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What is the purpose of a base coat in nail care?

  1. To add color

  2. To protect the nail and improve polish adherence

  3. To enhance shine

  4. To nourish the nail

The correct answer is: To protect the nail and improve polish adherence

A base coat serves a specific and crucial purpose in nail care by providing a protective layer on the natural nail and enhancing the adherence of nail polish. By applying a base coat, you create a smooth surface that prevents staining from colored polishes while also ensuring that the polish adheres better, leading to a more durable finish. This protective barrier can help extend the wear time of the manicure and prevents chipping and peeling. While adding color, enhancing shine, and nourishing the nail are important aspects of nail care, they are functions of other products such as color polishes and top coats rather than a base coat itself. The primary role of the base coat is protection and adherence, making it an essential step in any nail care routine.