13 Best Matte Nail Polishes That’ll Make You Forget About Glossy Ones!
Mattify your dull nail color in just a few swipes of these amazing polishes!
Georgia Smith is a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist and has been in the industry for over 13 years as a beauty therapist. She is the founder of Skin Sister and owns a hugely successful, skin focused beauty salon in Sydney, Australia. Georgia is also a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, and she learned about the chemistry behind the skin and the complex science behind skin care ingredients to transform her clients’ skin and fix their skin concerns.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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A few years back, matte nail polishes were very much in trend, and once again, they have come back in the limelight. The best matte nail polishes add an extra oomph to your nails, and they do not look insanely over the top. What’s more? You cannot deny that they look chic and classy on application.
Nowadays, you have many matte topcoats available that allow you to turn any nail color into a matte one. So, whether you simply want a top coat that will mattify any of your favorite nail colors or a brand new one with a no-shine finish, you can pick one that suits your preferences. Also, you should pick a color that will be long-lasting and not chip off easily.
Have you tried matte nail polish for yourself, or are you looking forward to trying one? This article lists the 13 best matte nail polishes ranging from warm, bright tones to deep ones. Keep scrolling further to look at the list and pick one now!
In This Article
Spruce Up Your Nails With The 13 Best Matte Nail Polishes Of 2023!
1. Best Overall:OPI Nail Polish – Matte Top Coat
Why break the bank purchasing multiple nail polishes when this top coat can turn any nail polish into matte instantly? Call it the matte-maker if you like, as it will give your favorite matte nail polish colors an edgy finish like a pro! Use it as a top coat for a superior matte look or base coat to prevent yellowing; you can also wear it alone with a French manicure for a semi-glossy look. The subtle color is guaranteed to deliver exceptional results, rendering a minimalistic charm to your overall appearance. This top coat is the way to go for all matte lovers!
Georgia Smith, an experienced cosmetologist and beauty therapist, says, “This formula has a simple, straight forward ingredient list and will give your nails a matte look when applied over existing polish. A great choice for all matte lovers!”
- Protective coat
- Locks in nail color
- 7-day wear
- Prevents chipping, scratches, and smudges
- May take a long time to dry
"This matte top coat dries quickly and gives me a fresh and natural look. It stays for a long time and enhances my manicure. I usually need to touch up after three days. The best part is that it does not make my nails appear yellow after drying."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 34,347 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best For Girls:Essie Top Coat Mattifying Nails Polish – Matte About You
Do you know what’ll look great with your favorite nail polish? This top coat by Essie. Girls, life is too short to wear the nail paint as it is, so explore other options with this timeless topper endlessly! Wear your nail paint glossy one day and turn it matte the next day with this mattifying top coat. It is formulated without 8 common toxins and is free of animal testing. The subtle yet trendy color is guaranteed to fetch you countless compliments. A smooth and chic finish that you’ll want to flaunt at every opportunity you get, do you still want to give this lacquer a miss?
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Prevents chipping
- Seals in and refreshes the color
- The liquid may turn goopy.
"This top coat gives me a lovely matte finish. It also dries really quickly and does not smudge or transfer. I like that it maintains a matte look for days."
Pro Tip3. Best For Professional Look:AIMEILI Matte Top Coat UV & LED Soak Off Gel Nail Polish
Curing never looked this satisfying! This gel matte nail polish will have your nails ready to wow in minutes. Watch it go on smoothly like butter and deliver an ultra-matte finish after curing under a UV/ LED light. And its staying power is up to 21 days, no kidding! So, if you are craving a salon-worthy matte look, you must give Aimeili’s matte top coat a try which goes with any attire including evening dresses.
- No-wipe top coat
- Smooth matte texture
- Easy to apply and remove
- Ensures no smudges, nicks, or chipping
- Suitable for fake and acrylic nails
- May not be suitable for sensitive nails
"I use this matte top coat to do my nail art without any streaking. It maintains a matte finish over time and coats my nails carefully. I like that it makes my nails look perfect for both glamorous and formal workplace events."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 10,346 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
OPI Nail Polish - Matte Top Coat Best Overall | Essie Top Coat Mattifying Nails Polish - Matte About You Best For Girls | AIMEILI Matte Top Coat UV & LED Soak Off Gel Nail Polish Best For Professional Look | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Matte Finish Top Coat | MATTE ABOUT YOU TOP COAT | - |
| Dimensions | 4 x 4 x 6 inches | 1.38 x 1.85 x 3.47 inches | 1.26 x 0.79 x 2.87 inches |
| Weight | 0.53 Ounces | 2.29 Ounces | 1.41 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 34,347 | 15,913 | 10,346 |
| Price | $14.49 | $9.5 | $6.99 |
4. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Beetles Gel Coat Nail Polish – Matte Top Coat
Nail polish odor can be a huge turn-off when it stays on for a long, long time. But not with Beetles! Low on odor (it’s barely there) and free from 9 toxic ingredients, you know for once that your nails are safe and in good hands. Yep, feel good every time you apply a coat of this clear matte nail polish! All you have to do is cure it under the LED lamp and let the matte magic ensue.
- No-wipe matte top coat
- Intense pigment
- Non-damaging and flexible
- Long-lasting for up to 21 days
- Prevents nicks, smudging, and chipping
- Suitable to wear on natural nails, artificial nails, nail tips, etc.
- The curing process may take a long time.
"This top coat applies smoothly and maintains a high shine for weeks. It helps me achieve a glossy finish and keep my nail designs in place. It does not cause any chipping or bubbling after application."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 10,901 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best In Easy To Remove:Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat
No UV/LED light at home? No problem. Sally Hansen’s Top Coat is a gel with a polish-like consistency that’ll mattify your nail paint without curing. Yep, you heard that right, gel-matte nails are now possible in the comfort of your home and that too without curing! Apt called a miracle for all the right reasons, it delivers a salon-worthy finish with every coat you sweep. Many reviewers love the precision brush that comes with this polish as it ensures a quick and smooth application. Indulge already!
- Seals in the color
- Prevents chipping
- Easy to apply and remove
- Long-lasting up to 8 days
- Eye-catching color
- Not ideal if you need a quick-drying top coat
6. Best Chemical-Free Formula:OneDor 1 Step Gel Polish – Mt Matt Top Coat
Here’s a different kind of long-lasting matte nail polish for you. And by different, we mean it has no harsh chemicals, harsh adhesives, harmful odors, or acetone to trouble your nails or nose! Feel good with every swipe as this gel matte topper locks in color and ensures staying power for up to 14 days after curing. Yep, trust matte for healthy nails this season!
- Protective top coat
- Prevents smudging and chipping
- Easy to apply and remove
- It will not dry, damage, or age your skin.
- Some may find it time consuming to wipe off
7. Best Handmade Option:Cirque Colors Thermal Color-Changing Nail Polish – Magic Turquoise
How about adding some fun to your trendy nails? This unique nail polish changes color as per your thermal temperature! No, seriously, this vegan matte nail polish when warm looks light blue and jade green when cold. And are you obsessed with glitter? If yes, you’ll love this glitter matte nail polish even more as it has metallic specks added to it with a hint of shine without being loud or flashy.
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting and intense
- Cruelty-free
- Handmade
- Free from formaldehyde, camphor, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and more
- May not suit all skin tones
8. Best Versatile Product:Kleancolor Matte Nail Lacquer – Black
What is modern and classic at the same time? Black matte nail polish, hands down. Black and matte is a combo that can never go wrong. And this matte black fingernail polish ensures a low shine, high style look that’ll get everyone in the room talking about your nails. Also, whoever said black is the color for emo teens doesn’t know that black matte is a crown for those who dare! Do you think you can pull off this edgy style?
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Velvety smooth formula
- Leaves an ultra-flat matte finish
- It may chip after a few days.
"The matte polish dries fast and makes my nails appear gorgeous. I like that it does not become clumpy. It also does not chip off or fade."
9. Best Nails Protection: JOYA MIA No Wipe Matte Top Coat
The JOYA MIA No Wipe Matte Top Coat is perfect for people who want to achieve a trendy and modern matte look on their nails. The coat is expertly crafted with high-quality ingredients that provide long-lasting results, ensuring that your nails remain beautiful and vibrant for an extended period. It also helps to protect your nails from damage and keeps them healthy and strong, delivering exceptional results. You can cure your nails with a UV or LED lamp to drastically speed up the polishing process.
- Long-lasting
- High-quality formula
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Value for money
- Available in different sizes
- May cause allergic reactions
10. Best Chip-Free Formula:Duri Nail Polish – Cloud True Blue
If you can’t get enough pastels, it’s time to indulge in this pastel delight. Soft, elegant, and charming, watch your nails go from blah to beautiful instantly with this semi-matte finish. Also, this matte blue nail polish is an ultimate favorite amongst spa and salon regulars. And why wouldn’t it be? Delivering a satisfying full-coverage and a tip-top glow, spring and summer OOTDs will hit differently with this pretty pastel on the nails.
- Requires no base coat, curing, or UV lamp
- Durable, chip-free, and long-lasting
- Good opaque coverage
- Free from formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP
- The professional-grade brush ensures easy application.
- May not dry quickly
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 25 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
11. Best For Daily Wear:Young Nails Mani-Q Matte Gel Polish
Young Nails Mani-Q Matte Gel Polish is designed to give your nails a beautiful, long-lasting finish. It is easy to apply, making it ideal for beginners. Many reviewers love this self-leveling formula as it can spread evenly on your nails without leaving any streaks or bumps. This gel polish is easy to cure under a UV or LED lamp, making it perfect for those who want to achieve salon-quality results at home.
- Long-lasting
- Applies smoothly
- Suitable to wear on natural and artificial nails
- Easy to wear
None
12. Best Drugstore Option:ZOYA Nail Polish – Iris Mattevelvet
This fuchsia in matte will steal your heart with its royal touch. Packed with holographic pearl specks, this amethyst lacquer looks every bit like painting cosmos on the nails. Also, it is not flashy and leaves a traditional matte and velvety finish with every sweep. And besides the finish, the stunning bold shade is to die for and looks every bit chic, no matter what you pair it with. So do not skip it and get ready to ace that alluring, unique look!
- Dries quickly
- Sweeps on smoothy
- Long-lasting and vegan
- Easy to apply and remove
- Free from parabens, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, and more
- Some may find the consistency too thick.
13. Best Suitable For All Nail Types:Nail Magic Matte Clear Finish Top Coat
If you like French manicures, you will love this matte finish clear nail polish. This clear top coat mattifies, protects, and helps your color stay intact effortlessly. It is never tested on animals, ensuring a guilt-free experience. Additionally, you will not have to face chipping or smudges with this lacquer! A trusted brand for 60 years by professionals, in case you are brand conscious, the Nail Magic Matte Nail Polish will keep the nail paint salon-fresh always. Still, want to miss it?
- No-shine effect top coat
- Seals in the color
- Dries quickly and easy to apply
- Suitable for all nail types
- May not last long
Nail folks, it’s time to move on to matte! There you go, those were the 13 best matte nail polishes that are too chic to be missed. However, if you still need assistance with choosing the best matte nail polish, we have some tips for you in the buying guide below.
How To Choose The Best Matte Nail Polish
No matter your matte need, we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is lookout for the following features before buying:
- Ingredients
We don’t mean to scare you, but some components in your nail paint can be toxic for your nails and skin. Harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, camphor, phthalates, and more, should be avoided as much as possible for the best experience. And, if you are pregnant or looking for matte nail polish to give away for a baby shower, you must opt for dermatologist-tested products that are pregnancy-safe. For example, the Zoya Nail Polish is vegan and pregnancy-safe.
- Quick-drying formula
Drying or curing time can drive one’s patience up the wall and if you are an impatient soul, we recommend you look for a quick-drying formula. Although curing time can take up to 2 minutes, some lacquers dry almost instantly upon application. The Kleancolor Matte Nail Lacquer and the Golden Rose Matte Nail Polish are two of the many quick-drying nail polishes on our list.
- Staying power
No nail polish can last forever, but there are nail paints that can stretch the color’s staying power for up to 2 weeks! So, before the color or the matte finish triggers your impulsive buying mode, check the staying power and if the nail polish is chip-resistant and smudge-proof for the best experience. You can go for expert-recommended nail polishes as they are usually long-lasting.
- Color
Unsure about which color to pick? We have some seasonal recommendations to keep your nails in vogue all the time. Pastels, fuchsia, shades of yellow, tangerine, shades of blue (especially turquoise), and more are great colors to flaunt during the spring or summer. And for fall and winter, you can trust a vintage color like burgundy, shades of browns, shades of green, gray, dark blue, etc., to spruce up your nails in style.
- Skin tone
To find nail paint that matches the skin tone can be tricky, especially if you are shopping online. However, we have some suggestions to make your hunt easier. Light skin tones can settle on pastels and bright solid colors. Medium to olive skin tones should look for tangerine, sky blue, and coral colors whereas, for deep skin tones, intense reds, pinks, and blues will balance out their skin color beautifully.
Infographic: Tips To Make A Matte Nail Polish Last Longer On The Nails
Matte nail polishes are more prone to chipping and are not long-lasting. But with a few simple application tricks, you can extend the wear time of these polishes. If you want stunning matte nails that can last you for weeks, check out the infographic below for a quick application guide.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Nail polishes make your nails look elegant and attractive. Most conventional nail polishes look shiny. But if you are tired of such a shiny look, it’s time to switch to the nail polishes that offer a matte finish. The matte-finish nail polishes are less prone to chipping. They provide a statement-making look to your nails and add an oomph factor. In addition, matte finish nail polishes are easy to apply and remove. The OPI Nail Polish – Matte Top Coat provides a durable and consistent matte finish, while the easy-to-apply Essie Top Coat Mattifying Nail Polish – Matte About You offers an excellent matte transformation for any nail polish. If you are in search of odorless and toxin-free nail polish, try the Beetles Gel Coat Nail Polish – Matte Top Coat. The list of matte finish nail polishes provided above offers a salon-like finish with no smudge and chipping. However, consider buying nail polishes that dry quickly and glide smoothly on your nails. And avoid nail polishes that may not last long. Therefore, read reviews to understand which nail polish is safe and buy accordingly.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author, is a beauty and makeup enthusiast, who loves experimenting with new looks and trends. After carefully going through several makeup and beauty forums and websites, she has curated this list of the best matte nail polishes available on the market. Her recommended products are long-lasting, chip-proof, and do not smudge. They can transform your nails from drab to fab instantly with their intense color payoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a matte nail polish last?
Matte nail polishes will last for up to 4-5 days if you maintain and touch up the paint regularly. However, gel matte nail polish lasts longer and up to 3 weeks with a thin coat.
Is matte nail polish bad for your nails?
No, matte nail polishes are not bad for the nails if you pick a lacquer that is free from harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and more that can cause drying or yellowing.
Does matte nail polish dry faster?
Yes, most of the matte nail polishes dry quickly and faster than regular nail polishes, which is why you must apply them precisely in one coat to avoid uneven layering.
Do matte nails look good?
Yes. Matte nail polishes offer a satin but smooth finish to your nails. Matte nails look subtle yet luxurious.
Can any nail polish be matte?
Yes. Mix baking or talc powder with some nail polish and make it matte.
Does matte nail polish chip easily?
Yes. Matte nail polishes are usually drying. As a result, they develop cracks and get chipped easily.
How do you remove matte nail polish?
• Pour a few drops of nail polish remover onto a cotton pad.
• Press the pad on your nails for a few seconds.
• Wipe the pad all across the nails and remove the matte polish.
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