Immaculate manicures are practically synonymous with glossy, patent-leather shine. I do love a candy-shell lacquer myself, but let's not forget about the allure of a velvet-matte varnish. There's just something about the smooth, shine-free finish that just looks so elevated.
I'm not the only one on the matte nail bandwagon. "It gives your manicure texture," agrees celebrity manicurist Thuy Nguyen. Similar to a dusting of chrome or a glistening jelly formula, matte polishes add a unique element to your mani without much of a lift. Yet unlike the former nail looks, which ebb and flow in the spotlight, matte nail designs have remained tried and true for ages. They always appear elegant and on-trend.
"Additionally, for certain colors, a matte finish could even give the whole manicure a different look," explains celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, founder of the namesake brand. "You can choose some of the brightest colors with a matte finish that will slightly dim the overall manicure color, without affecting the shade itself and elevating the look in a chicer way."
Consider this your sign to opt for a cushiony matte shade the next time you hit the salon. Unsure which hue to choose? Keep scrolling—loads of inspiration ahead!
20 Stunning Matte Nail Design Ideas
1. Pretty Pastels
"The most versatile shades to use with a matte finish are neutrals and pastels, especially for this season: think pinks, nudes, beiges, and any pastels of your favorite shade," says Lippmann. Although, why choose just one pastel hue? Like this pictured mani, you can alternate between a few favorite matte shades.
2. Geometric Matte
London-based manicurist Imarni is a master of matte nail designs (you'll see a bunch of her inspo pics in this list!), but this geometric mani is definitely one of my favorites. The matte polish makes the precise shapes look extra sharp.
3. Moody Plum Matte
"I love a matte finish on dark colors," says Nguyen. "It brings in cozy vibes and is especially popular to do during the fall and winter seasons." I'm particularly swooning over this moody plum moment.
4. Matte Half Moons
A cool, negative-space mani is even more eye-catching with a white matte polish.
5. Pop of Color
With a matte neutral shade as your base, anything is possible! Imarni tops hers off with some delicate pops of color.
6. Cutout Hearts
Doesn't this design remind you of adorable paper hearts? I love how each nail has a slightly different look that tells a story.
7. Abstract Art
I instantly saved this design when I came across it on Instagram. I mean, how cool are those Picasso-like faces?
8. Sweetheart Matte
Here's a look I'm 100% showing my nail tech when Valentine's Day rolls around. The matte finish gives the design such a cool-girl element—less "in your face," in a way.
9. Themed Accents
Okay, you don't necessarily have to go with spiders, but a coat of matte polish is arguably the best base for nail art. It really makes those accents stand out!
10. Color-Blocked
A red matte manicure is so classy, but I love how Imarni did a color-blocked design with a neutral shade to add some more intrigue.
11. Oceanic Squiggles
These blue squiggles are so much fun. Who says matte nails can't be bright and summery?
12. Matte Lemon Squiggles
One more time for the people in the back: Matte nail designs aren't married to moody, dark tones! These lemon-yellow squiggles are proof.
13. Tenniscore
I don't know about you, but these nails remind me of fuzzy tennis balls (in the best way).
14. Pastel Purple Matte
According to Lippmann, matte polishes can dim the overall look of a shade, which means you can opt for super-bright colors without committing to neon nails. This purple hue, for example, appears much softer with a matte finish.
15. Matte Butter Nails
The butter yellow nail trend is still going strong! A matte shade makes it appear even creamier.
16. Rainbow Matte
A jelly polish with matte accents is a match made in heaven.
17. Cutesy Florals
Dotted florals are one of the only nail art techniques I feel comfortable attempting at home, TBH, and I love the matte color combination nail artist Hang Nguyen chose.
18. Glossy Micro Tips
Could this mani look more elevated? The matte plum base! The glossy French tips! I'm simply obsessed.
19. Velvet Glitter
Gold nail polish adds elegance to any mani, but a velvet-matte finish like this makes it look impossibly chic.
20. Petal Pink
A matte pink will make your nails look like soft peony petals. Swoon.
The Best Matte Nail Polishes and Products
We have a full matte polish roundup for you to peruse, but here are a few standouts based on these stunning designs above.
Lippmann personally loves her matte pastel blue with added shimmer. "[It's] a great manicure as we finish up the summer," she notes.
Give any polish a matte finish with this non-shiny top coat. You'll have a gorgeous matte mani in seconds.
A vampy matte purple is a must-have for fall.
Chanel makes the most gorgeous matte black shade. Would you expect anything less from the beloved brand?
JinSoon also makes a mighty fine matte top coat. It transforms even the shiniest shades into a sleek, chic mani.
For your matte blue manis, you can't go wrong with Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri. True to its name, it dries down in just 60 seconds.
Here's the thing about matte nails: They don't look nearly as chic with dry, frayed nail beds. You'll want to keep your tips as hydrated as possible, which is where this nourishing (and affordable!) cuticle oil comes into play.
I also love Tenoverten's cuticle treatment with rose flower oil and horsetail leaf extract, which is known for strengthening nails. The roll-on applicator also makes it easy to apply multiple times per day.
A non-drying polish remover is also key. Nguyen personally swears by this formula from clean polish brand Mineral Fusion.
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