Essie Strong Start is a transparent base coat with a hardening formula. The product is used before nail polish and is enriched with biotin, which helps strengthen the nails. Fights peeling, chipping and breakage and makes the nail better protected and less brittle. essie Top Coat is a transparent, coloured aftercoat. High performance with brilliant finish, quick and easy application and drying in less than a minute. It can be used with any nail polish and does not make it opaque.