Ava Monroe
Matte nail polish is a stylish, edgy, and understated look that is perfect for fall and winter. To apply matte gel nail polish, you must first prep your nails by removing any old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover, trimming and filing your nails, and pushing back your cuticles. Next, apply two thin layers of your chosen gel polish, curing each layer under a UV/LED lamp. Finish with a layer of matte top coat and cure under the lamp again. This will give your nails a chic, velvety finish. You can also experiment with different colours and designs, such as ombre, glitter, or negative space nail art.
How to Apply Matte Gel Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Nails | Clean nails of previous nail polish with non-acetone nail polish. Soak 10 small pieces of cotton balls in the remover, place on nails for 2 minutes, then push off. |
| Trim Nails | Trim nails to be shorter than the fingertip. File nails to the desired shape and buff the top. |
| Exfoliate | Exfoliate hands and nails with a body scrub to remove dead skin. |
| Soak | Soak hands in warm water for 10 minutes to soften cuticles. |
| Cuticles | Push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher, then use a cuticle trimmer to remove any dry skin. |
| Moisturise | Use hand cream to nourish hands and nails, then remove any oil from nails with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. |
| Base Coat | Apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the skin surrounding the nails to protect the skin. |
| First Colour Coat | Apply a thin layer of nail polish. If the first coat has streaks, leave it. |
| Second Colour Coat | Apply a second coat of nail polish. |
| Glossy Top Coat | Apply a glossy top coat to create a smooth and even surface. |
| Matte Top Coat | Apply a matte top coat to create the matte effect. |
| Cleanse | Wipe nails with a nail cleaner to remove any sticky residue. |
| Moisturise | Apply cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate the skin around the nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail preparation
Preparing your nails is essential for achieving a flawless matte gel manicure. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and free of any old nail polish. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover and soak small pieces of cotton balls in it. Place the soaked cotton on your nails for about two minutes, then gently push it down and off each nail. This will help remove any remaining nail polish without causing staining.
Next, trim your nails to a length slightly shorter than your fingertip. This step is crucial as matte nail polish is prone to chipping. File your nails to your desired shape and gently buff the top to create a smooth surface. Exfoliate your hands and nails with a body scrub to remove any dead skin. After exfoliating, soak your hands in warm water for around 10 minutes to soften the cuticles.
Once your hands are dry, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Avoid cutting healthy cuticles as they protect the nail matrix from infection. Instead, use a cuticle trimmer to carefully remove any dry skin. Since exfoliation can dry out the skin, remember to moisturize your hands and nails with a nourishing hand cream.
Finally, remove any excess oil or moisturizer from your nails, as this can prevent the nail polish from adhering properly. Use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to ensure your nails are thoroughly cleaned. Now that your nails are prepped and primed, you can move on to the next steps of your matte gel nail polish application!
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Choosing the right colour
Skin Tone
One key factor when choosing a nail polish colour is ensuring it complements your skin tone. Those with fair complexions tend to suit warm or cool, subtle shades like pastel blue and pink. Medium to olive skin tones can pull off almost any colour, while darker skin tones are typically flattered by warm, rich purples and burgundies, steering clear of bright, vibrant shades.
Season
It is also fun to match your nail colour to the season. For example, in October, you could opt for Halloween-inspired shades like black with silver flecks, rich purples, or even skull nail art. February calls for the richest reds and palest pinks, while autumn is the perfect time to embrace rich russets, oranges, and coffee-coloured polishes. Matte nails are especially trendy for fall and winter, giving an edgy yet understated look.
Colour Theory
You can take colour matching a step further by considering not only your skin tone but also your eye colour and hair colour. These factors can be categorised into four phototypes: Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring, each with its own complementary nail polish shades.
Trends
Staying informed about the latest trends in nail art and colours can also guide your colour choice. While some trends may not be for you, others may inspire you to try something new. One timeless trend is the clear manicure, which can always be dressed up with nail art or a matte top coat.
Personal Preference
While taking the above factors into account can help guide your decision, the most important consideration is that you feel confident and happy with the colour you choose. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and push the colour boundaries to find new favourites!
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Applying the base coat
To apply matte gel nail polish, you must first prepare your nails. Remove any old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover, as acetone can dry out your nails and cuticles. Next, trim your nails to a length that is slightly shorter than your fingertip and file them into your desired shape. Buff the top of your nails and exfoliate your hands and nails with a body scrub to remove any dead skin. Soak your hands in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften your cuticles, then push them back with a cuticle pusher. Avoid cutting your cuticles unless they are dry, as healthy cuticles protect the nail matrix from infection. Instead, use a cuticle trimmer to remove any dry skin.
Now, it's time to apply the base coat! First, ensure that your nails are completely dry. Since the hand cream you used after soaking your hands can be a little oily, it is important to remove any remaining oil or cream from your nails with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Any oil residue can prevent the nail polish from sticking. To avoid getting nail polish on your skin, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the skin around your nails. Once your nails and the surrounding skin are fully prepped, apply a thin layer of base coat. Don't worry about making it perfect, as the first coat should be focused on creating an even surface and smoothing out any ridges in the nail. If the first coat has streaks, leave them and let the base coat dry.
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Applying the nail colour
Once you have selected your colour, it is time to start applying the polish. The key to a perfect manicure is to take your time and not rush. Start by applying a thin layer of Vaseline or a base coat around the skin of your nails to prevent staining. Then, apply the first thin coat of nail polish. Remember, if the first coat has streaks, leave it and do not try to fix it.
After the first coat has dried, apply a second thin layer of your chosen colour. Ensure even coverage and be careful not to flood your cuticles. Once the second coat is dry, you can finish with a layer of matte top coat. This will give your nails the desired matte effect. Cure your nails under a UV/LED lamp if you are using gel polish.
If you want to get creative, there are several ways to experiment with your matte nail look. You can try an ombre effect by blending two or more colours and finishing with a matte top coat. For a striking contrast, apply a metallic UV gel polish as a base and cover with a matte top coat, leaving parts of the metallic finish exposed. You can also mix fine glitter into your matte top coat for a subtle sparkle or combine matte and glossy textures by adding a glossy top coat just to the tips of your nails.
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Adding the matte top coat
Once your nails are prepared, you can move on to the application of the matte top coat. Start by applying a thin layer of the matte top coat to each nail, ensuring even coverage. Avoid flooding your cuticles. If you are using a UV or LED lamp, cure your nails under the lamp after applying the matte top coat. This will help the top coat dry and set, creating the desired matte effect.
If you want to create a more intricate design, you can experiment with different techniques. For example, you can try the matte and metallic combo by applying a metallic UV gel polish as a base and then covering it with the matte top coat, leaving parts of the metallic finish exposed for a striking contrast. Another option is to create an ombre effect by blending two or more colours and finishing with the matte top coat.
Additionally, you can add a subtle sparkle to your matte manicure by mixing fine glitter into the matte top coat. This will give your nails a hint of glamour while maintaining the understated look of the matte finish. Remember, the key to achieving a smooth matte finish is to take your time and apply thin, even layers of nail polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by removing any old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Trim and file your nails to the desired shape, and then buff the top. Exfoliate your hands and nails with a body scrub, and then soak your hands in warm water for 10 minutes. After drying your hands, push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher, and then apply a hand cream.
Dark colours like blue, burgundy, and black are great for a matte manicure. If you prefer lighter colours, grey or white can also look good.
First, apply a thin layer of Vaseline on the skin around your nails to prevent staining. Then, apply a base coat, followed by two thin layers of your chosen gel nail polish colour, curing each layer under a UV/LED lamp. Finish with a layer of matte top coat, and cure under the lamp again.
Wipe your nails with a nail cleaner to remove any sticky residue, and then apply cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate the skin around your nails.
Yes, you can experiment with different designs such as an ombre effect, a matte and metallic combo, matte glitter nails, negative space designs, or a matte marble effect.
