10 Best Nail Primers Of 2024 For The Perfect Polish
Keep your manicures and decorative nail art secured with long-lasting nail primers.
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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If you are a manicure lover, you very well know that nothing beats the importance of using the best nail primer to keep your nails safe and your favorite nail color intact. Manicures are great relaxing sessions that doll up our nails and hands while decorating them with beautiful nail art and designs. Today, acrylic and gel nail manicures are all the hype as they add both strength and length to your natural nails. They can be shaped and sized as you desire and can last for as long as 6-8 weeks. However, before you begin to get yourself acrylic nails, your nails must be strong, smooth, and thoroughly clean to help you get the best results.
This is where you need the magic of nail primers. It treats the surface of your nails to prep them up for acrylics and other nail polish coats to adhere to the nails better. Nail primer removes oil and grease traces from your nail surface if applied correctly. It also balances the pH of your nails, ensuring your manicure stays longer. Nail primers can also be applied on your regular or gel nail polish to prevent chipping or peeling. However, nail primers are most recommended if you are getting an acrylic manicure. If you want to get an acrylic manicure sometime soon, go through our list of the 10 best nail primers to achieve a smooth base and long-lasting finish.
In This Article
10 Super Effective Nail Primers For A Long-lasting Manicure
1. Best For Oiliness:Modelones Nail Primer
Show your nails some love and prep them carefully before your manicure. This primer works to reduce the oiliness of your nails and provides you with the ideal foundation for smooth and easy gel polish nails. It increases adherence, and air dries quickly while preventing air bubbles from forming during your next coats so that you’re left with a dazzling manicure that lasts long and is not easy to lift. It can be used on all nails, be it natural, acrylic, or even on artificial ones. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product based on a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Best with gel polish
- Works on acrylics and artificial nails
- Reduces oiliness
- Increases adherence
- Dries quickly
- Prevents air bubbles
- Manicure lasts longer
- Polish will not lift easily
Cons
- May not work with press on nails
"The Modelones primer preps my nails by moisturizing them. It smoothes out my nails’ surfaces for effortless application of the nail polish. It dries in just a few seconds. It prevents my nail polishes from chipping or lifting. The formula is devoid of any strong scent."
Did You Know?2. Best Non-Corrosive:Young Nails Protein Bond Non-Acid Adhesion Primer
This protein bond primer from this popular brand gives your nails a non-acidic adherence without using corrosive chemicals. And has a proprietary polymer that helps bond the nail polish to your keratin nail structure. The protein bond primer forms an extra sticky nail surface allowing the polish to stick easily and last longer. Two coats of this non-acidic primer can be used with acrylics, regular polish, and hard gel, while for regular gel polishes, you can apply the primer just on your nail tips.
Pros
- Non-acidic
- Non-corrosive primer
- Extra sticky surface
- Manicure lasts longer
- Polish will not lift easily
- Can be used with regular, gel, and acrylics
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This nail primer creates a sticky surface on my natural nails. It is a corrosion-free formula that never weakens my nails. Instead, it strengthens my nail bonds. It lends my nails a shiny finish. I can use it with my acrylic, gel, or regular polish, and it extends the wear time of all of them. My nails look stronger and healthier after applying it."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 11,089 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best For Adherence:Aimeili Bond Primer
Before a manicure, it’s good to prep your nails, and one way you can do it is with Aimeili’s nail bond primer. It gets your nails prepared for strong adhesion so that when you apply UV/LED gel nails, builder gel, acrylic powder, or dipping powder, your manicure will be long-lasting with minor chipping. You don’t need a UV or LED lamp during the application of the quick-drying primer, and it helps stop your nail art from lifting or breaking, leaving you with a smooth and gorgeous manicure. Take a look at this video to learn about a reviewer’s experience with this excellent product for a nail prep routine.
Pros
- Increases adherence
- Dries quickly
- Prevents air bubbles
- Manicure lasts longer
- Polish will not lift easily
- No UV/LED lamp needed
Cons
- May take a while to dry
"This nail primer applies smoothly on my nails and lends them a glossy finish. The formula enhances the adhesive power of my nails. It prevents my nail polish from lifting. I like that it has a low odor, which never bothers my senses. The formula also never itches my cuticles or turns them red."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 5,562 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
| Modelones Nail Primer Best For Oiliness | Young Nails Protein Bond Non-Acid Adhesion Primer Best Non-Corrosive | Aimeili Bond Primer Best For Adherence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | AllColor | AllColor | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 1.18 x 1.18 x 4.61 inches | 5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches | 1 x 1.5 x 4.75 inches |
| Weight | 3.21 Ounces. | 1 Ounces | 0.96 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,842 | - | 8,234 |
| Price | $11 | $5090.0 | $9 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:No Lift Nails Nail Primer
The No Lift Nails Nail Primer works wonders with UV gels and gel nail paints. It prevents the nail polishes from fading or getting unnecessarily lifted while strengthening your nails. The primer adds shine to your natural nails while making sure that your manicured acrylic nails stay on for more than three weeks without lifting or breaking. Several reviewers on online forums have suggested adding a thin coat of the nail primer and letting it air-dry for a smooth finish.
Pros
- Quick-drying formula
- Adds shine
- Chip-free
- Offers maximum adhesion
- Ideal for UV gel nails
Cons
- None
"This nail primer prevents my nail polishes from lifting. It lends my nails a smooth finish and healthy shine. The formula allows me to apply my nail polishes swiftly. It never chips or clumps the polishes. It also never irritates the skin around my nails."
5. Best Non-Acidic:Gelish ProBond Acid Free Nail Primer
If you’re in the mood for a long-lasting manicure and are considering either doing a hard gel manicure or getting acrylics done, you must prep your nails with the Gelish ProBond acid-free nail primer. This professional-grade nail primer is a brush-on primer, which is non-acidic and helps increase adhesion so much that it acts like “double-sided tape”. You can use this nail primer for a smooth base and flawless application to help make your hard gel or acrylic nails last much longer! Reviews on Amazon indicate that proper use of the nail primer gives you salon-quality nails instantly.
Pros
- Increases adherence
- Non-acidic
- Non-toxic formula
- Used for hard gel or acrylics
- Smooth application
- Manicure lasts longer
Cons
- There may be lifting faster than expected
"It goes smoothly on my nails and extends the longevity of my polishes. It never chips or discolors my nails. It also prevents my nail polish from chipping. The formula never irritates my skin. I like that it is devoid of any strong chemical scent."
6. Best For Fast Drying:Morovan Acid-free Primer
Tired of your oily nail plates getting in the way of your perfect gel manicure? Don’t worry about that with Morovan’s acid-free primer, which reduces nail oil and helps create a sticky surface for maximum adhesion so that you can get a smooth and successful gel manicure! It is used to bond your natural nails to UV gel nails; air dries fast and helps prevent lifting and chipping of your nails. It also changes the pH of your nails and helps prevent air bubbles for a longer-lasting manicure. So, get this high-quality primer for stronger, healthier nails today!
Pros
- Increases adherence
- Non-acidic
- Used for UV gel nails
- Changes nail pH
- Reduces oiliness/grease of nail plates
- Helps prevent lifting
- Reduces chipping
- Manicure lasts longer
Cons
- Only works with UV gel nails
"I prefer primers that glide smoothly on my skin, and this one is one of my favorites. It removes excess grease buildup from my nail surfaces and creates a smooth finish. The product prevents my nails from breaking or turning brittle. It also stops my nail polishes or gels from lifting. It extends the wear time of my polishes and enhances their shine."
7. Best No Burning Sensation:Mia Secret No Burn Acid Free Primer
Suppose you’ve been facing issues with a burning sensation during the application of nail primers. In that case, you can consider switching to Mia Secret’s acid-free nail primer formulated with XTRABOND which does not burn your natural nails. The nail primer is an acid-free nail dehydrator that works by reducing oiliness and grease so that there is greater adhesion and your acrylics or UV gel nails stay on longer and go on smoother. So, use this nail primer to enhance polish color and maintain a subtle look for your nails effortlessly. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the nail product and its features.
Pros
- No burning sensation
- Durable bonds
- Acid-free
- Increases adherence
- Reduces oiliness/grease of nail plates
- Helps prevent lifting
- Works with acrylics and UV gel
- Manicure lasts longer
Cons
- May smell slightly strong
8. Best Odorless:ibd LED/UV Bonder Primer
It’s always a pain when our nails start to lift a few days after a fresh manicure, but with an LED/UV bonder, you can prep and prime your nails perfectly to keep them as secure as possible. Suitable for LED/UV gel nails, this bonder nail primer gives you strong adhesion and a longer-lasting hold which helps keep your manicure on for as long as possible. There is no pungent smell as this non-acidic primer is odorless. Reviewers have suggested using a UV or LED lamp to cure the nails for the best results.
Pros
- Acid-free
- Increases adherence
- Durable bonds
- Helps prevent lifting
- Works with LED/UV gel
- Odorless
- Manicure lasts longer
- Provides strong hold
- Cured using UV/LED lamp
Cons
- None
9. Best For Gel Nails:Apres Acid-Free Gel Primer
If your nail extensions are lifting more often than you’d have liked, avoid it next time by using the Apres acid-free gel manicure which is formulated to remove the oiliness and greasiness on your natural nails so that your gel manicure can last longer. Its non-acidic formula minimizes damage to your nails and you can flaunt your manicure for a good amount of time without any concerns of it lifting and chipping, making it one of the best nail primers for at-home manicure routines..
Pros
- Acid-free
- Increases adherence
- Helps prevent lifting
- Manicure lasts longer
- Reduces oiliness/grease of nail plates
- Used for gel nails
Cons
- Can only be used for gel nail application
"This gel primer smoothes out my nail surfaces, promoting quick application of the polishes. It removes grease and dirt from my nails. I love how it enhances the bond of my polishes. It never itches my cuticles or causes burning sensations."
10. Best User-Friendly Application:ohora Pro Nail Primer
Achieve flawlessly manicured nails with the ohora Pro Nail Primer that offers exceptional results. It creates a thin, transparent layer over your nails to reduce dullness and damage which is often caused by semi-cured gel nail strips. The nourishing formula of this primer contains six amino acids that strengthen your nails and make them healthier. It also contains a unique two-step water-lock system that seals in moisture in your nails while protecting the nail beds. The product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious makeup options.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Strengthens nails
- Manicure lasts longer
- Increases adherence
- Long-lasting application
Prevents nail lifting - Durable
- Time-saving
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This nail primer nourishes my nails and strengthens them. It removes grease from my nails and preps them for the manicure. The applicator glides seamlessly on my nails, covering every corner. This gentle formula minimizes the chances of nail breakage."
So, this is our list of the 10 best nail primers for natural nails that you can pick from before your next salon or home manicure routine! If you need help choosing the perfect one for you, then here are a few things you can keep in mind before your purchase.
What To Look For In A Nail Primer
- Oil reduction: Not all primers are made the same when it comes to adhesion strength. Some are stronger than others. If you’re looking for an even more effective way to keep your extensions on, you should look to see if they have oil-reduction properties. This makes your nails much cleaner and smoother before applying for the best results.
- Acidity: Some nail primers aren’t acid-free. While it isn’t too bad, people with sensitive nails can’t be tolerated, which may get damaged during application. So if you’re worried about the sensitivity of your natural nails, look for a non-acidic nail primer. Also, conduct a patch test before committing to a nail primer if you have sensitive nails.
- Odor: While it’s difficult to avoid odor when it comes to our nails completely, some noses may be more sensitive than others. If you fall in the category of having a strong sense of smell, look for a primer with minimal odor that is free from heavy chemicals and non-toxic too.
The Bottom Line
Perfectly manicured nails are attractive, and this is what everyone desires. But daily chores like washing and cleaning can chip off your nail polish, altering your nails’ look. So it is mandatory to prep your nails using the best nail primer. It helps you avoid the formation of air bubbles and enhances adherence. For example, the statement-making Modelones Nail Primer provides strong adhesion for various nail enhancements, the Young Nails Protein Bond Non-Acid Adhesion Primer formula binds to the keratin structure of the nails, and the Mia Secret No Burn Acid Free Primer ensures a secure bond without the risk of burning or irritation. Additionally, nail primers also help to adhere to acrylic and artificial nails. So it would be of great help to invest in the primers that prevent fading and ensure lasting wear. Furthermore, they reduce greasiness on the nails and help you to achieve the perfect manicure. Some primers also keep the cuticle intact. However, stay away from the primers with a strong scent as the fragrance might sometimes seem irritating. Flaunt your hands with perfectly manicured nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nail Primer The Same As A Nail Base Coat?
While both nail primers and base coats are used to make your nail polish last longer, they are not the same. A nail primer is usually used before the application of acrylic, gel or artificial nails while a base coat is more commonly used with regular nail polish. Base coats form a layer of protection over your nails to keep them healthy while primers are used to strengthen the hold for extensions.
Does Nail Primer Prevent Fungus?
A nail primer will keep nail extensions and polish down securely, so the chances of new fungal infections will be lower, however primer will not cure fungus that’s already there.
How Long Does Nail Primer Last
Nail primers have an indefinite shelf life as long as you do not let them dry out.
When Do You Apply Nail Primer?
You ideally should apply nail primer before getting acrylics or a gel manicure so that they last longer and stay on more securely.
Is acrylic primer and nail primer the same?
Yes. Nail primers or acrylic primers improve the adhesive potency of the polishes, remove excess oils from the nail surface, and prevent the nails from chipping.
What goes first, nail primer or bonder?
Apply the bond enhancer before a primer to improve the adhesive power of the polishes and balance the pH level of the nails.
Which type of nail primers are the most often used?
Acid-free primers are the most commonly used primers. They are non-corrosive formulas that provide excellent adhesion to the polishes.
Why does nail primer make nails feel like they are burning?
Nail primers contain acids that might burn and irritate the skin around the nails. In addition, the corrosive acids weaken the nails.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijita De is a makeup enthusiast who loves trying out different products. She has curated a list of the best nail primers after carefully researching and browsing through online reviews and user feedback. Her list is perfect for those obsessed with manicure sessions and nail art. Not only do these nail primers help your manicure last longer, but they also dry quickly and do not damage your cuticles.
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