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2023 is a year of gloss. We wear it on our lips and our nails. However, that doesn’t mean that a matte polish finish can be easily disregarded. At the end of the day, trends come and go – some of them we say goodbye to with relief, some are there to stay as timeless stylistic choices that always look good.
That is the case for matte nails.
Elegant, moody, expensive-looking matte manicure can elevate your image and offer you the flexibility to match various circumstances in your life. Formal business meeting? Going out and about with your girlfriends? Celebrating an anniversary with your beau? Matte nails can do it all!
Today, we will learn the power of a matte top coat, as well as all the useful tips on how to apply it and keep it looking fabulous for longer!
Before we dive right into our quick and easy matte top coat tutorial, let’s spend some time on the why of it all. What are some of the greatest benefits of this nail finish? There’s a lot to choose from!
First and foremost, matte nail polishes still look fantastic, even though the true boom for this style is years behind us. The secret hides in the simplicity of this finish. This clean, elevated look brings out sophistication and elegance.
And, since many people prefer shiny and glossy finishes nowadays, going with a matte top coat differentiates you from the crowd. That’s one way to look both in trends and unique at the same time!
Thanks to its muted, heavier finish, matte nails can be a great base for some interesting, surprising nail art designs. Mixing sparkles with a matte base can offer you truly remarkable end effects.
Some people like to do half matte, half gloss, some combine various finishes in one manicure, and some others use a matte base to let the other elements of their project truly shine.
Wherever you fall, there’s no denying that matte nail polishes can be immensely helpful in letting your creativity run free.
One thing we truly love about our matte top coats is the fact that they allow us to hide every little imperfection in our manicures with very little effort.
Matte finish is a great camouflage for all the little bumps and scratches on your nail polish. If you don’t have that much experience with nail art, you may find it particularly enjoyable to use a matte top coat, sort of as a magic wand.
One, two strokes, and all the troubles disappear.
We can also attest to the fact that a matte top coat is a great product to use when you want to prolong the freshness of your manicure. Matte top coats are formulated to resist chipping and fading for a longer time. As such, if you’re a fan of wearing the same manicure for an extended period, they are your best friend.
For a long-lasting manicure, we couldn’t recommend anything else!
How to apply matte nail polish? If this is the question that‘s been on your mind lately, we come to the rescue! Fear not – matte top coat application is very straightforward and will not take you a long time.
Let’s get started. And what better place to do that than from the prep work?
Making sure you have a clean base to work with is important. Preparing the nails will prolong the good condition of your manicure and offer you an overall easier application. Remove any oil and debris from your nails. Trim and shape your nails to your desired length and shape. You can also gently buff your nails if you deem it necessary, to create a smooth base for the nail polish.
Now it’s time for a base coat. It will protect your nails from staining and help you with even nail polish application. Just remember to wait until the base dries completely before moving on to the next step.
Maybe the most difficult part of the whole process, choosing the nail polish, is also one of the most enjoyable ones. The good news is that you are more than welcome to switch, mix, and match different colors, creating some beautiful pieces of art on your nails and matching them to your mood and occasion.
Unfortunately, we can’t make this choice easier for you, but be sure, ella+mila’s collection of great quality, vibrant nail polishes gives you a truly wide range of possibilities.
Apply your chosen nail polish in thin layers - at least two to create that nice pop of color. Make sure that nail polish has completely dried between each layer. Once you’re happy with the coverage, you can go ahead and apply the top coat!
Apply a matte top coat on your painted nails - one layer should be enough, but you can opt for more if you need it. Careful with the amount of product you use - we recommend wiping off excess product from the brush before application.
Start from the base of your nails and go upwards, covering the whole nail in a layer of the coat. Try to be as precise as you can along the edges for better results.
Be patient and let the matte top coat dry completely. You will see how the glossy layer transforms into a velvety matte finish. Be careful not to bump your nails into anything for a flawless look.
Remove traces of nail polish from the edges of your nails and the surrounding area. The best for this job is a small brush or a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover.
Secure the edges of your nails with a matte top coat to protect the polish from chipping and deteriorating quickly. Again, wait for it to dry before you move on to the last step.
Last but not least, treat your cuticles with a hydrating cuticle oil. Nails (and hands!) treated like that will look and feel phenomenal, matching your personality, energy, and style at all times.
How to use a matte top coat and make it look stunning? What to do when minor imperfections get in the way of you achieving that perfect, slick look?
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Bubbles and streaks are the true bad guys in this matte nail fantasy. But you can easily avoid them if you adhere to one simple rule. Wait enough time before applying a top coat on your painted nails.
This is a foolproof strategy to achieve a smooth, streak-free finish. It also makes the application process much simpler. Your nails should be completely dry before you apply a top coat on them. Trust us – it makes a big difference.
You can also help yourself by ensuring that the space you’re working in is free from debris, dust, and other contaminants. Particles in the air can easily stick to your painted nails, and that can ruin the whole look.
When painting your nails, it’s best to work in a well-ventilated room and use a lint-free wipe or brush to clean your nails and surrounding skin before applying the matte top coat.
Do you want to break from boredom and spread the wings of your creativity? Well, then, going with a matte coat is a superb choice. Grab your art brushes and stencils, and create some interesting geometric shapes and patterns. Contrast the matte top coat with glossy nail polish and bring to life some truly unique nail art that will make an impression wherever you go.
You can try your best, but mistakes happen. That’s not a reason to get discouraged. Sometimes, there’s a simple fix that can turn things around and help you hide some minor imperfections.
If you smudge your top coat by accident, you can lightly touch up the affected area with a more matte top coat to blend and even out the texture.
Just keep in mind that matte top coats dry pretty quickly, so acting swiftly is recommended here.
And just like that, we reached the end of this article. Now you know all the reasons why we adore matte top coat and why you should try it out! This timeless, elegant finish is incredibly versatile and very easy to obtain. All you need is a good matte top coat and a little bit of time.
Those who are more creative with their nail art will definitely find a lot of benefits in adding matte polishes to their arsenal.
