Nail Growth & Glossy Protection Set: Step-by-Step Routine

By Lights Lacquer | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the correct order to use the Nail Growth & Glossy Protection Set for stronger-looking nails and a high-shine finish that lasts.

Quick answer

Apply the Growth Base Coat to clean, bare nails first, then follow with color if you like, and finish with the Quick-Dry Glossy Top Coat. Use this order every time to support stronger-looking nails and lock in shine.

Why the order matters for growth and gloss

The Growth Base Coat is designed to go directly on the nail plate, where it can support stronger, longer-looking nails. Putting it over polish or oil blocks that contact and wastes the layer. The Quick-Dry Glossy Top Coat, on the other hand, is a sealer: it protects whatever is underneath and adds a high-shine finish. Using the top coat first would trap nothing beneficial and leave the base coat exposed to wear.

If you paint color between the two, the base coat still does its job underneath, and the top coat seals the whole manicure. Skipping the top coat leaves the base coat vulnerable to chipping, so the protection step is not optional if you want the set to perform as intended.

One exception: when to skip the color layer

You do not need color to benefit from this set. If you want a natural, glossy look or need to give your nails a break from polish, use the base coat and top coat alone. The top coat still delivers shine and protection, and the routine stays the same. Just remember that the base coat should never be the last step.

Your step-by-step routine

Start with clean, dry nails: Wipe each nail with a lint-free pad and a drop of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to remove oils and residue. Let nails dry completely before moving on. Any oil left on the nail will stop the base coat from bonding, so this step is not skippable.
Apply one thin layer of Growth Base Coat: Brush a thin coat from cuticle to tip, wrapping the free edge if you can. Keep the layer even and avoid flooding the cuticle. A thick layer will pool and dry unevenly, so aim for a single smooth pass.
Add color if you want it: Paint one to two thin coats of your chosen polish over the base coat, letting each coat dry before adding the next. If you are short on time, one coat of color is enough; the top coat will still seal it.
Seal with Quick-Dry Glossy Top Coat: Apply a thin layer of top coat over the color or directly over the base coat if you are going bare. Cap the free edge to protect the tip. Do not press hard with the brush; a light touch prevents streaks in the glossy finish.
Let it set and maintain: Allow the top coat to dry completely before using your hands for tasks. Reapply the top coat every two to three days to refresh shine and extend wear. A quick top-coat refresh mid-week is the easiest way to keep the glossy look and protect the base layer.

Product facts

Nail Growth & Glossy Protection Set: The set includes a 13 ml Growth Base Coat and a 13 ml Quick-Dry Glossy Top Coat, both with an oval-stemmed, rounded wide paddle brush. The wide paddle brush covers the nail in fewer strokes, which helps you apply thin, even layers without streaks.
Nail Growth & Glossy Protection Set