Shiny, well-groomed nails are probably the benchmark for a good manicure. Regardless, we need to move away from cream formulas and glittery color-shifting nail polish to something darker and edgier.
Matte nail polish is on the opposite side of the sparkles and glitters that we are so used to seeing. As its name implies, this polish does not have any shine. Ever since Alexander Wang set the trend back in 2010, matte nails have been trendy and stylish. You can find it on catwalks, celebrities and there are plenty of options available for the masses as well.
Catwalk trends may be very difficult and complicated to duplicate, but this matte trend is as easy as it gets. If you want to have matte nails, it is quite simple and easy. This trend is so possible it’s unbelievable.
How to get your nails matte
If you want a matte look, you have two different options to achieve it:
– Matte enamel: a good matte enamel will not leave any shine. After application they tend to dry quickly and should dry completely matte. There are different reviews for different brands, but many high-quality matte polishes are available in numerous shades.
– Matte Top Coat: Another friendly alternative is a top coat that can be applied over any other polish. From cream to glitter, metallic and color shift nail polish finishes, this matte top coat will simply kill the shine and turn your regular nail polish into a matte polish. Some of these top coats can influence the color of your base polish, but there are great brands for as little as $4 that can give you a perfect matte without changing color.
Matte top coat application
The method is different from applying any normal top coat because more care needs to be taken. A gloss coat does a lot to hide mistakes, but matte will do just the opposite. Any problems with the nails, such as streaks and irregularities, will only be magnified. You don’t have squeak protection with matte coats and some of them may take longer to dry.
Even with all its flaws, matte topcoat is pretty good and an inexpensive option compared to matte nail polish. You only need one bottle and you can combine it with various polish options, but you need to get different bottles of matte polish. For the colder months, the matte polish style is perfect. The trend is very chic and here are some fun ideas that you can incorporate using a matte top coat.
– Konad over matte: konad nail stamping can be combined with a matte layer to produce excellent designs. Apply 1-2 coats of your favorite polish, apply matte top coat over it, then stamp konad over it.
-Gloss over matte tips: This one is super easy and looks just as classy. Apply your polish of choice, place a strip of duct tape on the tips of your nails, and then paint over the entire nail with a matte top coat. The finished product will be a matte nail with shiny tips.
– Matte on gloss: this makes the gloss look unique. Applying a matte top coat over glitter polish is a great party look.