A chic manicure can instantly up your style game and make you look put together. While glossy nails look pretty, matte polishes have a special place in our heart. They look so smart and can take your manicure game several notches higher. But if you don’t have matte nail paint on hand, worry not, we’re going to teach you not one, but five ways in which you can turn any nail paint matte. Yes, really. Excited? Read on…
- 01. Invest in a clear matte top coat
- 02. Mix it with some talc
- 03. Buff the polish
- 04. Use a powdered blush
- 05. Steam it!
01. Invest in a clear matte top coat
Similar to how a clear lip gloss in your collection can turn up the shine of all of your lipsticks, investing in a clear matte top coat can give even regular nail polishes a matte finish. A clear matte top coat will not only give you the matte texture you desire but also extend the life of your manicure.
02. Mix it with some talc
Image courtesy: @MichelleSkinner
Powders have been used to shine-proof faces, products and other things for ages. So if you want the matte version of your favourite polish, try mixing it with some talcum powder. You can also use stuff like cornstarch and baking powder. But make sure you are doing it with a small quantity of polish instead of just dumping powder in the entire bottle. Pour some polish on a mixing palette or bowl, add powder and use a toothpick to mix the two together. Apply with a brush for a flawless matte finish.
BB picks: Pond’s Magic Freshness Talcum Powder Acacia Honey
03. Buff the polish
If you think mixing in the powder will be too much of a chore, opt for lightly buffing the polish to give it a matte finish. Wait for a couple of hours for your manicure to completely cure (dry) and lightly buff the surface. Ensure you are not buffing off the top coat, but be thorough enough to cover the entire area with the buffer for an even look.
04. Use a powdered blush
To create lovely pastel pinks and reds matte colours, use a powdered blush to create a matte finish. Take a small amount of white nail lacquer on a glass dish and add some powdered blush and talc to it. Mix with a toothpick and apply all over your nails for a pretty matte manicure in a shade that is so uniquely created by you!
BB picks: Lakme Face Sheer Blusher, Lakme True Wear Color Crush Nail Colour - Shade 10
05. Steam it!
Instead of letting your nail polish air dry, use a facial steamer to steam it while it dries. Be careful about the steamer’s heat and intensity as you do not want to damage your skin. Steaming your nails while they dry will turn down your polish’s shine factor and give it a soft matte finish.
Written by Sumona Bose on Jan 08, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!