Seche Vite is one of the leading brands and options when it comes to getting a top coat.
Many simply opt for it on that fact alone. But should you?
Chances are, if you are here, you are considering purchasing and using it but are first questioning whether it is actually the best out there.
And thankfully, I am here to break down the product and will help provide you with the information you need to make a decision.
Considering top coat is so crucial to the appearance and preservation of your latest mani, the decision you make here (and going forward) is of great importance.
So with this in mind, let’s delve into the product to get my honest thoughts and opinions have used it numerous times throughout the years.
Seche Vite Top Coat Review – Quick Verdict
Seche Vite Top Coat is a practical, affordable product, but in my opinion and experience, it doesn’t quite match the quality of Kur Flash Dry Top Coat.
I prefer Kur Topcoat for its improved durability, longevity, ease of application, and coverage.
What Does Seche Vite Top Coat Do?
Seche Vite Top Coat is a clear liquid that can be applied over wet nail polish to provide strength, gloss, durability and a means to prevent chipping.
In short, you would use Seche Vite to protect and extend the wear of your manicure.
And it is designed to be ‘fast-drying’, meaning that it should set and protect your nails within minutes of application.
How Do You Use Seche Vite Top Coat?
To use Seche Vite top coat, you first need to apply your nail polish.
From there, you should create a nice bead of Seche Vite on the end of your brush, and apply Seche Vite thickly over each nail.
Interestingly, you do this still while your nail polish is wet (this actually differs to most other brands on the market).
Then, you should wait for the top coat to dry.
At such a point, your nails should be protected. Though you may want to touch up in a couple of days for maximum protection and extended wear.
What Is Seche Vite Top Coat Made Of (The Ingredients)
Seche Vite Top Coat is made of a combination of chemical compounds.
Full ingredient list:
Butyl Acetate, Toluene, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Butoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Benzophenone-1.
As you can see from the above, it does contain Toluene.
And this particular odorless compound is considered one you should generally watch out for.
In fact, it is considered a toxic ingredient by many in the nail industry.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention include the following warning on their website:
“Exposure to toluene can cause eye and nose irritation, tiredness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, inflammation of the skin, and liver and kidney damage. Workers may be harmed from exposure to toluene.”
So it’s certainly a compound you need to be especially careful with.
Shockingly, on the HEB Seche Vite website, it states this:
“Safety Warning: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
My Experience With Seche Vite Top Coat
I’ve used Seche Vite Top Coat intermittently over the years as it is sold in most stores, is widely available, and is relatively cheap.
While I do tend to use it when needed, I must admit, it’s not my favorite top coat out there.
Here’s why.
It carries a strong chemical odor.
And while it does dry quickly, I have found that nails are not immune to chipping and peeling, even when it has been properly applied and set.
For me, it’s used if and when you need it.
The Verdict
Seche Vite Top Coat is a widely accessible and useful option if you are in need of an affordable top coat.
Most users find that it gives them extra durability and an extended manicure, though at least in my experience, I find that it’s not quite as good as the online reviews may have you believe.
Then there is the Toluene which, for me, is something you should really try to actively avoid.
It’s such a shame it’s included in this product.
As such, I would strongly advise you to look for a product with a much safer ingredient profile.
Having spent a lot of time testing other brands, I have since become a huge advocate of the Kur Flash Dry Top Coat.
It applies so well, does not carry much of an odor (if any at all), and I find it’s very resistant to chipping.
Plus, the brand behind the top coat has a commitment, so you can trust in the ingredients they use based on the latest research.
So, my recommendation to you; go with Kur.
Well, it is at least the top coat I use.
It’s a product I’ve come to always have lying around.
In short, it does exactly what Seche Vite promises, arguably better (or definitely as as well), and you’ll benefit from other perks by going through the brand.
Kur Fast Drying Topcoat – My Preferred Alternative
You won’t get much better in a topcoat than this.
Plus it’s formulated without: Formaldehyde, Toulene, DBP, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Acetone, Xylene, TPHP, or Formaldehyde Resin and is Vegan and cruelty-free!
Related Questions
How long does Seche Vite top coat take to dry?
Seche Vite top coat typically takes 3-5 minutes to dry, depending on the amount applied and the conditions of the room in which you are applying it.
Do you apply Seche Vite to wet nails?
You do apply Seche Vite to wet nails.
Other top coat reviews you may want to check out:
Hey – I’m Jemma – a certified nail technician and manicurist with over fifteen years of hands-on industry experience. I created AlmondNails.com to share all that I have learned about the nail industry – from the different types of manicures available, suggestions for wear, recommendations for keeping nails strong and healthy, all the way through to providing the best nail salon tips and practices.