In retrospect, fingernails are kind of creepy. They’re like these arbitrary things growing out of your fingers for seemingly no reason at all. What purpose do they serve? Where exactly do they come from? These are only two of many fingernail related inquiries that I have floating around my subconscious. I’m not really saying that I have a problem with fingernails, (in fact, I fully acknowledge that life without them would be really weird), but I think we all need to step back from previously flashy fingernail trends and take a more subtle approach.
Much like lucite shoes draw attention away from your feet, matte nail polish makes your fingernails a little less obvious… or so I’d like to think. Because the definition of ~beauty~ is no longer defined by having the longest, shiniest and fanciest nails, a well-manicured hand coupled with a nice matte nail polish lets the world know you are a practical and simple girl. No Hello Kitty rhinestone appliques here!
Topcoats
A good quality topcoat is a necessity whether or not you want matte nails. However, as a one time only purchase, it may be the wisest thing to get to achieve the matte on the cheap. One of the following topcoats can pretty much “mattify” any of your old nail polishes without adding any extra steps in your manicuring process.
e.l.f. “Essential Matte Finisher Clear Nail Polish”, $2
Essie “Matte About You”, $10
Rescue Beauty Lounge “Matte top coat”, $18
Barielle “Matte-inee top coat”, $18
Collections
If you specifically want pre-matted nail polish, feel free to invest your hard earned money into any of the following. Be warned though: purchase only if you’re positive you’re going to want matte nails forever. Adding a shiny topcoat on top of matte nails will not take you back to the ~glossy~ look.
NYX, $4
Orly, $6
Zoya, $7
OPI, $11
At-Home Solutions
And if you have time to spare and are feeling particularly crafty, you can make your own matte nail polish in the comfort of your home. Like some kind of nail polish making machine. Or wannabe beauty guru.
Simply acquire some white nail polish and some fun-ly coloured eyeshadow/coloured pigment. Crush up the eyeshadow, funnel it into your nail polish bottle a little at a time, shake shake, shake shake shake it (!!!!), and TA DA! You have custom blended matte nail polish.
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