Hellobee Boards

I feel like every piece of the puzzle is important. I use OPI base coat, OPI or Essie polish, and Seche Vite top coat (the BEST.. you can buy it online here http://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Nail-Ounce/dp/B00150LT40)

If it's a light color, I skip the base, do one coat, and then apply a top coat! (In the salon, they do base, 1 coat as per my request, and then top coat.) In my experience, the thinner the application, the longer the mani lasts (without reapplying the top coat).

Top coat is most important to me. I agree with @Mae: I like Seche Vite (it's the best out there) BUT it isn't 3free and it is very smelly. I don't use it while I'm pregnant. Out the Door is another great option that is 3free but still dries fast and gives a really shiny coat. It's what I use all the time!

http://www.amazon.com/INM-Out-Door-Coat-Ounce/dp/B000EVGQ8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392670996&sr=8-1&keywords=out+the+door+top+coat

CND has a base coat "sticky" and it quite litterly is sticky until you put your polish on. They also have A super fab top coat that is great too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013JHGPO?cache=332ff44948f34540c4cc6aac22cc1e56#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1392673781&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0083HG6X2?cache=332ff44948f34540c4cc6aac22cc1e56&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70#ref=mp_s_a_1_4&qid=1392673852&sr=8-4

I can't pick one or the other. I swear by zoya base coat, zoya polish (thin coats, let dry completely in between coats), and INM Out the Door topcoat. It's very thin and dries super quickly and it's 4 free. Wrap the tips with every coat. I can keep a mani for 6-7 days with this configuration lol. I bring my own when I go to the salon.
I read a really great tip - swipe nails with white vinegar as your first step. Same principle as using remover or acetone but no need for more chemicals. It's not necessary for everyone but if you find your polish chips very easily you may have more oils in your nails so it's important to get rid of them before polishing.