If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
While definitely not a new concept, matte nail polish is a great option if you are looking to change up any nail look. With the colder temps looming, the dark mattes including purples, greens, blues, and blacks are all appropriate and can be taken up a notch sans any shimmer or shine.
Below are some great matte nail polish options. We have included a few polish brands, some popular and some not-so-well-known, that have some surprisingly cool colors and make application fast and easy.
We have also included a couple of topcoats that will turn your regular nail polishes into a matte finish without having to go out and purchase a bunch of new formulas. These topcoats will also protect your polish, prevent chips and smudges, and provide longer-lasting wear.
Our Picks of the Hottest Matte Nail Polish
Beetles Matte Coat — Best Overall
A fast and easy way to turn any nail color into matte, this top coat gel polish is a great option. Compatible with all brands of soak-off gel polish, this product is suitable for natural, gel, acrylic, and artificial nails. It also has a long-lasting finish and is chip-proof and smudge-proof.
Pros
- This nail polish will last for up to 21 days
Cons
- An LED light is required
Sally Hansen Matte Metallics — Runner Up
This 3-in-1 nail polish is a great option when you want to try out a different finish on the nails. Their new matte metallic formula provides a unique, long-lasting velvety finish, and its one coat, one stroke formula will provide long-lasting wear. This polish is formulated with a base coat and topcoat in one, dries in just 60 seconds, and comes in soft, subtle neutrals to bright tones that pop, so you can easily change up your nails anytime you want.
Pros
- The bottle has been updated with color-matching caps for easy shade navigation
Cons
- These are not a natural nail polish
Zoya Nail Polish — Honorable Mention
This award-winning nail polish is known as one of the healthier polish choices in the industry and has a unique 10-free, clean formula. Available in a variety of finishes including matte, sparkling and shiny, this nail polish is best applied on the natural nail with a base coat and topcoat and comes off easily with any remover.
Pros
- This polish is one of the best choices for pregnant and health-conscious people
Cons
- There may be a longer drying time
Golden Rose Matte Polish — Best Shade Range
Available in 33 different shades, this matte nail lacquer comes in a chic bottle that is worthy of a place on anyone’s vanity. This is a unique matte formula that has no shine or gloss, does not require a base coat, and applies beautifully in one or two coats depending on preference. If you apply more than one coat, it is advised to fully wait until each one dries for a few seconds until the formula is matte before applying another coat.
Pros
- The matte nature of this polish allows it to dry very quickly
Cons
- The formula may not be as long-lasting as regular nail formulas
OPI Nail Top Coat — Also Consider
Similar to one of our options above, this best-selling and popular topcoat will provide a matte finish to any nail color for that unique, coveted velvet look. In addition to a unique finish, this topcoat works to seal in the color to prevent scratches and chipping and will provide up to seven days of wear. Simple to apply, this top coat goes on over any of your favorite polishes, even gel nails.
Pros
- This topcoat will protect the nail color and prevent smudges
Cons
- This may not last as long as other polishes
Buying Guide: Matte Nail Polishes
The top matte nail polishes in 2024 have been around for quite some time now, and they continue to be in trend even though there are so many new types like holographic nail polishes now available in the market. They are specifically popular in darker shades including black, purples, greens, and blues. Our team has formulated this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know regarding these nail polishes.
What Are the Two Different Types of Matte Nail Polishes?
The two main types of matte nail polishes include a mattifying top coat and a pigmented matte nail polish. We have mentioned the pros and cons of each below.
Mattifying top coat
A mattifying top coat is a clear nail polish that can be applied over any regular polish to give it a matte finish. It works by disturbing the flat surface of regular nail polish and giving it a texture that makes your nails appear completely matte. Most matte top coats contain silica gel, which works by making the texture of your nails uneven. The advantage of using a top coat is that you can switch between the regular, shiny look or the matte look, depending on your mood. However, some people find it difficult to achieve the perfect matte look with a top coat.
Pigmented matte nail polish
Pigmented matte nail polishes are matte to begin with. When you apply them to your nails, they will become completely matte once they are dry. This is convenient as you do not have to go through the extra effort of having to apply two coats of regular nail polish and then applying a mattifying top coat. However, with a matte nail polish, you do not have the freedom to play around with different colors and make any regular nail polish matte.
How to Choose the Right Matte Nail Polish
With the tons of options available online, it is easy to get confused between several brands. Almost all brands provide a lot of color options as well. To make your decision easier, consider the following factors.
Fast-drying
One of the properties of good quality matte nail polishes is that they dry quickly. This is especially beneficial if you use a pigmented matte nail polish instead of a top coat. So, before purchasing one, try to evaluate the time it takes to dry. You can do this by reading the reviews of customers who have purchased and used the nail polish personally. Choose lacquers that have a quick-drying formula.
Ingredients
With any cosmetic product, be it makeup or nail polish, it is absolutely essential to go through the ingredients list before purchasing. This is because some of them can contain harsh chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which can be harmful to you in the long run. You can even find vegan options these days, and we recommend that you give preference to cruelty-free brands. Moreover, if you are pregnant, make sure you buy a pregnancy-safe matte nail polish.
Long-lasting
One of the major properties that people look for in nail polishes is how long they will stay. If you are tired of your nail polish chipping a day after applying it, you need to switch to matte nail polishes which last longer. You can opt for smudge-proof and chip-resistant matte nail polishes as these can even last for about 2 weeks.
How to Choose the Color of Matte Nail Polishes
Probably the most confusing choice is picking a color from the array of options available. Generally, matte nail polishes are more popular in darker shades like burgundy, dark blue, gray, black, and midnight green. These are ideal for a night look, and for colder seasons including fall and winter. You can opt for lighter colors including pastels for the spring or summer season. However, it is important to remember that you cannot just pick colors randomly. Everyone has a different skin tone, and what looks good on one hand will not necessarily look good on every hand.
If you buy physically from a store, you can always apply testers and get an idea of how the nail color will look on your skin tone. The problem arises when you are buying online. You can follow a few general tips to choose a color that will suit your skin tone. Pastels and solid colors will look good on lighter skin as they will be more prominent. People with a medium skin tone are the luckiest as most shades look good on them. They can opt for coral colors or stick to ones like sky blue. For people with dark skin, the best option is to stick to intense, deep colors as they will complement their skin color perfectly.
How to Remove Matte Nail Polish
Removing matte nail polish is no different than removing regular nail polish. All you need are cotton pads and a nail polish remover to completely get rid of it. If you do not have a remover, you can make use of items like vinegar, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide to remove your matte nail polish. However, one problem that a lot of people face is that some matte nail polishes tend to stain your nails. The only remedy to this problem is to apply a base coat before applying your matte nail polish. Some people believe that applying a base coat will prevent your nails from becoming completely matte, but this is not the case.
