1. Matte micro-French tips
Burgundy, once again, has solidified itself as one of this year’s biggest winter nail colors. Here, celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton used a deep burgundy nail color as the base, painted over it with a matte top coat, and once dry, took a glossy top coat to create the micro-French tip accent. To recreate this at home, use OPI Nail Lacquer in Como Se Llama? ($12), Orly’s Matte Top Coat ($9), and OPI Mirror Shine Top Coat ($14).
2. Classic matte mani
The simplest way to recreate the trend is by taking your favorite nail color and transforming it by simply adding a matte top coat. Having one like the Kur Matte Top Coat ($20) handy allows you to give any polish in your collection an upgrade, instantly elevating even the most neutral colors.
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3. Half matte moon nails
Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton is no stranger to playing with a matte accent. In this nail look, she created half moons with a bright, glossy white polish like the Manicurist Green Polish in Snow ($14) and a matte base. At home, start by painting your entire nail with a matte polish and wait for it to fully dry. Next, take a nail sticker guide such as the BlingKingdom French Stencils ($4) and place it on your nail to reveal about one-third of your nail bed. From there, paint the upper half with the white polish.
4. Accent matte nail
Looking to test out the trend without going full-on? Try adding a few matte accents to just one nail, like nail artist Amy Tran did by pairing matte black with a contrasting gold chrome. For a similar look, use Sally Hansen Color Foil in Gold ($8) and Essie Jet Black ($8) topped with a matte coat.
5. Valentine’s Day matte mani
If there’s one day to experiment with the Red Nail Theory, it’s Valentine’s Day (which, for those who aren’t counting down, is right around the corner). A simple way to do this at home is by choosing a bright red nail polish, such as the Londontown Polish in Londoner Love ($15), topping it with a matte polish, and buying a heart-shaped nail sticker on Amazon—no impressive art skills needed.
6. Matte polka dot nails
Polka dots are timeless for a reason—they add a touch of fun yet they’re still chic. This look created with the JINsoon Matte Maker ($18) is actually super easy to do by yourself. Paint your nails with any base color—for a similar look, use Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Fade to Black ($19)—top it with a clear matte polish, and use the HiMo Nail Dotting Tool ($4) with a shiny top coat to create equally-spaced dots all over your nail.
7. Bronzed matte nails
Celebrities have been showing out during award and red carpet season—just take a peek at all the nail designs at this year’s Golden Globes. But my favorite take on the matte nail trend was created by celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson for Jennifer Coolidge at the Emmys. Jackson called it “Bronzed, Baked, and Sunkissed,” and it was created using all OPI.
8. Red and nude matte mani
This nude and red matte design, created by celebrity nail artist Imarni, looks complicated but is surprisingly easier to achieve than you’d expect. Start by painting your entire nail with a nude shade, like Zoya in Nude ($12), and allow it to dry fully. Then, use a piece of tape to create a vertical line where you want to split the two colors, and apply your second shade. Once dry, finish with a matte top coat.
9. Pop of color matte mani
In the mood for a little color during these dark, cold months? Add some fun to your nails with a recreation of this vibrant design by celebrity nail artist, Julie Kandalec. Start by using a mix of bright shades—try Duri Neon Nail Polish Set ($30)—and apply a piece of tape a little less than halfway down your nail. Paint the top half with your chosen color, peel off the tape, and finish with a matte top coat.
10. Gilded matte nails
Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec brought the matte look to life once again, this time on Joe Jonas for the 2022 Met Gala. Blending the popular gold chrome trend with a rich matte black, it complemented the event’s gilded glamour theme.
11. Shades of matte brown nails
Can’t choose just one shade of brown? No problem, paint each nail a different one—try J.Hannah in Carob ($22) and OPI in Spice Up Your Life ($11)—and top it all off with a matte coat.
12. Baby blue matte mani
Attempting a French manicure at home can be daunting, and unless you’re using stencil stickers or have an incredibly steady hand, it often doesn’t turn out as planned. That’s where fake nails like these glossy-matte blue press-ons from Paint Box ($28) come in, giving you the perfect French manicure in a matter of minutes.
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