Same formulation as a normal nail polish, same application and same drying, but completely different effect. The matte enamel, once put on the nails, unlike the traditional ones and with a shine and glossy finish, it guarantees a matte effect, satin, extremely elegant.
The maximum yield is obtained with dark colors, for a truly chic manicure, but the shades available obviously belong to a very wide range of colors, from white to black passing through fluorescent. And for lovers of the most whimsical nail art, of course you can add decorations or you can embellish everything with glitter applications.
Opaque enamel lends itself both long and short nails, of any shape, square or more almond-shaped. They are usually applicable products both on natural nails and on false or reconstructed nails (in acrylic or with gel). However, the advice is to always be well informed by reading the labels and indications of the manufacturers.
The same goes for the formulations, which can be more or less aggressive on the nail. Also, one thing to do is make sure they are glazes able to dry normally, or if vice versa they need a special UV LED lamp.
Matt enamel: the types
The opaque enamel exists in two types: the first is the classic satin lacquer. This is possibly applied on a smoothing base, so as to prepare the nail for the treatment and obtain an impeccable and lasting effect, because the nail underneath has been filed and “corrected” in its imperfections (chips or elevations).
Interesting variants of this typology have been produced. One of these, for example, is the version “Velvet”: opaque enamels but with a velvet effect, very trendy, almost soft to the touch. Then there are the so-called “Metallic mat”: opaque enamels, but with a metallic finish, a delicate satin effect enriched by a pearlescent vein.
The second type is a special top coat polish, to be applied on traditional enamel to opacify it and at the same time fix it, so as to keep it intact longer without damaging it.
How to make the nail polish dull?
To opacify any nail polish, so as to complete the manicure giving it that satin effect so fashionable, you can use two home methods. The secrets of DIY come to the rescue of those who want to try this effect, without spending money, but perhaps taking advantage of what you have at home. The matt effect can be obtained:
- using water vapor: just boil some water in a saucepan, apply the traditional lacquer polish on the nails and then put your hands above the saucepan, where the steam obviously thickens. The latter should make the enamel less shiny;
- using corn starch: widely used in the kitchen to prepare fluffy and soft desserts, corn starch (or cornstarch) is a white thickening powder obtained from corn kernels. By mixing a very small amount of it with a few drops of enamel, this causes it to become opaque. Obviously it also makes it much denser, so application is a little more difficult. You can use this method both directly with the colored nail polish and with the transparent nail polish, to make it a slightly milky top coat to be applied on top of the traditional nail polish.
Matt nail polish: 6 products not to be missed
From perfumeries to bazaars to online shops, there is no shortage of places to buy nail art products, for every need and every price range. On the market there are some very valid proposals that it is good to know, so as to make a targeted purchase. Here are some, positively evaluated by buyers who have tried them.
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Rosalind Gel Opaque Set
The set consists of 6 products. The enamel is easy to apply and dries quickly, but requires a special lamp. It can be remedied with a hairdryer, but the yield would not be optimal. For an even more intense effect, it is recommended to apply two thin layers of product one on top of the other.
Buy on Amazon
Pro
- Long duration
- Easy to spread
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Inglot breathable matte nail polish
Inglot, to ensure maximum safety for customers, has created this line of breathable enamels. A breathable polymer is used in the formulation, also used for contact lenses. In this way the product allows the water to be absorbed by the nail, guaranteeing greater oxygenation which promotes health and growth.
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Pro
- Not tested on animals
- Breathable
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Rosalind Matte gel top coat
Top coat with an ecological formulation: it is non-toxic, without formaldehyde and DBP chemicals. Applied on normal nail polish, it makes it opaque, for an extremely elegant effect, not shiny but matte. The formulation allows very quick drying and easy removal.
€ 5 on Amazon
Pro
- Quick drying
- Easy to remove
Versus
- Requires UV or LED lamp
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Pink Gellac Top Coat
Applied on nail polish, it mattifies the final effect, making any color matte. The effect fades over time, restoring the normal shine of the enamel.
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Pro
- Easy to spread
- It can also be used on other brand glazes
Versus
- Requires UV LED lamp
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Semme Opaque Enamel
Available in five colors, this nail polish is suitable for both professional use and for those who own a UV LED lamp at home, which is essential for the drying phase. Remains intact on nails for up to 14 days. The product is in non-toxic resin: ecological and odorless.
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Pro
- Suitable for natural nails, gel nails, false nails
- Long duration
Versus
- Requires UV LED lamp
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LandFox Matt enamel
Very natural matte effect nail polish. We recommend applying a base coat first, which makes the nail smooth. A top coat on top, on the other hand, guarantees a longer duration and prevents the nail polish from chipping or scratching. Shake well before use.
2 € on Amazon
Pro
- Long duration
- Wide choice of colors
Versus
- Very dense, difficult to spread
