Even Nurses Who Wash Their Hands "100 Times Per Shift" Rely on the $11 Nail Top Coat I’ve Used for 24 Years

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It keeps my nails fresh and extends manicures.

My cousin, a licensed cosmetologist, has long been my go-to for beauty product recommendations. Her advice is especially solid when it comes to nail care. I remember when she first recommended Seche Vite, an InStyle favorite for best quick dry top coat, which has since become my manicure must-have.

She explained that it dries so fast that after she finishes polishing her nails, she can immediately pick her baby up. Anyone who’s ever done an at-home manicure knows that drying freshly polished nails requires at least 20 minutes of waving and fluttering your hands — or sitting perfectly still if you’re patient — before touching anything, let alone cuddling an infant.

I immediately ran out to get what would be the first of many bottles I would purchase over the years. Considering the previously-mentioned baby just turned 24, I’m coming in hot on my silver anniversary as a Seche Vite superfan. Sure, I’ve dabbled in acrylics, gels, and dip powders over the years, but I actually enjoy doing my own nails most of the time. Sitting around waiting for them to dry? Not so much.

Shop now: $11; ulta.com