I’ve mentioned before that I have no patience for waiting for my nail polish to dry. Often I paint my nails at night just before going to bed, so I don’t want to wait up for them to dry completely. But I hate waking up to nails that have the imprint of my sheets on them. Fast drying top coats have become a necessity.
Also, there’s something about the way my nails grow or how they’re shaped, but most nail polishes chip at the tip by the next day. I try to wear gloves when I wash dishes, but my hands are in and out of water all day mostly without gloves. What to do?
For a couple of years, I was using the economical NYC Grand Central Station Quick Dry Topcoat or essence cosmetics Fast Dry Drops, both are priced at a little more than a dollar. They worked pretty well to dry my polish within several minutes. But when CVS dropped NYC New York Color from the brands they sell, I needed to find a replacement. I decided to up my game and spend a little more money to see if I could find a better option. I bought Seche Vite for less than $10. A couple of weeks ago, Barielle had a sale, offering No Chip Speed Dry for one cent plus shipping ($4.95). How could I pass that up?
So, I’ve been using Seche Vite and Barielle No Chip Speed Dry for a few weeks. What’s the verdict? Which one wins?
Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat
Seche Vite means dry fast in French, and that it does. It dries to the touch in a couple of minutes and dries hard in about 5 minutes.
Seche Vite is a rather thick topcoat. What I also love about Seche Vite is that it leaves a very glossy look to my nails!
How does it do in preventing chips? Honestly, not too well. Often I’ll get chips on the tips or the sides the next day or certainly by day 2. Frankly, Seche Vite doesn’t make any claims about being a “long wear” topcoat. It just dries fast and the glossiness is a bonus!
Seche Vite is priced around $10, and the bottle contains 0.5 fl. oz./14 ml.
Barielle No Chip Speed Dry
Barielle No Chip Speed Dry claims two big benefits: no chips and fast dry. Does it live up to its claims? Pretty much yes!
Like Seche Vite, it dries very fast: dry to the touch in a couple of minutes and hard in about 5 minutes.
In terms of preventing chips, it does much better for me than Seche Vite. I can go for about 5 days before my polish starts to chip at the sides of the tips. Although I was hoping I could get a week of chip-free wear, I guess that’s pushing it. About five days is still quite good.
What about the look of the topcoat? Barielle No Chip Speed Dry is a thinner topcoat than Seche Vite, and it doesn’t give me that thick glossy, almost gel-like look that Seche Vite does. So I’m trading off shine for more days of chip-free wear.
Barielle No Chip Speed Dry is formaldehyde and DPT-free, contains 0.5 fl. oz./14 ml and is priced around $12.
The Winner
Although Barielle No Chip Speed Dry is the winner because it delivers on both fast dry time and keeping chips at bay longer, I miss the glossiness that I get from Seche Vite. My solution is to use both of them! Since the Seche Vite dries so fast, I put it on top of the Barielle, and it doesn’t add much time to the process.
Here’s my 4 day old mani wearing butterLONDON Vintage from the Fall 2015 Arm Candy collection wearing both topcoats. I love this shade!
I know there’s gotta be one topcoat out there that does all three – fast dry, no chips, glossy shine – but I haven’t found it yet. If you have any suggestions for me, please comment and let me know!
Nothing else in my arsenal is quite as thick as SV, but I don’t favour it for longevity either. I really like Butter London’s quick dry, actually. For added gel-squish factor I sometimes layer my top coat over Gelous, which I usually find at Sally Beauty.
Hooray for being able to use the comment thing in mobile again! I’d been meaning to email you about that (I could still read posts, just the comments weren’t loading) but now it’s fixed anyways. 😀
I have heard of Gelous but didn’t know anything else about it, Rach. I’ll make a pilgrimage to Sally Beauty when I go to Trader Joe’s next time and take a look! I like Seche Vite, just sorry that it doesn’t do better at preventing chips, but quite satisfied with the Barielle for that. So happy to hear from you! Thanks for sticking with me in spite of the temperamental mobile version of the blog! Unfortunately, the theme that I use is old and it isn’t mobile friendly so even though I use a plug-in for mobile (and I have tried several to see if I can get the mobile commenting to work reliably), the fact that my theme isn’t optimized for mobile is a problem. Also unfortunately, I don’t feel comfortable moving my blog on my own to a new theme. I need to find an affordable IT person to do it for me, and so far, I haven’t found anyone. 🙁 Hope all’s well with you!
I love me some Seche Vite. When I do a full on, real all fingers mani it’s what I use. Between the performance and (like you said) glossiness, none have been better.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…REDBOOK Red Box for Fall // Beauty Edition
I love Seche Vite, but unfortunately my nails start to chip the next day. That’s why I was on the hunt for something that would make my mani last longer and provide the gorgeous Seche Vite glossiness. Guess I’ll continue using the two till I find “the one”!
I’m a huge fan of cheap! haha I generally reach for NYX Grand Central Station. It’s not labeled a quick dry top coat, just a regular old clear polish! Itmight not be as shiny as Seche Vite (which always shrinks on me), but it gets the job done! I also like Poshe. It’s super shiny.
Destany recently posted…NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Ibiza
and dang – I’ve got NYX on the brain because of my post today – Grand Central Station is NYC!
Destany recently posted…NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Ibiza
😉 <3
As I wrote in the post, I was using NYC Grand Central Station for about two years but CVS no longer carries the brand and there’s no place else to buy it around here. Also, my nails would chip the next day with GCS so that’s why I started looking for something else. But thanks for the recommendation about Poshe – I’m not familiar with it but I’ll look for it! I was hoping some nail bloggers like you would weigh in with suggestions.
Yeah, I mentioned it just cause I’m cheap!! I’ve noticed the CVS a few towns away stopped carrying NYC, and Rite Aid stopped too! I have found it at WalMart.
Destany recently posted…NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Ibiza
Unfortunately, the Walmart that’s closest to me (that’s not very close, lol) doesn’t carry NYC or Milani, another favorite that’s supposed to be a Walmart. Pouting. Not fair!
I need to get me some of that Barielle top coat! Great idea to combine them.
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Too Faced Le Petit Tresor Lipstick Set | Holiday 2015
I wish I didn’t have to use both topcoats but it get the look I want and the no chips, that’s it for now. But I just bought essie Gel Look Topcoat based on Christine C’s recommendation, so I’ll report on that one soon!
OOO this was a fun vs post! I have used Seche Vite for years!
Eugenia recently posted…Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial Review
How many days can you go with no chips with the Seche Vite? I love how quickly it dries and how thick and glossy it looks, but I get chips with SV almost immediately 🙁
I swear everyone goes on about how great of a topcoat Seche Vite is, but my nails chip like RIGHT AWAY when I use it. I really don’t like it in comparison to others! I’m glad I’m not the only one who experienced this. And now I need to get that Barielle topcoat too!
Chelsea recently posted…Bye Bye Dry Winter Skin
I love the thick, glossy, gel-like look and the super quick dry I get from Seche Vite, but it makes me angry that I get chips immediately too! The Barielle gave me 4 days with no chips and on the 5th day I got a little chip on the sides of my pinkies but I was able to wear it for two more days before removing. I’m satisfied with that. I wish there was one topcoat that could do everything but I haven’t found it yet. I just bought essie Gel Topcoat yesterday so I’ll report on that one soon!
When I do wear nail polish my top coat of choice is Seche Vite. My nails like yours are prone to chipping but Seche Vite helps prolong wear a little longer. Plus I love the shininess.
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I agree with you, Ashley, on the shininess from Seche Vite, but my nails start to chip immediately if that’s my only topcoat. Can’t believe I’m using two different topcoats these days, but that’s what works for me 😉
I pretty much always use SV. I like the Barielle, but for me it doesn’t dry nearly as fast.
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For me they both seemed to dry at the same rate: 2 minutes to be dry to the touch and 5 minutes for rock solid. I wish the SV did a better job for my nails at protecting against chipping, but you can’t beat that thick, glossy shine.
Seche Vite has had a special place in my heart for years and while I know that there are other brands out there I just find it so hard to move past my first love.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial Review
I can understand that, Aleya! I love it’s glossy, thick, shine and the super fast dry. but I get chips the next day with it, grrr. How ’bout you, does it prevent chips for you? Maybe it’s just my nails
Awesome comparison! I love reading these because it’s fun to see the outcome and see who wins. I have been using the SinfulColors Top Shine (I think that’s what it’s called) top coat and it’s been doing AMAZING! Have you tried it? I would love to hear what you think. 🙂
Shipra recently posted…MAC Cosmetics Magic of the Night / Oh Darling Extra Dimension Skinfinish / Evening Rendezvous Lipstick Swatches and Review
How does the Sinful Colors topcoat do with regard to chipping? It’s quite a quest for the perfect topcoat!
Yes!!! I use my Barielle for long wears BUT I do love my Seche shine… There is nothing like it. I totally agree!!
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Mani Bombs from Lolita Lacquers
Exactly the same as me, great minds think alike 🙂
Seche Vite is not one of my favorites, though I know people love it.
Phyrra recently posted…Fyrinnae Halloween Part 2
I like the look of SV but it doesn’t last unfortunately. Some say it gets goopy, but I haven’t had the bottle long enough for that yet. My hunt continues…
I love the look of Seche, but it lifts and chips on me so fast too. The CND Vinylux top coat is one of the longest lasting on my nails (which always chip easily/quickly.)
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CND Vinylux, I think I’ve heard of that one. I will definitely look into it!
Poshe! I love that stuff. It has the same level of shine as Seche Vite but none of the goopiness. And it doesn’t chip on me either. I did a review of it recently:
https://stashmatters.wordpress.com/2015/10/16/review-poshe-topcoat/
I swear I’m not being paid by Poshe (I wish!) but that stuff is the bestest! 😀
Thank you! I think that’s the second vote for Poshe! I’ll put it on the list. Someone else mentioned that Seche Vite gets goopy, but thankfully my hasn’t gotten goopy yet.
Nothing beats Seche Vite. Since I don’t wear my manis a long time, I don’t care about long wear. I want fast dry, fast cure and that hard, glossy, glassy shine.
Erika recently posted…Luminess Air Air Supremacy Airbrush Makeup
Yes, you former nail bloggers change polish so quickly! I try to get a week out of a mani, but I think that’s too much to ask.
I love the look of Seche Vite but the bottle doesn’t last long before getting goopy. I usually need a top coat to protect my nails. I was using Out the Door from Sally Beauty and I liked that a lot.
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Thank you, Marcia, I’ll add Out the Door to the list for my next trip to Sally Beauty! I haven’t had the Seche Vite long enough for it to get goopy, but that will annoy me if it does!
My nails are exactly like yours, I’m definitely going to pick up the Barielle.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Comment on Introducing Wander Beauty 4 Pc. Paris Collection! by Mai C.
Hope it doesn’t disappoint! I’m good with it so far
Seche Vite has been my go to for so long.
I can understand why. I love the thick, glossy shine that Seche Vite gives. I just wish my nails wouldn’t chip the next day when I use it! You must have better luck with it than I do 🙂
I paint my nails just before going to bed too. I should try Barielle next time
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…TOM FORD NOIR HOLIDAY 2015 COLLECTION | Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color Night Sky
In terms of preventing chips, the Barielle No Chip Speed Dry did so much better than the SV. And it worked well to dry my nails fast before going to bed. I hate it when I wake up the next morning and see creases in my new polish!
I love my SV top coat but do find that it always chips within a couple of days. I’ll have to try this combo and see if that helps. Thanks for the really cool post!
Thank you, Natalie, for taking the time to comment! Yeah, the two together seem to do pretty well. I could skip the SV, but I miss the thick, glossy shine. I just picked up the new essie gel-setter topcoat and I’ll try that one and report back soon!
I have to admit, I only just recently started using seche vite as I received it in one of the beauty boxes and I’m in love. Best top coat to date, going strong with Barry M Gel Top Coat which I also love 🙂
Love,
D x
Dorota recently posted…FREEDOM WEEK #1 – Cream contouring using Freedom Makeup Pro Cream Strobe Palette with Brush
I don’t know about Barry M Gel Topcoat so I’ll add that one to my list. I love Seche Vite for the thick, glossy shine but I wish it provided some protection against chips!
I am a huge fan of Seche Vite and haven’t found anything that does so good a job. If I had to pick a drugstore option, I’d pick the Sally Hansen Quick Dry range.
Renu recently posted…Burnt Orange Fall Makeup With Cargo Venice Enchantment and HD Foundation
I love Seche Vite for the thick, glossy shine – I think it’s the best at this, but I go crazy when my nails chip the very next day! So far, the Barielle does a pretty good job with preventing chips. But now my “to try” list is growing!
I stopped using SV, because it gets so gloopy half way thru the bottle. It does have a nice shine, but chips quickly for me as well! I will have to pick the Barielle up. I’m currently liking Orly or KBShimmer fast dry top coats.
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Thank you for the recommendations, Amber! I’ll add them to my list. You’re about the 5th person to tell me that SV gets thick and gloppy before the bottle is used up. Mine hasn’t turned yet, but I’m disappointed already. I love the thick, glossy shine but it doesn’t do anything to prevent chipping.
I tried Seche on everyone’s rec and found it to make my nails look great but didn’t really extend the wear of the polish.
Miranda Mendoza recently posted…Final Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x Review & Update
Exactly!
The best thing I have found so far is Sally Hansen’s Gel polishes. I have been very surprised by how long they last…over a week at least without any chips. A couple of weeks if I do another top coat after about 5 days and the shine is incredible. I haven’t tried using the top coat over regular polish but I will. Thanks for the heads up about those tops coats.
And thanks for the heads up, Robin, about the SH Gel polishes. I’ve looked at them often, but I haven’t taken the plunge. Can’t believe that they stay on without chips for at least a week! And that you can even extend that with an extra topcoat! Next coupon at CVS, I will pick it up. I just bought the new essie gel-setter so I’ll give that one a try and report back soon! Thanks again for the tip!
I used SV for a long time and now I only use KBShimmer’s top coat or Girly Bits
Lisa Heath recently posted…Blue Eyed Girl Lacquer Destination Duo with The Polish Bar – October 2015
I know you are a nail polish expert, Lisa, so a recommendation from you means a lot. Your nails always look stunning and have a wonderful glossy shine. I will add those two to my list. I hope they’re good at preventing chips since I probably don’t change my polish as often as you do.
I generally use KBShimmer Clearly On Top for most polishes and Girly Bits Glitter Glaze for any polishes with some texture or glitters. Girly Bits also has What A Rush top coat that’s great as well.
Lisa Heath recently posted…Blue Eyed Girl Lacquer Destination Duo with The Polish Bar – October 2015
Thank you for spelling it out for me! Now I know what to look for 🙂
I’ve been skimping on top coat because I’ve been changing shades so much.
StephanieLouise recently posted…Green & Bronze Duochrome Sponged Tips Fall Nail Art
My polish wouldn’t last 5 minutes without a topcoat!
Seche vite is always by far my favorite top coat, even though I keep trying different ones just to compare. Nothing can beat that glossiness!
I agree. SV wins on thick, glossy shine! I wish it did better on preventing chips for me
Funny how I saw praise for SV clear nail polish in Cosmo but Barielle lasted longer on your nails!! Thank you for honest opinion on clear nail polishes!!
Ursula
Seche Vite provides a beautiful, thick, glossy finish and it dries my polish very quickly as promised, but it doesn’t protect against chipping. With the Barielle, it dries fast, prevent chips but doesn’t have quite as gorgeous a glossy finish as the SV. It depends what’s most important to you if it’s a choice between these two!
Oh great beauty battle! lol And good idea to combine them both! Cant believe how great your mani still looks!
Maria Gridley recently posted…HOW TO: Downsize Your Wardrobe & Look Good All the Time
Thanks, Maria! Now I’m testing out essie gel topcoat and we’ll see how well that one does. Searching for the Holy Grail 🙂
I personally like Butter London’s Top Coat. Good Luck.
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I’ll add it to my “to try” list! Thanks for the recommendation
Score for using them both! I’ve been hearing great things about the Seche Vite top coat for a while now but I always have major chipping issues, now I think I need to check out the Barielle as well.
Kara recently posted…COCOTIQUE | October 2015 + #LOVE2COCOTIQUE Prizemail Sneek Peek
SV is a gorgeous topcoat, but as you agree, it doesn’t do much to prevent chips. Using the two together does seem to do the trick, though it’s an extra step