Matte manicure step by step: nails without shine can also be beautiful

Photo instructions

To make a manicure matte, you don’t have to use a polish with this finish - just apply a matte top coat over a regular glossy finish (this is what Essie has, for example). What is the sequence of actions?

Prepare everything you need. You will need colored polish (we used the new Essie Gel Couture, so we didn't use a base) and a matte topcoat.

Degrease the nail plate with oil-free nail polish remover. Antiseptic hand gel is suitable for the same purpose.

Apply two coats of color (we used Surrounded By Studs). The finish of the varnish can be anything - but a regular one paired with a matte top will look better than metallic, pearlescent or glitter.

Make sure you are happy with the coverage. The fact is that a matte top will highlight all imperfections, especially if the varnish is dark.

Apply topcoat to your nails in one coat (keep in mind that some topcoats may slightly change the color of the polish, such as making it lighter). Let it dry thoroughly - it's good if you have an hour left. Ready!

Matte nails: photo

Matte nails have become popular quite a long time ago, and their popularity has not disappeared to this day. Recently, designs using foil and cobwebs have become quite popular. This design looks very beautiful on a matte top, when there are no extraneous reflections.

Also, very often a matte top is applied to cat eye gel polish, which is especially popular in autumn and winter. Matteness emphasizes the iridescence of magnetic particles, which are very often not visible under a glossy topcoat, due to the fact that it gives a strong glare.

Manicure

Matte manicure

Velor effect

Matte geometry

Satin nude Matte geometry

Matte nails

Don't skimp on purchasing a matte top coat. Buy quality products that will ensure the durability and wear of your manicure.

How to make a matte manicure last?

Matte varnishes are not as durable as glossy ones. The coating will have to be changed more often, but this is an opportunity to “walk” more fashionable shades.

Since it is not recommended to use base and top coats for matte varnish (and they are the ones that usually make the manicure more durable), make the glossy varnish matte. A matte top coat will come in handy for this.
To make the matte finish more durable, apply the varnish in several thin layers. Let everyone dry completely.
Matte varnishes are not “friendly” with products that contain oils. Avoid cuticle oils and lotions, and treat your nails with nail polish remover before getting a manicure.
Since the coating begins to “come off” or chip, usually from the free edge of the nail, “seal” it well with a matte varnish.

Old School: Frosted Glass Effect from Multiple Pictures

The use of frosted glass effect in web design began quite a long time ago. The effect was implemented relatively simply: there were two images - the original and the processed one (matte, “blurred” with a white tint and blurred, with increased brightness).

The original was then applied as the background to the body tag, and the rendered image was set as the background to the container div. After that, the dimensions, border and positioning were set for the div, so that in the end we got the desired effect.

In our example, the image will overlap the content, thereby creating a matte effect on the background.

Demo

HTML

The markup is relatively simple. We have just one article tag, inside of which is all the content:

makes inquiries...

CSS

First, we adjust everything to the size of the displayed area. Then we combine the matte version of the background with the vertex of the original background.

At the end we add a white tint. The overflow is hidden to prevent scrolling and to lock the effect to the .glass element:

html, body, .glass {width: 100%;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;} body{background-image:url('pelican.jpg');background-size: cover;} .glass::before { display:block;width: 100%;height: 100%;background-image:url('pelican-blurry.jpg');background-size:cover;content:' ';opacity: 0.4;} .glass{background- color: white;}

CSS filter effects

This CSS code creates our matte and highlight overlay. We'll also need a button that will move the overlay to the bottom of the page, freeing up space to display the text itself.

Since the matte image is blend dependent, we also need to move it to align with the background.

Since the demo mode uses transitions, I preferred CSS transforms over the background-attachment property since CSS transforms can be hardware accelerated:

.glass.down{transform:translateY(100%) translateY(-7rem);} .glass.down::before {transform:translateY(-100%) translateY(7rem);} .glass.up, .glass.up ::before {transform:translateY(0);}

On a note

If you need further clarification, I've made a designer version.

This technique is simple and supported by most browsers.

I've also spruced up the demo a bit with transitions, generated content, transparency, transforms, and the background-size property; all of them are supported by most browsers up to IE9, with the exception of OperaMini.

Ideas for matte manicure

With an image

Summer option - manicure with a pattern. You will need a polish of a neutral and contrasting shade - for example, Lace Me Up and On The Roadie from Essie (as in the photo). First make a monochromatic coating, and then, when the varnish is completely dry, make drawings. Do them with a brush and, if you are not confident in your abilities, practice on paper first.

Graphic

This manicure option is suitable for every day. Apply any nude polish as a base, and then, if your hand is full, make a graphic design. An alternative is to use stencils or stickers.

French

To diversify it, you can make the main coating with matte varnish, and highlight the free edge with glossy or metallic varnish. Choose colors either from the same range or contrasting ones - if the stripe is thin, you can experiment with any shades.

Multicolored

Nobody forbids you to play with flowers. You can, for example, paint half of your nail with one color and the other half with a different shade. At the same time, they can either harmonize with each other (for example, light and bright pink, gray and blue) or be, at first glance, incompatible - like dark turquoise and pastel peach.

Matte effect

A matting agent is an essential item in hot weather. What products will help protect your face in the midst of the summer heat?

At the request of the editors, our readers tested popular mattifying facial products. Here are their impressions.

Yana Kovaleva , 27 years old, tested the mattifying fluid for combination and oily skin Skin Mat, Darphin.

What the manufacturer promises : the light formula of the product moisturizes dry areas of the skin and mattifies oily ones. Returns the skin a healthy, fresh look, tightens pores, makes it matte and smooth.

Active ingredients : patented complexes, oubaku and licorice extracts, vitamin E.

Price : 2400 rub.

Reader's opinion:

I am sure that skin care should not only be effective, but also enjoyable. That’s why I was immediately interested in the product: an elegant frosted glass jar, a pleasant aroma. I also liked the texture: light, instantly absorbed, but not too watery.

My skin itself is not particularly oily, but in the summer it often develops a shine that I don’t really need. The emulsion coped with this shine, one might say, halfway. For the first three hours after applying it, the skin remained completely matte. But then it still started to shine. I had to powder myself or blot my face with napkins.

After a couple of days, I discovered that the hydration this product provided was not enough for me. I had to use more active moisturizers at night. And in the morning I began to apply a few drops of serum with hyaluronic acid under the emulsion. After this things went smoothly.

I can say that this fluid alone cannot cope with pronounced shine. But in tandem with mattifying powder it will work with a bang. At the same time, it is more suitable for those with oily skin. Others may need more hydration than it can provide.

Grade: 4/5

Maria Raskatova , 34 years old, tested Idealist, Estee Lauder pore tightening serum.

What the manufacturer promises : the serum evens out skin tone, reduces the visibility of blackheads, clogged pores and “microshadows”. Improves skin texture, flaking, redness, and unevenness disappear. Significantly improves complexion, over time the skin takes on a flawless, well-groomed appearance. Helps control oil production on the surface of the skin.

Active ingredients : glucosamine, smoothing polymer, chestnut, seaweed and dwarf palm extracts.

Price : 2900 rub.

Reader's opinion:

My main problems are large pores and oily shine, which reaches its maximum in the summer. I managed to try a lot of products, but none of them provided a noticeable effect. I pinned all my hopes on a new product for myself - a serum for narrowing pores, which also promised matting.

The first thing I appreciated was the aroma. It turned out to be pleasant, with citrus notes. The product itself surprised me with its seemingly slippery texture. The serum is instantly distributed over the skin and immediately makes it velvety and matte.

The effect of the product is immediately visible: the skin actually remains matte longer than usual, and the pores are less noticeable. The foundation did not “sink” into them, as usually happens on hot days. And in general, the face looks more well-groomed.

The only negative is that this serum stops “working” immediately after cleansing the skin in the evening. We can say that this is more of a decorative product than a caring one. After at least a month of use, the skin itself has not changed. But during the day I felt much more confident.

By the way, after more than four weeks of use, the bottle looks almost full. So these 30 ml should probably be enough for six months. So we can add one more plus: cost-effectiveness.

Grade: 4/5

Karina Khudyakova , 45 years old, tested the mattifying face base, Lumene.

What the manufacturer promises : the base is ideal for oily and combination skin. Visually reduces pores. Makeup lasts a long time and looks flawless. Thanks to its antioxidant content, the base brightens skin tone and moisturizes it.

Active ingredients : Arctic lingonberry seed oil.

Price : 400 rub.

Reader's opinion:

It's a little embarrassing to admit, but I'm a beauty snob. In my bathroom there is not a single mass-market jar - only products from luxury brands. But in life there is always a place for experimentation. That's why I agreed to test a product from the range of a democratic brand.

To be honest, I didn’t expect anything special from this base. But every day I like her more and more. The product has almost no smell, which is a big plus. It spreads easily over the skin, immediately making it smooth and matte. And what’s surprising is that this effect lasts quite a long time.

I tested this database on a business trip in hot summer Astana. And she didn’t disappoint: she held her makeup well and didn’t give any chance to unnecessary shine. At the same time, the consumption for two weeks turned out to be minimal.

The manufacturer promises that the base should even out the skin color and improve its condition. I didn't notice this. I don’t think that such a decorative product can care for the skin. But this, in principle, is not required of him. But the product performs its main function - matting - with a bang. I think it will not take the last place in my “luxury” cosmetic bag.

Grade: 5/5

Natalia Prokofieva , 33 years old, tested mattifying emulsion for oily and problem skin Aroma-Perfection, Nuxe.

What the manufacturer promises : the emulsion absorbs excess sebum and provides a long-lasting mattifying effect. Moisturizes, soothes and softens. Light texture with a pleasant aroma creates the effect of powdered skin.

Active ingredients : imperata cylindrical extract, nutmeg rose oil, pumpkin and jojoba seeds, kaolin, floral waters, allantoin, essential oils of rosewood, geranium and lavender.

Price : 1130 rub.

Reader's opinion:

I really love everything natural, for a long time I was interested in creating my own creams based on essential oils, but then I abandoned this hobby. But interest in herbal cosmetics remained. Therefore, I agreed to try this product with pleasure.

First of all, I studied the composition. Many different oils, extracts and at the same time - the absence of harmful components. The aroma matched the list of ingredients: it was complex, herbal, but, to my taste, very pleasant.

The texture is something between a cream and a fluid. Absorbs quickly, does not roll down and does not shine. I also liked the hygienic packaging: you don’t need to put your hands into the bottle with the pump, and you squeeze out exactly the amount of product you need.

I was rather pleased with the effect of the emulsion. It helped the skin remain matte for 5-6 hours, which is quite a good result for summer. At the same time, there was no feeling of dryness.

I think this product will be suitable for those who do not have a very strong problem with oily shine. It can also be a good base for makeup. Overall, it’s a very worthy option for summer.

Grade: 5/5

Miroslava Dolzhenko , 31 years old, tested the matting emulsion “Comfort”, Thermes Marins Saint Malo.

What the manufacturer promises : a complex emulsion for combination and oily skin with an absorbent function, reduces the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands, mattifies the skin, and tightens pores. The emulsion is delicate and light in consistency and is quickly absorbed, leaving a matte effect on the skin. Increases the protective functions of the skin.

Active ingredients : cinchona extract.

Price : 3100 rub.

Reader's opinion:

I love trying everything new. Like a real victim of advertising, I buy all the new cosmetics. Therefore, I enthusiastically accepted the offer to try a product from a hitherto unfamiliar brand.

I immediately liked the laconic bottle with a convenient dispenser. This would look great on a dressing table. Inside was a delicate emulsion with a pleasant light aroma. It was absorbed almost instantly. And when I applied the foundation a couple of minutes later, it went on without any problems.

This emulsion was really able to prolong the matte finish of the skin. I think no product can provide such an effect for the whole day. So I personally think the result of six hours is excellent.

The manufacturer also mentioned narrowing pores in the description. I didn’t notice any particular results in this area. But, most likely, it is hardly possible to narrow pores with the help of a cream.

The product is used quite economically. I think the bottle will last me several months of intensive use. So the remedy turned out to be quite successful.

Grade: 5/5

How to make gel polish matte without topcoat?

Yes, a matte effect can be achieved on gel polish not only using a top coat, although this is the easiest and fastest way, as for varnish. Let's consider other options:

Sanding with a file. Remember how we remove the gloss on our nails before applying gel polish? In the same way, glitter can be removed from the finished coating. To do this, you simply need to apply the finish and then sand the surface and remove dust. But there are some nuances: It is better to apply the top in two layers, so that when sanding you do not remove too much along with the colored gel polish.
It will be very difficult to properly work out the curves of the cuticle and side ridges with a file. A sanding cutter can help here, but it will still take longer than using a matte topcoat.
The file can scratch the top and leave marks, so it is important to choose the right abrasiveness for these purposes.

Use acrylic powder. In fact, this has long been a well-known and widely used technique, which is called the “velvet sand” design, when the surface of the nail is sprinkled wet with transparent acrylic powder. Unlike the design, when it is poured onto the design, here it is done on the entire nail on top of the wet top. Of the minuses:

It is advisable to apply this sprinkle several times so that the powder is well absorbed, and only then dry it, otherwise you may get a wet, rough effect instead of a matte one.

Acrylic powder can get dirty over time, this is especially noticeable over light-colored gel polish. To clean it, it is recommended to use a brush with soap.

Matte topcoat for varnish. Yes, it can also be used over gel polish. This breaks the technology of the coating, and it will not last long on your nails, but if you just want to experiment with color under a matte and glossy finish, then this solution is quite acceptable. Please note: before applying the top, be sure to remove the stickiness from the colored gel polish, if any.