I love lotus nailpaints as they are quick-dry and the brush is long and thin and easy to apply. I wasn't sure if its a base coat or a top coat but seeing the clear transparent (not yellowish) colour i feel its a top coat and can be applied simply as a nailpaint when you don't know what colour you want to apply but at the same time want beautiful hands :) I love to apply this transparent lotus nail paint as it gives my nails a very pretty, neat and healthy look without having to worry about the shade not matching my apparel, because it goes with anything.