Essie Strong Start Base and Top Coat
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
V viai beauty | $3.99 | Jul 14, 2023, may have changed | Buy Now |
 eCrater Sold by shaelily | $6.95 | Oct 22, 2022, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Amazon Sold by Seller | $8.69 | Mar 5, 2023, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Walmart 90-day returns (in store too) | $9.97 | Feb 27, 2025, may have changed | Buy Now |
J Jean Coutu | $9.99 | Aug 12, 2022, may have changed | Buy Now |
Prices are collected from retailer listings; each row shows the date we last saw that price. Return and shipping terms are each store's standard policy from our retailer research (April 2026 to May 2026). Some products and categories have different terms, so check with the store before you buy.
Pros
- •Greatly improved the health of nails after gel salon use and discoloration.
- •Provides a salon-fresh look that lasts for at least two weeks.
- •Works well in combination with Essie nail colors and top coat.
- •Dried quickly and had a pleasant, less intense odor compared to other brands.
- •Notable longevity; home manicures can last up to 2 weeks with proper care.
- •High-quality nail health, backed by the reputable brand Essie.
- •Application process was enjoyable with a good-quality brush that provided excellent coverage.
- •Exceeded expectations, especially considering previous frustrations with nail polish durability.
- •Effectively promotes nail growth and strength.
- •Provides a clean and nice-looking finish to the nails.
Cons
- •Caused significant damage to nails, resulting in brittleness and pain.
- •Experienced breakage in all nails after two weeks of use as directed.
- •Considered overpriced at CVS, despite the quality.
- •Minor chipping occurred after two days, leading to disappointment.
- •Did not effectively moisturize or nourish cuticles, making them feel drier over time.
- •Did not live up to expectations or promises, with a reviewer calling it a waste of money.
- •Chipping occurred almost the next day after application, indicating better basecoat options might be available.
- •Did not provide noticeable improvement in nail condition compared to other base coats.
- •Disappointment with its ability to prevent chips, with nails chipping within two days.
Bottom Line
While the Essie Nail Care Vegan Clear Base and Top Coat Strong Start offers many benefits such as improved nail health and a long-lasting salon-fresh finish, some users have reported negative experiences including nail breakage and insufficient cuticle nourishment. If you're seeking a reputable brand that enhances nail growth and longevity, it may be worth a try. However, if you're concerned about brittleness or are looking for intense cuticle hydration, you might want to explore other options.
What Reviewers Are Saying
📚More About Essie Strong Start Base and Top Coat
Discussion
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