Essie gel couture introduces an easy 2 step system for a gel like manicure first choose one of the super chic colors and apply two coats to the natural bare nails with long smooth strokes no base coat or uv or led lamp are needed let dry and then apply the specialized quick drying top coat to lock in the couture manicure it is not recommended to use a base coat reapply the top coat every few days for longer wear