Chic and sophisticated, matte nail polish is all the rage in the beauty world. However, some matte nail polishes can be expensive, among other things, not everyone is willing to buy a product that they will not use often. Luckily, there are some simple tricks to dull a classic nail polish. This article will tell you how to make small amounts or a whole bottle.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Baking Powder
Step 1. Get everything you need
When you apply the nail polish, you have to act fast, otherwise it will dry out and be hard to work with. Here is a list of what you need to have on hand:
- Baking powder.
- Saucer or container.
- Make-up brush.
- Base and enamel.
Step 2. Sift the baking powder into a small bowl
You have to get rid of all the lumps that are in the yeast, otherwise they will ruin the surface of the glaze.
Step 3. Apply the polish on one hand, but first apply a base
Choose the nail polish you prefer and put it on. For now, don't apply it to your other hand - for this procedure, the nail polish must be fresh.
Step 4. Apply baking powder to wet nails
Dip the makeup brush in the baking powder, then gently swipe it over the fresh nail polish. The powder will bind to the enamel. Dip the brush in the baking powder before each application. If you don't, the bristles will get caught in the fresh polish and you won't get the desired result.
Make sure you apply the baking powder evenly to your nails. If there are gaps left, the final matte effect will not be smooth
Step 5. Leave it on your nails for a few seconds
If you have applied a thin layer of baking powder, a short wait is enough for it to set to the nail polish and create a matte effect.
Step 6. Remove the baking powder from your nails using a clean brush
Make sure you remove all specks of dust. At this point, the nails should be dull. If the powder is left in the dry nail polish, wet the bristles of the brush with water and try to remove the residue again. This should help remove stuck grains.
Step 7. Repeat the process on the other hand
Apply a base and nail polish, then baking powder. Brush it out using a clean brush.
Step 8. Let your nails dry and don't use a topcoat
When wet, the nail polish may still look shiny, so it's best to let it dry completely to understand what the final result will look like. Do not apply the topcoat: generally this product is glossy, so it will eliminate the matte effect.
Method 2 of 4: Use an Eyeshadow
Step 1. Using a toothpick, scrape some eyeshadow to drop it into a small container
You can use a paper or plastic cup, saucer, or muffin cup. The nails will be the same color as the eyeshadow used. Try to use a little more eyeshadow than nail polish.
You can also use cosmetic powder pigment. It already has the right texture, so you won't have to sacrifice any eyeshadow
Step 2. Make sure the eyeshadow has the consistency of a fine powder
If there are any lumps, remove them with the tip of a brush or pencil. Keep doing this until you get a fine, powdery consistency.
Step 3. Dull the glaze further by adding corn starch
You will need to use equal parts of cornstarch and eyeshadow. Mix the two powders with a toothpick until you get a homogeneous result and a uniform color.
Step 4. Pour a few drops of clear nail polish and mix with a toothpick
Keep doing this until you get an even color and texture. If the color is too sheer, use more eyeshadow.
Step 5. Use the nail polish right away:
it will dry out quickly. Apply the base, then apply the polish as you usually do. If there is some left, you can pour it into an empty nail polish bottle or another glass bottle.
Step 6. Let the polish dry and do not use the topcoat
The real final result can only be seen once it has dried. Avoid the topcoat: this product is usually shiny, so it will ruin the matte effect.
Method 3 of 4: Using Corn Starch
Step 1. Sift a handful of cornstarch into a small bowl
If you don't have a sieve, remove the lumps using a toothpick or the base of a brush. It is very important, otherwise the enamel will become lumpy.
If you don't have cornstarch, try using cornmeal, baking powder, or baby powder
Step 2. Choose the nail polish
You can mix cornstarch with any nail polish to mattify it. You can also add it to a clear polish to get a matte topcoat.
Step 3. Pour a few drops of glaze over the cornstarch
Try to use equal parts of glaze and cornstarch.
If you've chosen baby powder or baking powder, use one part powder and two parts nail polish
Step 4. Mix glaze and cornstarch with a toothpick
Keep stirring until you get a uniform result. Make sure the mixture is free of lumps.
Step 5. Use nail polish right away
The product will dry out quickly because you have prepared a small amount. If you are using clear polish to create a matte topcoat, apply a classic polish on your nails, then let them dry. Next, apply the clear, opaque topcoat.
Step 6. Let nails dry and do not use topcoat
They will still look shiny when wet, but once dry they will become dull. Also, don't use a classic topcoat. Generally this product is glossy, so it will ruin the matte effect.
Method 4 of 4: Create a Whole Bottle of Matte Nail Polish
Step 1. Choose your nail polish and powder
Make sure the used bottle is only partially full. Don't use one that is completely clean, or the dust will overflow the nail polish.
- If you want to create a matte topcoat, you will need clear polish and corn starch. You can apply it on any type of nail polish to mattify it.
- If you want to create a matte colored nail polish, you will need a monochromatic nail polish and some corn starch.
- If you want to create a custom color, you will need a clear polish. You will also need eyeshadow, cosmetic mica powder, or cosmetic pigment powder. Adding cornstarch will allow you to get an even more opaque result.
Step 2. Prepare the powder
Sift it into a small container, it must be very fine. If it has lumps, the glaze will become mushy. If you will be using an eyeshadow, first pour it into a container, then remove any lumps with the tip of a pencil or a brush. Mica powder and powdered pigments should already be fine, without lumps.
- You will only need a small handful of cornstarch.
- If you're going to use an eyeshadow, you'll need the whole pod for half a bottle of nail polish.
Step 3. Make a funnel using a 5x5cm square piece of paper
Roll it up to get a conical shape. Make sure the pointed end has an opening so that the eyeshadow can pass through.
Step 4. Open the bottle and put the funnel in the neck
The pointed end should not come into contact with the enamel. If this happens, widen the top of the cone to raise the tip. If it gets dirty, cut it, otherwise the powder you pour into the bottle will stick to the nail polish on the end of the cone.
Step 5. Add a handful of powder using a small measuring cup or teaspoon
You can use your fingers, but if the dust sticks to your skin, you risk wasting some. Avoid using too much powder at once, otherwise the nail polish will thicken too much. You can always add more later.
If you use eyeshadow, mica powder, or powdered pigment, you can add a pinch of cornstarch. It will help you dull the polish further, especially if the powder is satin or pearly
Step 6. You could put 2 or 3 metal balls into the glaze
This way, it will be easier to mix, especially if you start from a clear base. If you use a monochromatic nail polish, you probably won't need it, as most of these products already contain metal balls.
The diameter of each metal ball should be approximately 3mm. Choose stainless steel ones for a better effect
Step 7. Close the bottle tightly and shake it for a few minutes
Once the color is homogeneous, stop shaking it. If you are using metal balls, stop when the balls stop making any noise.
Step 8. Test the nail polish and make changes if necessary
Once you've mixed it, open the bottle and apply it to your fingernail or piece of paper. Let it dry to understand what the final result will actually look like. If it's too thick, you can try diluting it with a drop or two of nail polish thinner. If it's not opaque enough, add more cornstarch. If you used clear nail polish as a base to create a custom product and the color was too sheer, add more eyeshadow, mica powder or pigment powder.
Step 9. Do not use topcoat
Usually this product is glossy, so applying it to a matte nail polish will ruin the desired effect.
Advice
- If you are in a hurry, apply a classic polish first, then fill a bowl with boiling water and bring your nails close to the surface of the liquid. Do this while the polish is still fresh, but try not to get your nails wet with water. The steam will dull the surface of the glaze.
- If you use an eyeshadow, try to choose an old and expired one. This way, you will recycle it and there will be no waste.
- To avoid damaging the nail polish, clean the brush with nail polish remover after doing the manicure, otherwise you risk dulling the rest of the product. If you don't clean the brush of a clear topcoat, you could stain it.
- Once the matte polish has dried, you can design your nails with a classic polish. It will create a nice contrast. Metallic glazes, such as gold ones, are ideal for this method.
