutrient known for promoting nail strength and resilience. Essie positions it as a foundational product to prevent peeling, chipping, and breakage, making it an essential first step in any manicure routine. It’s designed to pair seamlessly with any essie color and top coat, and for those who like a complete nail care ritual, using it alongside essie’s apricot cuticle oil can elevate your manicure even further.
In my hands-on testing, I applied a single coat before layering on my favorite essie polish. The formula spread evenly and dried quickly, leaving a smooth surface that genuinely felt more resilient. I noticed that nails felt firmer almost immediately, and after a week of daily activity—typing, washing dishes, and general wear—the polish maintained its integrity better than when I skip a strengthening base coat. One subtle bonus: the finish makes nail color appear slightly more vibrant, giving your manicure a polished, professional look.
There are some points to keep in mind. While it strengthens nails, it won’t magically repair extremely weak or damaged nails overnight—think of it as part of a regular care routine rather than a quick fix. Also, the bottle is compact, so for frequent users, it might require replenishing sooner than a standard-sized nail polish.
On the upside, the texture is lightweight, it’s quick-drying, and the 8-free, vegan formula aligns with clean beauty standards—no harmful chemicals and no animal-derived ingredients. In terms of value, considering the strength-boosting biotin and the overall quality, it’s well-priced for those who prioritize nail health alongside their manicures. Compared to similar strengthening base coats on the market, essie delivers a professional-grade product with reliable performance, without the high-end salon price.
The packaging is classic and sturdy, typical of essie, and the brush makes application easy even for detailed nail work. Over time, regular use could help maintain healthier nails, which is especially valuable if you often experience breakage or peeling. While I haven’t had direct contact with customer support for this product, essie’s reputation for quality and consistency in the nail care market is strong, and they’re generally responsive to inquiries.
For those looking for alternatives, there are budget-friendly strengthening base coats available, but few combine the 8-free vegan formula, biotin infusion, and reliable performance in the way this one does. If you’re committed to maintaining strong nails while enjoying a long-lasting manicure, this is a product that really delivers.
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Overall, essie’s Strong Start Base Coat is a thoughtful, well-formulated product that strengthens nails, enhances polish longevity, and aligns with clean beauty standards. It’s particularly well-suited for anyone who struggles with weak or easily chipped nails but still wants that professional, polished finish at home.
If you’ve tried this base coat yourself, drop a comment below and share your experience—I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you. The link to purchase can be found in the description box.
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, stay beautiful inside and out!
Available to buy here:
