| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation from a manicurist | Wall Street Journal | 09 Nov 2023 |
| Start of a paint job | New York Times | 06 Sep 2023 |
| Layer under nail polish | Universal | 08 Jan 2022 |
| Manicure layer | The Washington Post | 10 Apr 2021 |
| Manicure layer | LA Times Daily | 10 Apr 2021 |
| Foundational nail polish layer | USA Today | 20 Mar 2021 |
| Painter's primer, perhaps | Newsday | 30 Jul 2017 |
| What goes on before the finish | ||
| Layer beneath the finish |