I use this only as a strengthener not a base or top coat period. I have used this product for only a week per instructions on the box. That is why there is only a 3 rating. My nails usually get to a certain length and just break. With this they feel stronger and I have not had a tear or break yet(my nails are about 1 cm from the tip of my finger). I love the rubber grip and the shine is amazing. I do understand the peeling, though, which did happen after the first day. I remedied this simply by applying a second coat.

SIDE NOTE: I don't normally make reviews, however I do appreciate people who take the time to make one. Most of the time this is how I make my shopping decisions. I had to comment because after seeing many of the reviews there are many comments on how it's a terrible base coat. On the box it says it is not supposed to be used with nail lacquers. ( I wish I could put this in bold).

I just don't want so many bad reviews to deter from what could possibly be a great product for someone( because as with most beauty products, they don't work the same for one person as they would for another).

For some reason, this works terribly as a base coat but fantastically as a top coat. It dries very quickly and provides a glossy protective coat that lengthens the life of my manicure.

i took this from my mom's house as i had just started to wear artificial nails, and figured in b/w i could "strengthen" up my nails. im so glad i did NOT pay for this. it literally peels off in 1 piece. does not STAY on nails. i am going to sneak this back into her hall closet, and pretend i never "borrowed" it.

I am shocked with all of the negative reviews on this product. For one I do not use Tough Cookie as a base coat or a top coat maybe that's why I'm having success with it.


I have natural nails that's maybe 1/2 inch past my fingertips. I don't use gel, acrylic or wraps. My current routine is to use a moisturizing base coat, this product (Orly Tough Cookie) OR a nail strengthener with bits of garlic, 2 coats of polish and a top coat.


I find when I use this product it not only makes my nails a little stronger, but it makes the nail polish adhere easier as well.


Occasionally I will apply a very thin amount as a top coat. I do love the shine and how fast it dries. The scent is a bit odd, but it does not linger. It's a keeper for me.

This stuff peels right off my nails in less than a day! With or without nail polish over it, it just peels, all of it. Did Orly tested this before putting it on the market???
Canīt say if it will make nails stronger, since it wonīt stay on long enough to find out.
I will throw mine to the garbage right now, do not buy this!!!!!!

In the NZ market, there isn't many products out there to choose from, and what we do have is very expensive. At $13 for 9mL its half the price of OPI , which is why I bought it. I expected a brand like Orly to still come through and last more than 2 hours. By the end of a day of doing really nothing at all, every single nail would be peeled at least halfway up the nail - more often than not the whole nail would just peel off.

Disappointed that I spent so much on something that does the COMPLETE opposite than its designed for...

Not sure what all the bad reviews are about but I don't use this as a base coat but only as a top coat and it works awesome! My pedi lasts really long and my mani lasts longer than normal without chipping (1-2 weeks at least). I've had it for a long time and always use it as a top coat even when I go to salons. I find it to be thick and put on two coats to ensure it lasts. No problems here and would buy it again when I run out!

Worst base coat I have ever used. Like many others this makes my nail polish peel off in sheets within a day and my nails are no stronger for using it. Horrible, and it cost me $13 (NZ) for a small 9ml bottle. Never buying it again.

HORRIBLE! HORRIBLE!!! It's products like this that make me feel wonder: HOW does this SHITE get released and distributed??!! Did ANYONE at Orly USE THIS?! As a base coat, about 12 hours after applying, my nail polish started PEELING. IN SHEETS. This is completely and utterly WORTHLESS. Do not, under any circumstances, waste your $ on this garbage.

I bought this to use as a strengthener/base coat...but it is horrible, polish absolutely does not stick to it and when worn alone it peels off in a day or so..Horrible product Orly, just horrible.