Since quitting gel nails a couple of years ago after developing an allergy (sob), I’ve made it my side quest in my job as a beauty editor to find the best gel nail alternatives, the very best nail polishes that don’t smudge or chip two minutes later, and nail-boosting products to ensure I can still enjoy well-manicured hands.
Since bidding farewell to gels, however, I’ve noticed that my nails are more prone to breakage and chipping. Without a plush protective layer of gel or BIAB on my nails, they’re not as robust as they once were. So, I’ve been looking for a good nail strengthener that can harden my nails and help them grow longer. And since I spotted Dior’s Base Vernis (£30) on just about every celebrity manicurist’s social feed of late, I decided to try it for myself. Since then, I’ve never looked back. Scroll on to discover why it’s deserving of a place in your manicure collection, too.
Dior Base Vernis Review
The Formula
Working as both a base coat and a nail strengthener, this is a great polish to wear alone or underneath your nail polish. Among the strengthening ingredients are apricot kernel oil and sweet almond oil, which help to hydrate the nails, while polymers help to harden weak nails.
The formula itself is sheer, so it’s less like a nail perfector with a tint, and more a sheer base coat with a tiny amount of peach. It’s a very viscous consistency, so it applies smoothly and evenly to the nails, and thanks to the large brush, you can cover a lot of surface area in one or two swipes. Plus, it also dries really quickly, which is great if, like me, you’re impatient and prone to smudging your nails. It has a noticeably glassy finish to it, too.
For the most part, I’ve been wearing Base Vernis on its own over the past couple of months, and not only do my nails feel stronger, but they look healthier too. The whites of my nails are brighter, and I’ve experienced far less breakage than I normally would. I also tested it as a base coat, but personally, I found it didn’t provide enough grip on the polish on top—it almost makes my nails too smooth. That being said, polish glides on so easily and has a mirror-like shine when I do use it.
Before
Here are my nails from a couple of months ago. While they might not look too bad here (thank you, Chanel Ballerina nail polish and Essie Gel Couture Top Coat for disguising them!), I was struggling to grow them. Underneath the polish I’m wearing, they were weak, bendy and prone to breakage and splitting. I just couldn’t get them to grow longer.
After
My Verdict
Having now tested the Dior Base Vernis for a couple of months, I can honestly say my nails are going from strength to strength. They’re in the best condition they’ve been in for years, and I’ve been able to grow them much longer and can now file them into a soft oval or almond shape. In the above picture, I’m just wearing two coats of Base Vernis, and although it doesn’t offer the nail coverage so to speak, I’m really impressed with how healthy my nails look—I can’t believe that these are basically my bare nails now. Yes, £30 is a lot to spend on a nail strengthener, but if you want something that really works, it’s worth the investment in my eyes.
Shop Dior Base Vernis
Shop More Dior Nail Care
Think of Dior’s Nail Glow as a liquid blush tint for your nails. It delivers a sheer pink wash of colour that instantly perfects your nail plates, making them look healthy and glossy.
Dior’s Top Coat is one of the quickest-drying top coats that I’ve ever tried (no waiting around for ages here). It applies as a thin, shiny veil that lends a glossy finishing layer to your polish, helping it to stay chip-free for longer.
It’s worth buying for the chic pot alone, but this apricot-scented cream inside is worth its weight in gold. Massage into nails and cuticles to keep dryness and hangnails at bay while nourishing your nails.
If you want more lightweight hydration, this nail serum-cuticle-oil hybrid has a built-in brush that you can quickly swipe onto nails and around cuticles, and it sinks in immediately. So handy to keep in your bag or on your desk.
I’ve not tried this myself, but I have it on good authority from nail techs that this is one of the best nail polish removers ever.