Here's why:
* Base Coat: Nail strengtheners act as a base coat, creating a smooth, even surface for your polish to adhere to. This helps prevent chipping and peeling.
* Protection: The strengthener acts as a protective barrier between your nails and the polish, minimizing damage from the polish and its removal.
* Strengthening: Applying the strengthener first allows it to penetrate your nail plate and work its magic before the polish is applied.
However, there are a few exceptions:
* Some nail strengtheners are designed to be used as a top coat. These will specifically state this on the packaging.
* If you're using a strengthener that has a glossy finish, you might not need a separate top coat. In this case, you can skip the top coat and just apply your polish over the strengthener.
Always check the instructions on your specific nail strengthener product for the best results.