Topcoats

Quick-dry Topcoats
Quick-dry topcoats are typically applied while nail polish is still wet. Most quick-dry topcoats will get thicker as they are used up, affecting application. This can be easily remedied by refilling or thinning the topcoat, neither of which will affect application detrimentally. Seche Vite and Poshe are the most common quick-dry polishes, but as with all polishes, their success depends on each individual's body chemistry. Often specific brands will work better together in longevity and drying (ie, Chanel base coat and polish) and some are formulated to work as "systems" (ie, Zoya Color Lock), but this is optional. Below are some popular quick-dry topcoats.

Seche Vite (SV)
Known Issues:
 * Contains toluene (not B3F).
 * Shrinkage : This problem can be mitigated by wrapping tips or layering a non-quick-dry topcoat underneath SV.


 * Thickening: Exposure to air will cause SV to eventually thicken. It is recommended that a nail polish thinner (e.g. Seche Restore, Beauty Secrets Nail Polish Thinner from Sallys) be used to restore SV to its original consistency.

Poshe
Poshe is B3F, unlike Seche Vite.

Matte & Satin Topcoats
Mattifying topcoats change the look of polish to a matte finish (comparable to a flat paint finish ). Satin topcoats change the look of a polish to a semi-matte finish (similar to the finish of a neon nail polish or an eggshell paint finish). There is also variance in the level of mattifying even within each category. Some topcoats are misadvertised as matte finish, when they are in fact satin finish. There are also colored nail polishes with matte and satin finishes, although, obviously topcoats provide more versatility.

Matte & Satin Topcoats:

 * Essie Matte About You (very matte)
 * China Glaze Matte Magic (very matte)
 * Rescue Beauty Lounge Matte Top Coat (very matte)
 * Diamond Cosmetics Matte Top Coat (very matte)
 * ManGlaze Matt-Astrophe (very matte)
 * Nubar V for Men Matte Finish Nail Protector (matte)
 * NailTek Foundation II (matte; actually a base coat, but easily serves as a matte top coat)
 * P2 Matte Victim Top Coat (matte, only available in Europe)
 * Maybelline Matte Maker (matte, discontinued)
 * Orly Matte Top Coat (satin, discontinued but still available at etailers)
 * Orly Nails for Males (satin)
 * Barielle Matte-inee Top Coat (satin)
 * Chanel Laque Reflet Immédiat Quick Shine Glacé Quick Suede (satin, discontinued)

Links

 * Comparison & Rankings of 12 Top Coats in a Blind-Test (conducted by The Edge of Sanity blog)
 * Comparison of Some Matte & Satin Topcoats (All Lacquered Up)