When I saw this article on the net, I was a little skeptical I admit. In particular I understood evil it so cheap with the composition pretty good he proposed. I do not use a top coat, but basic. And while I put over a very dark varnish (almost black blue), once removed manicure my nails were neat. No trace of pigmentation nor split nails, damaged. Typically the bases that I use cost a 3 times more expensive and leave me nail m **** thereafter. By cons I have used only 2 times for now. So I'm waiting to see if after more applications remains just as effective (hence the 4 stars, I will add another if it keeps its qualities over time)