Most nail polishes give a glossy finish to the nails. Nowadays, however, opaque enamels (also called "mat" or "matte") are in fashion. Some brands offer products that allow you to get a matte result, but they are not always available and some are quite expensive. If you don't want to buy them, there are homemade methods to create a matte effect without spending too much: just use steam or cornstarch.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Corn Starch to Create a Matte Effect
Step 1. Apply a base on your nails
- Apply the base very subtly.
- Before applying any nail polish, remember to polish and file your nails.
- Clean each nail with a cotton swab dipped in solvent.
- Let the base dry.
Step 2. Get a piece of aluminum foil or wax paper
Pour a few drops of nail polish on this surface.
- Get a toothpick and a package of cornstarch.
- Take a very small amount of cornstarch and mix it with the nail polish.
- Do this quickly, otherwise the nail polish will dry out.
- The enamel will be denser than usual, but that's not a problem.
- Make sure the nail polish is not too thick, otherwise you will not be able to apply it properly on the nails.
Step 3. Use a clean brush to paint the nails with the mix
Apply it as usual.
- Remember to start with the cuticle.
- Paint the nails in three passes: one in the center and two on the sides.
- Leave a little free space around the nail for a professional effect.
Step 4. Let the polish dry completely
Once it is dry, you will have a matte effect, far from shiny.
- Remember not to blow on your nails or move your hands.
- Let the nail polish dry by placing your hand on a flat surface and spreading your fingers.
- You shouldn't apply a glossy top coat on this nail polish, otherwise the matte effect will fade.
Method 2 of 3: Use a Mattifying Top Coat
Step 1. Buy a mattifying top coat
You can apply it on nail polishes with a glossy effect to make them matte. In this way, you will not be forced to buy nail polishes of colors that you already have but with a matte effect. In any case, there are also matte glazes: the choice is up to you.
- Numerous brands offer both matte glazes and matting top coats. The most expensive brands are OPI and Essie; the Revlon is placed in an intermediate price range, while, if you want cheap products, try those of Essence.
- In addition to these brands, there is Sally Hansen, which offers a matte top coat to be applied on the classic glazes to obtain a matte effect.
- Try shopping at stores like Acqua & Sapone or Sephora to find a wide variety of matte nail polish colors and brands.
Step 2. Before painting your nails, use a file that also has a smoothing function
These tools even out the surface and shape the nails, so you will get a good result.
- While filing your nails, hold the file at a 45 ° angle.
- Follow the shape of the cuticles to naturally curve the nails.
- Smooth the surface of the nails to eliminate any imperfections and make it uniform.
- Nail bumps or dents are more visible when you apply matte polish.
Step 3. Rub a solvent-soaked cotton ball on your nails
Pass it over the entire nail.
- Push it into the cuticle area and the sides of the nails.
- This product also removes traces of dirt and other residues found on the nails.
- It also removes the natural oil from the nails, which acts as a barrier and prevents the nail polish from taking root.
- Let your nails dry. This should only take a couple of seconds.
Step 4. Apply a clear base to your nails
Many glazes have a built-in base.
- To find out if the nail polish you will apply contains it, read the label.
- If not, apply a thin base coat on each nail.
- Apply the base on the dominant hand with the non-dominant one; start on the little finger and work your way up to the thumb. This allows you to apply the product without risking touching or smudging the fresh nail polish.
Step 5. Apply the colored nail polish
First, dab the brush on the neck of the bottle to remove excess product.
- Bring the brush close to the cuticle, then push it towards the base of the nail without staining the skin.
- Paint each nail in three passes: one in the center and two on the sides.
- Leave a small gap around the edges of the nail for a professional result.
Step 6. Fix the imperfections
Dip a cotton swab in the solvent.
- Correct any mistakes by wiping a moistened cotton swab over the areas you have soiled.
- Look at your nails one last time to make sure you have corrected all mistakes.
- Let the nail polish dry for at least two minutes.
Step 7. Apply a top coat
If you use matte nail polish, you won't need it.
- If you're using a classic nail polish, try a mattifying top coat like Sally Hansen's.
- Apply it the same way you applied the colored nail polish.
- Let the top coat dry completely.
- Do not blow on the nail polish and do not shake your hands. Let it dry with your hands flat and fingers spread.
Method 3 of 3: Using Steam to Create a Matte Effect
Step 1. Paint your nails with a classic nail polish
Start by filing and smoothing your nails, then clean them one at a time.
- Apply a base and let it dry.
- Apply the colored nail polish, avoiding to thicken the color too much.
- Correct any errors with a cotton swab dipped in solvent.
- Let the nails dry completely.
Step 2. Pour some water into a saucepan, then put it on the stove over high heat
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Make sure that a lot of steam comes out of the saucepan.
- The steam will help dull the polish.
Step 3. Place your hand on the steam
You will need to fully expose your nails to the steam.
- Usually you need to let the steam work on each coat for 3-5 seconds.
- Try not to put your hand too close to the saucepan, otherwise you risk getting burned by the steam!
- Slowly move your hand over the saucepan to make sure all parts of the nails are receiving the steam.
- Check the polish. It should have a dull appearance. If some parts are still shiny, keep your hand on the steam for another 3-5 seconds.
