essie Strong Start Base Coat — 8-Free Vegan Strengthening Base Coat with Biotin, 0.46 fl oz

essie Strong Start is a clear, 8-free vegan base coat formulated with biotin to reinforce nails and create a stronger foundation for longer-lasting manicures.

Bring salon-level resilience to your at-home manicure with essie Strong Start. This lightweight base coat is designed to add structure and support to nails that feel thin, brittle, or prone to chipping. It works as the first step in a complete essie routine—apply before color and finish with a top coat—to help nails look smoother and polish wear better.

How does Strong Start strengthen nails?

The formula contains biotin, a nutrient often used in nail care to support the surface of the nail plate. When applied regularly as a base coat, it helps create a firmer layer that can reduce peeling and breakage.

• Biotin-enriched formula helps reinforce the nail surface.
• Clear, lightweight finish that won’t add unwanted thickness.
• Hardens slightly to reduce splitting at the tips.

What is the best way to use it for longer-lasting color?

For optimum results, apply one even coat of Strong Start on clean, dry nails before color. Follow with two coats of your chosen essie shade and finish with a top coat for shine and added protection.

• Prep: remove oils and old polish for better adhesion.
• One base coat layer, two color coats, one top coat recommended.
• Seal the free edge for improved chip resistance.

Is this base coat suitable for sensitive or ethical shoppers?

essie Strong Start is formulated without eight commonly used ingredients (8-free) and contains no animal-derived components. The brand also adheres to cruelty-free practices, making it a considerate choice for many ethical shoppers.

• 8-free formulation excludes select potentially harsh ingredients.
• Vegan: no animal-sourced ingredients used in the formula.
• Not tested on animals, aligned with cruelty-free standards.

How quickly will I notice a difference in my nails?

Some users see immediate cosmetic improvements—smoother surface and better polish adherence—while structural benefits from biotin build over repeated use. Expect visible reinforcement and fewer peeled edges after several regular applications.

• Immediate: improved polish base and smoother appearance.
• Short term (weeks): reduced chipping and fewer splits with continued use.
• Works best as part of a consistent nail-care routine.

Who is this for: essie Strong Start is ideal for anyone seeking a reliable base coat that supports weak or thin nails while delivering the perfect foundation for color. Whether you’re a polish novice or a mani enthusiast, if you want smoother polish application, a cruelty-free vegan formula, and improved resistance to peeling and breakage, this strengthening base coat fits into any at-home or salon-style routine.

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS BUTYL ACETATE ETHYL ACETATE PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/GLYCERIN/GLYCIDYL DECANOATE COPOLYMER NITROCELLULOSE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE DIMETHYL SULFONE ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER BIOTIN [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 60725 / VIOLET 2 ] D221742/1