I've only tried it under one manicure so far, but compared to my usual base coat it didn't perform as well so I'm not impressed. When I tried the Essie first base under my regular nail polish (Essie gel couture), the manicure chipped quicker than with my go-to base coat (Essence Gel Nail Polish Base Coat) and also some of my nails split (which the Essence base totally prevents). So I suppose it might protect the nails and extend the manicure lifetime to some extent, but definitely not as well as my usual Essence base which is much much cheaper than this base coat (as I wrote in my review of that product).All and all wouldn't recommend it.

The No1 thing I look for in a base coat is how well it protects my nails. This product does a pretty good job of that, it protects my nails from staining from most of the nail polishes, unless it's a very dark color. It also helps the nail polish apply better and (maybe) last longer. As long as you screw on the cap properly, it won't dry out until it's used up, I'm almost done with my bottle and it's still the same consistance as I first opened it.

I've been trying to find a reall good basecoat after using the OPI Natural Base Coat which sucked, and I heard about Essie First Base so I thought I'd try it out seeing as it had so many good reviews Biiiiiig mistake. Its really thin and start's chipping within 1-2 days, total waste of money and worse than the OPI which also sucked. And for what I payed for it it was a total waste of money and I don't like to waste money, The first time I tried I was like ok this isn't great but I'm gonna try it out again, Its been a month, I'm done. I'm set with my Seche Vite Top Coat but I just can't find the right Base Coat

Ok, I did a review a few weeks ago about CND Stickey base coat, but after using this Essie for the last two manicures, this is the ONE! My complaint about Stickey is that it tends to flood the nail bed -this doesn't do that. It does give you a tacky finish so that nail polish adheres much better. The box says this is a base coat and primer. Picked up another bottle yesterday at Bed Bath and Beyond -Black Friday sale on all Essie products two-for-one price.

I hate the expression "game changer" but that's the best way to describe it. It seems to protect my nails when I take polish off. Usually my nails become brittle and break and break and break but in the past week I have done four color changes without any damage. I will absolutely purchase again.