I’m going to dive right in and start this post with a bold statement: this is the best base coat I’ve ever tried thus far, and as a beauty blogger I’ve tried a lot. The inspiration for this innovative formula has been the continuing success of BB and CC creams in the beauty world. Deborah Lippmann believes that nails are like skin and must be tended to with the same care. I share the same belief.
This goes beyond being just another base coat. It is a multi-tasking nail treatment formulated with a special hydrating complex infused with panthenol, which helps to moisturize, strengthen, and protect the look of the nails, while treatment correctors assist with concealing imperfections of the nail bed, brightening, priming and filling in ridges for a flawless-looking mani with improved wear.
I must admit I am a serious skeptic whenever a bold claim is attached to a product. I raise an eyebrow (okay I don’t actually do that because I physically can’t, although I secretly wish I could), I approach it with curious interest and set out to decide for myself. And that’s exactly how I approached this product. I love what the brand Deborah Lippmann stands for and how the nail polishes are formulated (all 5-free, all meant to provide nail health benefits), but I think because of that you trade off some of the mani longevity most of us prefer. I am a busy beauty blogger mom, I don’t need to tell you how hard it is to keep a manicured hand when you’re constantly chasing after a rambunctious toddler, washing sippy cups, folding countless laundry loads on a weekly basis, removing makeup, washing makeup brushes, washing the puppy. Yes, my life resembles a circus with many juggling acts. Many might relate, others might not, but I think we can all agree on one thing: life is hectic and time is never enough. As such, we need products that perform. For me, most Deborah Lippmann nail polishes do not perform. I’ve tried a variety of shades from her range and on me, they all chip within a day or two, the formula can be streaky and doesn’t apply easily. So you can see why I never thought It’s All About That Base would be such a great product.
My Experience
I decided to try the product for review purposes and had zero expectations. It is a base coat after all, so I didn’t think it would do more than just that. It is a shear beige color (which made me skeptical at first), but that actually dries clear with a matte, textured finish, similar to the kind of finish you get if the nails are buffed, obviously without subjecting your nails to the buffing block. This texture allows the nail polish applied on top to adhere better and last longer. The formula is definitely thicker and a little gooey, but don’t let that scare you. I did not find that it was difficult to apply, streaky or that it didn’t apply evenly. I have fine ridges on some of the nails and I found that this base coat filled those evenly. I’m guessing the thicker, gooey formula helps with that. It dries almost immediately after it’s applied, so no need to wait to apply the main polish. I don’t like to wear it on its own as I’m not a fan of the matte look. I prefer a glossy, lacquered finish but you most certainly can and if you so desire, two coats is what’s recommended.
I paint my nails once or twice a week depending on what I have going on and as such, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve used this base coat already. Countless times. In the past, my nails had a tendency to split and peel when bare but I’ve noticed that they are looking healthier and not as dry as they typically were. Additional disclosure: I’m also taking hair and nail supplements, which I’ve reviewed here, but which I’ve been on prior to using this base coat as well. If you ask me to what I attribute the improvement in the overall look and condition of my nails, I would say a combination of the supplements and using this nail treatment. The Deborah Lippmann nail treatment offers immediate and visible results, but I believe the supplements work from within to deliver a similar outcome.
What Else You Need to Know
I love that the Deborah Lippmann It’s All About That Base is a five-free formula (does NOT contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, or camphor), does NOT contain parabens or sulfates and is NOT tested on animals. Win win win.
Have you tried this miracle worker base coat yet? What are some of your favorite base coats at the moment?
I currently use the Essie base coat but I like that this one is a nail treatment as well. Will have to check it out. Great review!
Same for me. I enjoy my Essie base coat but prefer the Deborah Lippmann one which also provides nail health benefits. Definitely check it out. Hope you like it as much as I have. ~ Cat L.
Cat you have to stop enabling me to shop I got the jade roller the dry brush now I am
Getting this base coat and definitely trying the Deborah nail polish as I have never used them. Your recommendations are on point and trust your advice. Talking about busy lives I am at work taking a little breather before I get back to my never ending list so I feel u, I know the circus that’s mummy life ?, have a great day my friend . X
Esnath, I can’t help but chuckle as I read your comment as I consider you one of my biggest enablers! I am a fan of your blog http://www.prettypeachblossom.com and every time I read your posts I feel like I have no skincare products, no makeup, no makeup brushes, etc and I need to shop your posts as soon as possible! I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful. The Deborah Lippmann polishes don’t last on me that long, but this particular base coat is amazing. Definitely try it out if you get a chance! ~ Cat L.
I am definitely trying it, thanks you for such beautiful inspirational posts my Cat ?. X
Great review, Cat! Your posts are always so informative and your recommendations are spot on. This base coat sounds great, will check it out next time I’m in Sephora.
Hi Carmen, I think this base coat is definitely one of the best out there and I like that it’s also a nail treatment as well. If you get a chance to try it out, I hope you like it as much as I have. ~ Cat L.
Such a great review! I’ve never tried DL but I’ve really been wanting to! I’ve only tried Zoya and Essie and I think the Essie top coat is amazing but the Zoya base coat is eh. Doesn’t withstand all the mom work I have to do and my nails chip pretty fast! Thanks for sharing this, Cat!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Kate. I am beyond obsessed with your blog makeupbrew.com so your opinion means a lot to me. Deborah Lippmann nail polishes are all natural in formulation, but I’ve found they don’t last on me that long. However, this base coat is amazing as it goes beyond just another base coat. It is a nail treatment meant to help nourish and condition the nails. At the same time, it conceals and covers imperfections of the nail bed, allowing the nail polish applied on top to adhere a lot better. I definitely recommend trying it. ~ Cat L.
I love Smith &Cult at the moment just because I cook and prepare food all the time and I don’t want those toxic stuff on the food I prepare for my family. Yes I know how busy a mother and wife can be, I even think sometimes were Superwoman. As always I love your post I’ll try your recommendations since 15% cash back on ebates is a big win win ???.
Thank you as always for reading and for your comments. I greatly appreciate your support. Yes, being a wife and/or a mother is also my idea of Superwoman. Might seem easy and effortless from the outside, but it takes a lot of work and effort. If you do end up trying the Deborah Lipmann base coat, hope you like it as much as I do. ~ Cat L.
It surely sound great. I am currently using the Pink Gel Coat by Physician’s formula, but as a beauty junkie and based on your great experience, I will be giving this one a try ^_^ Thank you for sharing darling. Xox
Thanks for stopping by, Anxhela. I really enjoy reading your blog luxbubs.blogspot.com so your feedback is greatly appreciated. I have not tried the Pink Gel but it does sound like something I should try out when this Deborah Lippmann runs out, all in the name of beauty research of course 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Well you have convinced me to try as I happen to be looking for a new base coat so this ties in well! If I am making you try new ‘top coats’ then I think I can be sire to trust your judgement too! lol This is exactly the base that I like and the shade is perfect. I have used DL nail shades some few years ago and loved them but kind of forgot about the brand sadly. Great images as always and a great blog read!
Thanks lovely, Kelly xxx
Thank you for reading and commenting, Kelly. Your blog kellilash.com is one of my favorites to read. I enjoy your writing style, your reviews and recommendations as well as your personal style. You could get me to buy and try just about anything, not only top coats. 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat!
I never find time to paint my nails, though I’d like to do it more often because it also prevents me from biting them 🙂
When I do, I never apply a base coat but only a top coat (my favourite one is from Revlon). I don’t even own many nail polishes to be honest, just three or four colours I like (quite average colours: red, purple, blue).
I have a favourite nail product though, is the Dior creme abricot. have you ever tried it? This is the miracle product, I swear! you put it on your nails at night and in the morning they look as if you had just had a manicure. Let me know if you’ve heard of this before… xx
Silvia
http://www.theskincabinet.com
Hi Silvia, thank you for stopping by. I enjoy reading your blog http://www.theskincabinet.com so your opinion is always valuable to me. I have tried the Dior crème abricot and it really is a wonderful product and one of my favorite Dior items, along with my beloved Crème de Roses for the lips. I do enjoy painting my nails and in fact, I don’t go too many days without a manicure. I prefer to do it myself at home, as I find it very therapeutic and a nice way to unwind. If you get a chance to try the Deborah Lippmann nail treatment, I strongly recommend it, especially as a base for the nails. Thank you again for reading and commenting! ~ Cat L.
Cat,
I have tried the Deborah Lippmann nail polish and you are definitely accurate when you say they do not last , but I have never thought to use the base coat , right now I use Essie or OPI , for some reason I have always gone the cheaper route when it comes to my base coats , never giving a thought that that’s where maintaining or attaining healthy nail grow start , amongst other aspects. Great post! I’m looking forward to trying DL base coat.
Thank you so much! I definitely recommend the Deborah Lippmann base coat especially as a treatment for the nails. If you do end up trying it, I hope you like it as much as I have. 🙂 ~ Cat L.