





Frequently Bought With
Polished Top Coat
Benefits
Description
How to Use
Your best manicure in five simple steps.
PREP
Start with clean, dry, polish-free nails. Gently push back cuticles and buff away any shine so your color has the perfect canvas.
NAIL PRIMER
Apply one coat of Nail Primer to clean, natural nails and wait 5 seconds for it to dry.
BASE COAT
Start at the base and apply one layer of Base Coat to each nail. Allow to dry for 2 minutes before applying Nail Polish.
NAIL POLISH
Apply one coat of Nail Polish to each nail, from base of the nail to top edge, and dry for 2 minutes. Apply a second coat and dry for 2 more minutes.
TOP COAT
Apply one layer of Top Coat to each nail. Make yourself comfy and wait 15 minutes before going on with your day.
What does Red Aspen Top Coat do?
Red Aspen Top Coat is the final step in our nail polish system. It helps seal in color for longer wear while adding a glossy, gel-like finish.
How do I use Red Aspen Top Coat?
Apply one thin layer of Top Coat to each nail after your last color polish layer has dried for 2-3 minutes. Allow nails to dry for 15 minutes after applying Top Coat before resuming normal activities.
How long does Top Coat typically take to dry?
Red Aspen’s Top Coat formula is designed to dry quickly. For best results, wait approximately 15 minutes after application before resuming normal activity. To test if your nails are dry, gently tap nails and if they still feel gummy or sticky, wait a few minutes before going about your day.
Does Top Coat help prevent chipping?
Yes, Top Coat is designed to help protect your manicure from everyday wear and improve chip resistance.
Will Top Coat give my nails a gel-like finish?
Yes, the Top Coat formula is designed to leave nails with a smooth, glossy, gel-like shine without the need for a UV lamp.
Why does Top Coat feel tacky after application?
Applying coats too thickly or not allowing color polish to set for 2-3 minutes before application of Top Coat may affect drying. Thin, even layers typically provide the best finish.
Why is Top Coat becoming thick in the bottle?
Exposure to air over time may naturally thicken the Top Coat formula. Be sure to tightly close the bottle after each use.
Should I seal the nail tip with Top Coat?
Yes, sealing the nail tip (free edge) with Top Coat is highly recommended. This helps lock in your manicure and adds an extra layer of protection against chipping and premature wear.
Can I use Top Coat on bare nails?
While Red Aspen Top Coat can be applied to bare nails for a light, glossy finish, it is primarily designed to be used over nail polish as a sealing step. For best results and longer wear, we recommend applying it over your color polish within the full nail polish system.
Will Top Coat dull glitter or shimmer shades?
No, Red Aspen Top Coat is designed to enhance shine and help protect the reflective finish of glitter and shimmer polishes. It seals your manicure without muting the sparkle, leaving a smooth, glossy finish that helps shimmer and glitter stay vibrant.
How long will my manicure last with Top Coat?
With proper application, Red Aspen Top Coat helps extend the life of your manicure for up to 5 days. Wear time does vary depending on nail prep, daily activities, and how often your hands are exposed to water or harsh chemicals.
Can I use Top Coat to smooth uneven nail polish?
Red Aspen Top Coat can help visually smooth minor texture and add a glossy, even finish. However, it is not designed to correct major streaking or uneven color application; those are best fixed with proper polish layering before applying Top Coat.
Is Top Coat formula vegan or cruelty free?
Yes, Red Aspen’s Top Coat formula is both vegan and cruelty free.
How should I store Top Coat?
Store Red Aspen Top Coat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Always close the bottle tightly after each use to help prevent the formula from thickening or drying out. For best performance, store the bottle upright at room temperature.
How long is Top Coat good for?
After opening Top Coat, it’s best to use it within 12 months. After 12 months, we advise purchasing a new one to maintain its quality and durability.
Do I need to reapply Top Coat?
For best results, apply a fresh layer of Top Coat every 2-3 days to help maintain shine and prolong wear.
Can I use Top Coat on my press-on nails to prevent chipping?
No, we do not recommend using Top Coat on press-on nails. Red Aspen Nail Dashes are already finished with a durable, salon-inspired top layer designed to deliver long-lasting shine and wear. Adding a layer of Top Coat to your press-ons isn't necessary and may affect the look or finish of the design. For best results, save your Top Coat for Red Aspen Nail Polish manicures and let your press-ons shine on their own.
Will Top Coat and Nail Polish system products ship via Priority or Express Shipping?
Top Coat and other Nail Polish system products are only eligible for Economy and Standard Shipping due to USPS regulations.
Should drying drops or other products be used to help dry nails?
No, Red Aspen’s Top Coat is a fast-drying formula and the last step required in the Polished by Red Aspen system. It will leave nails glossy and extend the wear of Nail Polish without any additional steps required.
What makes this a nail polish "system"?
Polished by Red Aspen is designed to work as a complete nail polish system, including our Nail Primer, Base Coat, Color Polish, and Top Coat. Each step is formulated to work together for a smoother application, better wear, and longer-lasting manicure.