17 New Ways to Wear Matte Nail Polish

A mosaic design will have you dreaming of your next vacation. The matte white provides a perfect base for an intricate design like this one.

Design by @nailjob

This design is equal parts edgy and feminine. Go for a matte gray and add a small dot design (preferably in millennial pink) to recreate this nail art.

Design by @paintboxnails

Like a red lip, there’s power in bold red nails. Add a twist on classic red nails with a coffin or elaborate nail shape.

Design by @nailjob

Here’s a spin on the matte black lewk. Add a lacquer in a vertical swipe above the black base to achieve this shiny nail.

Design by @nailjob

Go for a classy three-tier nail design. The color combination of gold, white, and black compliments all skin tones and make your nails stand out.

Design by @jessicawashick

For a textured floral nail, this design mixes matte polish, regular polish, and embellishments. Start with a matte base. Let it dry and then paint flower petals in a glossy hue. Finish the nail with crystal accents glued to the center of each flower.

Design by @jessicawashick

Contrast a matte gradient with gold splatter for a celestial look. Alternate colors on each nail, for an out of this world touch.

Design by @ladycrappo

Try a monochrome polka dot design by starting with a matte base. Once dry, paint the dots with a glossy polish in the same color.

Design by @aliciatnails

For this look, start with a matte black nail. Add a metallic gold lacquer to your tips for a glam but minimal design.

Design by @karengnails

If you want a higher contrast, apply chrome nail tape to your tips instead of polish.

Design by @mpnails

Instead of creating tie-dyed nails in bright neon, choose a realistic Carrara marble design. You can follow the same steps as a traditional marbled nail, or you can freestyle the design by hand. Either way, use a paintbrush dipped in polish remover to gently blur the edges. Finish with a matte topcoat and voila: You match the bathroom marble.

Design by rosebnails

Start with a neon orange base and then add an inverted V to each nail. Once dry, set the look with a matte topcoat.

Design by @paintboxnails

On the opposite side of the color spectrum is the matte pastel, seen here in a negative nail design.

Design by @palemoonseattle

Try this easy negative design by painting matte black to the half moon of each nail.

Design by @nataliepavloskinails

Or reverse the design of the last nail for this look. Start by taping off your half moon. Add a matte black polish and wait to dry. Remove the tape, then outline the base of your nail in the same color.

Design by @rosebnails

Tape off your half moon in a triangle shape. Paint a taupe matte polish and let dry. Use a thin brush to add linear details.

Design by @vanityprojects

You can add a matte topcoat to literally any nail, like this detailed look inspired by Air Jordan IIIs.

Design by @krocaine