What type of polish is applied to prevent chipping and give the nails a glossy, finished appearance?

The type of polish applied to prevent chipping and provide a glossy, finished appearance is the top coat. This product serves multiple purposes in nail care; it creates a protective barrier over the colored polish, enhancing durability and helping to maintain the polish's shine. The top coat not only seals the color underneath but also provides a smooth finish that resists wear and tear. This is especially important for maintaining the longevity of a manicure, as it helps to keep the nails looking fresh and well-groomed for a longer period.

In contrast, a base coat is applied before the color polish to create an adhesive surface, conditioning coat typically refers to treatments that nourish the nail, and nail hardener is designed to strengthen weak or brittle nails rather than enhance the finish or durability of polish.