• Sleek bottle of essie nail care 'Strong Start' base coat against a clean white background.
Average rating includes incentivized reviews base coat

Strong Start Base Coat

Strong Start, our biotin-infused base coat, boosts nail strength and helps reinforce for less weak and brittle feeling nails.

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Strong Start Base Coat Frequently Asked Questions

  • Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a vital nutrient known to support the infrastructure of keratin, the primary protein that makes up your natural nails. By infusing biotin into Strong Start, the formula helps reinforce and bond the delicate layers of your nail plate, making weak nails feel significantly harder and less prone to splitting.

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46 reviews with 5 stars.
14 reviews with 4 stars.
2 reviews with 3 stars.
1 review with 2 stars.
0 reviews with 1 star.

overall rating

4.7

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1 to 8 of 63 reviews .
1 – 8 of 63 reviews

Excellent!

3 days ago
To start, I always have trouble getting my polish to stick. Usually within 1-3 days I consistently get chips no matter what prep method I use, polish I use, or top coat I use. But this base coat changed that. With one swipe + a quick dry polish and NO top coat my manicure lasted a full 6 days before chipping. Not to mention - I put it through the TEST. Between harsh chemicals on my hands, lots of activities, and the fact that I got in a serious car accident, my polish stuck on. Im amazed! If your looking for a good base coat, this is the one.
type of nail polish userregular/average

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Hands down the best top coats!

5 months ago
Hands down Essie makes the best base coats! Between Strong Start to Here To Stay! Leave my nails feeling strong and does not damage my nails!
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

It's making my nails peel and split.

8 months ago
Since using this base coat, my nails are peeling away! I have had the same reaction to UPI base and polish, so I do not use that brand. Essie has been my sole nail care for several years. I loved, loved Essie Smooth-e base. Why has it been discontinued??? Can you advise regarding finding an Essie base formula that won't damage my nails?
type of nail polish userdedicated/loyalist
helpful?
response from essie:
5 months ago
Consumer Care Center
Hi there MimiC7, We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. Another base coat option to consider is the Here To Stay Base Coat. https://www.essie.com/nail-care/base-and-top-coats/here-to-stay Meanwhile, if you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET

This base coat changed my life!!

a year ago
This is the best thing ever. I started using it a few years ago when my nails were insanely chippy and constantly chipping, and my nails are so SOLID! I could cut glass with how hard my nails are now. I recommend this to everyone.
favorite essie color family?reds
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Beautiful Nails

4 years ago
I have been using the Essie Strong Start + Us for a couple of months and I have definitely noticed my nails are not peeling or chipping as a result of using this product. I like that when I used the strong start as my base coat my top coat of color lasted longer and didn't chip or peel off. Definitely has helped my nails become stronger.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Necessary step!

4 years ago
I love painting my nails but sometimes that leaves my nails feeling a bit brittle. This base coat is amazing and I love that it is infused with biotin to make my nails stronger. Definitely recommend!!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Stronger Nails

4 years ago
I have a hard time getting my nails to grow. This nail treatment has worked wonders. My nails are the longest they have ever been! I use it as a base coat when I paint my nails another color. When I dont have color on I keep this on! My nails are so pretty

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Stronger nails

4 years ago
This essie base coat is a must have in my opinion. My nails always break so easily and are brittle. This has definitely helped with that. I have been using this for over a month now and my nails are much more healthier and stronger. I have used this with nail polish which makes it last even longer. I have even used this on its own and it makes my nails look simple but pretty. I have actually been able to grow out my nails longer without them breaking. I would highly recommend this to anyone that has the same issues with their nails as I do.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
1 – 8 of 63 reviews