Most nail polishes will make your nails look shiny. However, what has become a trend lately is the appearance of nail polish with a matte effect or no shine. Some brands produce nail polish with a matte effect, but this type tends to be expensive in the market. There are other, less expensive ways that you can use to give your nail polish a matte effect, such as using steam or cornstarch.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Cornstarch to Create a Matte Effect on Nail Polish
Step 1. Apply a base coat of paint on the nails
- Make the layer on the nail as thin as possible.
- Remember to flatten your nails before you start painting them.
- Clean each nail with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.
- Let the base coat dry.
Step 2. Take a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper
Pour a few drops of nail polish over it.
- Get a toothpick and a box of cornstarch.
- Take some flour and mix it with the drops of nail polish.
- Do this quickly, as the nail polish will dry quickly.
- The result will probably be a little thicker than usual, but that's okay.
- Make sure the blended result is not too thick or the paint won't spread evenly when applied to the nails.
Step 3. Use a clean nail brush to paint your nails
Do as usual.
- Remember to start at the cuticle.
- Paint the nails in three strokes: once in the middle and twice on both sides of the nail.
- Leave the tips of the nails unpainted for a more professional finish.
Step 4. Allow the paint to dry completely
After this, your nails will have a matte finish.
- Remember not to blow or wiggle your finger.
- To let the paint dry, place your hands flat and keep your fingers apart from each other.
- You don't need to apply an overcoat on your nails, as this will give your nails a glossy finish.
Method 2 of 3: Applying Matte Nail Polish
Step 1. Buy a nail polish with a matte effect
This type of nail polish is more expensive than ordinary nail polish.
- Brands such as OPI, Essie, and Revlon produce nail polish with a matte effect.
- If you can't find one, Sally Hansen offers a topcoat or an overcoat with a matte effect that you can use on regular nail polish to get the look you want.
- Shop at beauty stores like Ulta or Sephora, which provide matte nail polish in a variety of brands and colors.
Step 2. Use nail buffer and nail file before painting nails
Both of these tools will even out the surface and shape of the nail to make it look beautiful.
- Aim the nail file at a 45 degree angle while shaping the top edge of the nail.
- Follow the shape of the cuticle to give the nails a natural shape.
- Polish the surface of the nail to remove blemishes and even out them at the same time.
- The dented or scratched part of the nail will be visible when you apply matte nail polish to it.
Step 3. Sweep a cotton ball that has been moistened with nail polish remover on your nails
Rub the entire nail.
- Rub the cuticle area and both nail walls.
- This method will remove dirt and dust stuck to the nails.
- This will also remove the natural oils from your nails that prevent the polish from sticking to the nail surface.
- Let your nails dry on their own. This process only takes a few seconds.
Step 4. Apply a clear base coat of paint on the nails
Many nail polishes also have a base coat in them.
- Check the nail polish label to find out.
- If basecoat isn't included, apply a light coat of primer to each nail.
- Work the dominant hand with the other hand, starting from the ring finger to the thumb. This makes it easier for you to paint your nails without the risk of the paint being touched or smeared.
Step 5. Paint your nails
Start by cleaning the brush of excess paint on the lip of the nail polish bottle.
- Place the brush near the cuticle, then brush without touching the skin.
- Paint the nails in three strokes: one in the middle and two on the left and right.
- Leave the tips of your nails unpainted for a more professional finish.
Step 6. Finish your work
Dip a cotton swab in a bottle of nail polish remover.
- Correct any mistakes you make while painting by rubbing a moistened cotton swab over the messy areas.
- Take another look at your nails to make sure you've removed all of the paint residue.
- Allow the paint to dry, at least 2 minutes.
Step 7. Apply the outer layer of nail polish
If you use matte nail polish, you don't need it anymore.
- If you're using regular nail polish, try using a matte finish like Sally Hansen's.
- Coat the nails in three strokes as before.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
- Do not dry the paint by blowing or wiggling your finger. Let dry with flat hands and fingers apart.
Method 3 of 3: Using Steam to Matte Nail Polish
Step 1. Coat your nails with regular nail polish
Start by smoothing the shape and surface and then clean each nail.
- Apply a base coat of paint and let it dry.
- Coat it with nail polish, and be careful to do so that the coating is not too thick.
- Remove excess paint with a cotton swab moistened with nail polish remover.
- Allow your nails to dry completely.
Step 2. Pour the water into the pot
Heat on the stove over high heat.
- Let it boil.
- Make sure the pan is releasing a lot of steam.
- This steam will help give your nails a matte effect.
Step 3. Place your hands over the steaming pan
The steam should hit the entire nail.
- All you have to do is place your hands alternately over the steam, each for 3-5 seconds.
- Be careful placing your hands so they don't hit the pan, or you'll get burns.
- Gently move your hand over the steam to ensure that all parts of the nail are exposed to the steam.
- Check your nails. Your nails should look matte. If there is still a shiny part, let it rest on the steam for 3-5 seconds.
