essie Strong Start Base Coat - strengthening - 0.46 fl oz
$10.99
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- $11.19 - $11.99reg $15.19 - $18.69 Sale2.3 out of 5 stars with 3 ratings
- $26.99($0.45/count)$5 Target GiftCard with $30 hair & skin care purchase4.5 out of 5 stars with 2671 ratings
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Guests are saying
This base coat has garnered positive feedback for its ability to strengthen nails and provide a smooth finish, making it ideal for both standalone use and as a foundation for colored polish. Guests appreciate its quick-drying formula and the shine it imparts, which enhances the natural look of nails. Many have noted significant improvements in nail health, with reduced chipping and peeling, making it a favorite among those seeking a reliable base coat.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars with 346 reviews
easy to apply: 4.73 out of 5
easy to remove: 4.75 out of 5
long lasting: 3.4 out of 5
quality: 3.5 out of 5
value: 3.45 out of 5
50% would recommend
28 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
19 May, 2026Verified purchase
Great quality base coat strengthener/hardener
This is a terrific hardener base coat. I can use 2 coats and my ridges (one nail) are smoothed out as well. polish lasts quite well on it. The price is fair but I wouldnt pay more. Essie products really are the premier in quality surpassing OPI and CND by a mile.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
27 April, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Used this as a base coat by itself (no polish or top coat) and the formula has lasted really well for the past week. It made my natural nails very shiny and the sine hasn’t died down too much which I’m very impressed with. I’m sure it’ll work great if you add colored polish on top.
5 out of 5 stars
26 April, 2026
(no review title)
Good
5 out of 5 stars
20 March, 2026
originally posted on essie.com
Hands down the best top coats!
Hands down Essie makes the best base coats! Between Strong Start to Here To Stay! Leave my nails feeling strong and does not damage my nails!
5 out of 5 stars
1 March, 2026
originally posted on essie.com
Save Smooth E Base Coat!!!
This is a great product in that it is a strengthener for unique- no other product out there Essie! That has a semi matte finish- not matte ( too flat) not gloss( too much)- so used alone, your nails look naturally healthy.. if you then want to dress it up with polish, the texture grabs the polish and holds it better than any other base coat I have tried. Essie- please do not discontinue this product!
5 out of 5 stars
17 February, 2026
originally posted on essie.com
BRING IT BACK!!
Why has Smooth-e been discontinued? It is my favorite Essie product!!! PLEASE BRING IT BACK💜
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
9 February, 2026Verified purchase
Very nice
I love it as a base polish! Great quality, and can even be just a nice clear polish to wear alone.
5 out of 5 stars
26 January, 2026
originally posted on essie.com
Please bring it back
Please bring this back!!!!! It is the best for ridges.
2 out of 5 stars
29 December, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
It's making my nails peel and split.
Since using this base coat, my nails are peeling away! I have had the same reaction to UPI base and polish, so I do not use that brand. Essie has been my sole nail care for several years. I loved, loved Essie Smooth-e base. Why has it been discontinued??? Can you advise regarding finding an Essie base formula that won't damage my nails?
1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 2 months ago
Hi there MimiC7, We want to understand what happened just as much as you do. Another base coat option to consider is the Here To Stay Base Coat. https://www.essie.com/nail-care/base-and-top-coats/here-to-stay Meanwhile, if you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
9 September, 2025
Previously used product
This was received used!
1 reply from Essie Team team - 8 months ago
Hi Rosie. Thank you for reaching out to Essie regarding the Strong Start Base Coat. We're sorry to hear the product was previously used. Since you ordered the product from Target we recommend you contact them directly.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
25 August, 2025
No product in order
Did not get my item placed in my pick up order.
1 reply from Essie Team team - 9 months ago
Hi Mastites. Thank you for reaching out to Essie. We're sorry to hear you did not get your order. Since you ordered the item from Target we suggest you contact them directly.
5 out of 5 stars
6 August, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Essie Smooth E
Essie Smooth E Can you please send my review to your team? Will you please bring this back so I can repurchase?
5 out of 5 stars
1 August, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Love this SO much, but can’t find it to repurchase
Best product EVER, but I can’t find it anywhere! What’s up with that?
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 July, 2025
Used
Would have been better if it wasn’t used. Impossible to tell when it was opened.
5 out of 5 stars
17 June, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Only thing that works for ridges
Listen to all of your loyal customers and BRING THIS BACK! Aren’t they who you make your products for?
5 out of 5 stars
15 June, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Bring back Smooth-e
Great product, really works well. Unfortunately I can’t find it in any local stores. Please bring Smooth-e back!
5 out of 5 stars
13 June, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Beautiful shard, very versatile
I bought this shade not realizing it was more of a sheer polish or topper, but I wasn’t disappointed at all that it was! It has build ability which is nice. For any profession that calls for neutral shades or nails I definitely think this would pass and be a fun spin on bare nails.
5 out of 5 stars
26 April, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Only ridge filler that works
PLEASE bring this product back!!! The only product I’ve ever used that smoothed my nails.
5 out of 5 stars
8 April, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
My forever shade
This has been my staple color for a couple of years now paired with matte top coat. Never discontinue!!
5 out of 5 stars
26 March, 2025
originally posted on essie.com
Where can we buys this now??
Why can’t I find it anymore???? I love it!!! Bring it back!!!