When it comes to nail polish, you don’t have to only choose between shiny and glossy finishes to look more sophisticated. You can treat yourself to a stunning manicure with the best matte nail polish too! From vibrant shades to soft and muted tones, we’ve curated a wholesome list of recommendations. Whether you want to make a bold statement or prefer a more subtle look, our favorites will get you there.

While painting your nails may be one of the easiest beauty treatments out there, you need the right product to make your self-pampering session a big hit! We can say without a doubt that a gorgeous matte finish is all your nails need for an edgy and cool-girl vibe. So, gear up for an at-home salon experience as you apply these radiant matte nail colors.

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  Best Overall

  Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Set

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Here’s your chance to add a pretty pop of color to your nails with this gel nail polish set from Beetles. The set includes the best matte nail colors for those who love a pop of pastel shades – such as sweet pink, sunny yellow, and calming blue. These gorgeous pastel colors are the flag bearers of pleasant summer vibes. Designed to last for the longest time, it is built with soak-off formulas that make removal a breeze.

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Best Finish

Vishine Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit

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Achieve salon-quality gel manicures at home with the Vishine Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit. It has everything that you need to create beautiful, long-lasting gel manicures in the comfort of your home. The kit comes with a powerful 36W LED nail dryer lamp, a range of classic matte nail colors, and the best matte gel top coat for amazing results. It is also very affordable and doesn’t burn a heavy hole in your pocket. Additionally, you get funky nail art tools and other fabulous accessories as a part of this combo!

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Most Chip-resistant

Essie Expressie quick dry nail color

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Add some glam to your life with this matte nail polish from Essie! If you are done dealing with the struggle of waiting for your freshly painted nails to dry, then this quick-drying polish will be the perfect companion for you! It is time to say goodbye to smudged nails and welcome perfectly-applied matte nail polish that will take your nails to a whole new level.  Also the pastel pink hue of the shade ‘in the time zone’ will leave you looking no less than a diva.

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Most Long-lasting

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Set

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Give your nails a strikingly luxurious look with this nail polish set from Beetles. The gorgeous shades consist of wine red, purple, gold glitter, and more that will make heads no matter where you go! Designed for easy application, these beauties will only make your life easier. Since the matte nail polishes are soak-off, you don’t even have to worry about damaging your nails when it’s time for a change.

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Best Color Payoff

KLEANCOLOR Nail Lacquers

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Just like the arrival of the Spring season, this matte nail lacquer set by Kleancolor will refresh your life with its lively colors! The set of six includes matte orange, pink, purple, teal, yellow, and blue nail polish. Perfect to add a splash of color to your daily routine, these eye-catching pastel shades will make your nails look like a bouquet of flowers. The smooth and even Coverage will help you perfect the application process without any hassle.

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Best Cruelty-free Nail Polish

Cirque Colors Color Changing Nail Polish

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Let your nails uplift your mood as you apply this thermal color-changing nail polish from Cirque Colors. This matte nail polish is more than just a pretty shade of turquoise, it is like a chameleon that changes color with temperature variations. The cruelty-free, vegan, and non-toxic formula will have you looking fabulous while also feeling good about yourself and your choices. The speckled finish will leave an impression on everyone who you shake hands with.

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Most Easy to Apply

OneDor One Step Gel Polish

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Step up your nail game with OneDor’s One Step Gel Polish! This little bottle of magic offers a quick and easy application process that even the busiest of bees will appreciate. The matte top coat will make your nails feel sturdy and it will prevent any scraping or chipping from happening. Experience a DIY manicure session with your girls in the comfort of your home using this soak-off nail polish. Believe us, you are just one step away from glamorous and attractive nails.

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Most Trendy

LOKFAR Matte Nail Polish - Set of 6

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Your manicure experimentation is incomplete without a high-quality nail polish set. This set of 6 nail colors from LOKFAR is a must-have for you to achieve a salon-like experience at home. With six bottles of these mist-effect matte finish nail polishes in the kit, you can create a multitude of trendy and stylish looks. Each matte nail color is designed to offer a long-lasting and waterproof velvet nail-art look. So get ready and stand out from the crowd by making a bold and colorful statement with your new and shiny nails.

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Best Smudge-proof Formula

wet n wild wildshine NAIL COLOR

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Wet n Wild’s Wildshine nail polish allows you to experience a new level of satisfaction when it comes to nail polish. It comes in a pack of two and is a must-have for all the fashionistas out there. The super easy application makes your manicure a ba hit! The affordable price and high-quality color payoff make it one of the best matte gel top coats out there! And you don’t even have to worry about the liquid running out as the bottle is filled with a good quantity.

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Best Range of Colors

china glaze Matte Magic Flat Finish Top Coat

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You are bound to quickly get tired of the same old look on your nails every day. No wonder, China Glaze’s Matte Magic Top Coat is gaining immense popularity in the market. This magical matte nail product is specially formulated to give your nails a velvety texture and chic matte finish. You can get a little adventurous with your manicure and add this top coat over any colored nail polish to instantly turn it into a matte finish. Also, the quick-drying formula makes life so much easier for the user.

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LE CHAT Dare To Wear Matte TOP COAT

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Le Chat’s Dare To Wear Matte Top Coat will bring back the lost luster to your nails. Formulated to give your nails the sleek and velvety matte finish that you’ve been dreaming of – this is definitely one of the best matte top coats that’s available on the market. It puts the cherry on top of your glam nails and makes them party-ready! Also, it leaves a hard protective shell that is meant to protect your new manicure at all costs.

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NYX matte nail polish

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Well, the perfect matte finish does exist, and NYX’s matte nail polish is here to prove it! The rich and velvety color is quick to dry and stays on for a long time. This high-quality matte nail color will make your Friday nights even more special! Available in a plethora of shades, it is bound to be there for you for every occasion — be it the office, festivities, a party, or casual outings. So, get ready to jam with these vibrant colors and leave a lasting impression on all those around you.

Now that we have taken a look at the best matte nail polish choices out there, it is time to understand how to buy and use the right one for you.

Below are the major things to consider while choosing matte nail polish:

1. Quality: Look for nail polishes from reputable brands that are known for their quality and durability. High-quality polishes tend to provide a smoother and longer-lasting matte finish.

2. Shade Selection: Consider the range of shades available. Matte nail polishes come in a variety of colors, so choose shades that complement your skin tone, personal style, and the occasion that you plan to wear them for.

3. Pigmentation: Check the pigmentation of the polish. A highly pigmented formula will provide a more opaque and vibrant matte finish with fewer coats.

4. Formulation: Consider the formulation of the nail polish. Look for formulas that are specifically designed to create a matte finish. These polishes often have a different texture and drying time compared to regular glossy polishes.

5. Finish and Texture: Consider the type of matte finish that you prefer. Some matte nail polishes have a completely flat, velvety texture, while others may have a slight satin or powdery finish. Decide which texture appeals to you most.

Next, let us look at the best way to use matte nail polish.

Let us understand the best way to use matte nail polish:

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start by removing any old nail polish and shaping your nails. Use a nail file to smooth the edges and a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles.

2. Apply a Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails. This will protect your natural nails, prevent staining, and help the matte polish adhere better.

3. Apply the Matte Nail Polish: Shake the matte nail polish bottle well before use. Apply a thin and even coat of polish to your nails, starting from the base and moving toward the tip. Avoid applying too much polish to prevent streaking or clumping. Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. Speaking of application of three coats of matte nail paint, our contributor Maya adds, “As long as the coats are very thin, it's fine. Too many thick coats, however, can look messy and chip quickly.”

4. Allow Drying Time: Matte nail polishes may take slightly longer to dry compared to glossy polishes. Allow sufficient drying time to avoid smudging or smearing the polish.

5. Skip the Top Coat: Unlike glossy polishes, matte nail polishes don't require a top coat. Applying a top coat can make the matte finish shiny or alter its appearance. However, if you want added durability, you can apply a matte top coat specifically designed for matte finishes.

6. Clean Up Excess Polish: Use a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish around the nails for a neat and professional-looking finish.

We hope your search for the best matte nail polish picks ends here! Matte nail polish has taken the internet by storm and for all the right reasons – they look great, dry faster, and require lesser touch-ups!  Our beautifully curated selection will not only give your nails a classy finish but will also stay on them for a very long time. We want you to have only the best and nothing less. Enjoy your new gorgeous matte nails!

Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog