Which product is essential for preventing nail stains?

The essential product for preventing nail stains is the base coat. A base coat creates a barrier between the nail plate and the colored polish, which can help prevent staining from pigments in darker or highly pigmented polishes. When applied before any color polish, the base coat also enhances the longevity of the manicure and provides a smoother surface for the color to adhere to, further reducing the risk of staining. This is particularly crucial for natural nails, which can absorb color and sustain damage from prolonged exposure to certain pigments found in nail polishes.

Other products listed play different roles in a manicure. A top coat, for example, is used to seal the polish and provide shine and protection but does not prevent staining from the polish applied underneath. Meanwhile, cuticle oil is important for maintaining healthy cuticles and nails but does not have a function in preventing stains from color polishes.