The lo-fi lacquer is more than just a single subdued shade. Offset a flat base with high-gloss details or matte out an entire design with a topcoat. Here, 12 fresh matte looks to try, courtesy of favorite Instagram nail artists.
Metallic Splatter
Contrast a matte gradient with gold splatter for a celestial look.
Design by @ladycrappo
Monochrome Polka Dots
Try a monochrome polka dot design by starting with a matte base. Once dry, paint the dots with a glossy polish in the same color.
Design by @aliciatnails
Black and Gold
For this look, start with a matte black nail. Add a metallic gold lacquer to your tips for a glam but minimal design.
Design by @karengnails
Matte + Chrome
If you want a higher contrast, apply chrome nail tape to your tips instead of polish.
Design by @mpnails
Embellished Flowers
For a textured floral nail, this design mixes matte polish, regular polish, and embellishments. Start with a matte base. Let it dry and then paint flower petals in a glossy hue. Finish the nail with crystal accents glued to the center of each flower.
Design by @jessicawashick
Marble Matte
Instead of creating tie-dyed nails in bright neon, choose a realistic Carrara marble design. You can follow the same steps as a traditional marbled nail, or you can freestyle the design by hand. Either way, use a paintbrush dipped in polish remover to gently blur the edges. Finish with a matte topcoat and voila: You match the bathroom marble.
Design by rosebnails
Matte Neon
Start with a neon orange base and then add an inverted V to each nail. Once dry, set the look with a matte topcoat.
Design by @paintboxnails
Matte Pastel
On the opposite side of the color spectrum is the matte pastel, seen here in a negative nail design.
Design by @palemoonseattle
Minimal Half Moon
Try this easy negative design by painting matte black to the half moon of each nail.
Design by @nataliepavloskinails
Outlined Half Moon
Or reverse the design of the last nail for this look. Start by taping off your half moon. Add a matte black polish and wait to dry. Remove the tape, then outline the base of your nail in the same color.
Design by @rosebnails
Graphic Aztec Inspired
Tape off your half moon in a triangle shape. Paint a taupe matte polish and let dry. Use a thin brush to add linear details.
Design by @vanityprojects
Air Jordan III
You can add a matte topcoat to literally any nail, like this detailed look inspired by Air Jordan III’s.
