We Put the Fastest-Drying Top Coats to the Test
A DIY manicure can be a huge time commitment—one that you may not necessarily realize until after you've added that final layer of top coat and then tried to text your best friend. The mani masterpiece that took you an hour to do? Smeared beyond repair. Womp.
Fortunately, with the latest in quick-drying formulas, you no longer need to fret about fidgeting after a major nail art session. Click through to see all the new formulas we tested and how they stood up.
Photo: Raymond Meier1/8Perfect for painting on the go.
Photo: Courtesy of nordstrom.com2/8Deborah Lippmann Addicted to Speed Top Coat
In a hurry? Apply a layer of Deborah Lippmann Addicted to Speed Top Coat over your freshly-finished mani and head out the door—it’s as easy as that. No need to worry about what you touch! This super shiny formula dries within a few minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of sallybeauty.com3/8O.P.I RapiDry Quick Drying Top Coat
Feel free to paint on the go with O.P.I RapiDry Quick Drying Top Coat. As you probably gathered from the name, this top coat dries in a flash, leaving you with lasting chip-free tips.
Photo: Courtesy of target.com4/8Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
Smudges, smears, and scratches? Not even a possibility with the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat. Trust us—your fresh paint job will be well protected.
Photo: Courtesy of sephora.com5/8Nails Inc. Gel Effect Top Coat
Take the sought-after sheen of a gel manicure and combine it with a quick-dry top coat and you’ll get Nails Inc. Gel Effect Top Coat. This shellac-like formula will leave tips looking extra shiny for days.
Photo: Courtesy of sallybeauty.com6/8Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Looking for high shine, with minimal drying time? Look no further. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat guarantees a super glossy mani in minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of folica.com7/8CND Vinylux Top Coat
Running out the door? This speed-demon of a CND Vinylux Top Coat goes on bump-free, which means you can apply it literally on the go (not that we’d suggest polishing while walking, but desperate times call for desperate measures).
Photo: Courtesy of dermstore.com8/8Essie Quick-E Drying Drops
Calling all the lazy girls! No need to paint on anything with Essie Quick-E Drying Drops. Just drip your way to dryness.
