15 Dope Designs That’ll Make You Want to Try Matte Nail Art

For when you want a break from super shiny lacquer.

By Hana Hong, Cosmopolitan

How do you make matte nail polish even cooler? Pair it with an intricate design or an interesting nail shape. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 15 fresh ideas for you to try next.
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1 

A Modern Twist

A post shared by Madeline Poole (@mpnails) on Jul 18, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

This juxtaposition of matte and chrome finishes is anything but boring. A unique take on the classic French mani, this look combines two of nail art's biggest trends.



2 

Water Droplets

A post shared by Vanity Projects (@vanityprojects) on Apr 17, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

These wicked water droplets were made with acrylic, but you can create a similar 2D effect with shiny clear nail polish. First allow the matte base to dry, then paint your glossy dots.
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3 

Glittery and Gray

A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on Apr 17, 2015 at 11:59am PDT

Go matte gray, but top it with opalescent flakes like the example shown here. It's the perfect way to add some fun to an otherwise subdued shade.



4 

Gold Embellished

A post shared by Park Eunkyung (@nail_unistella) on Feb 22, 2018 at 6:49pm PST

Black is always a classic choice. Keep it interesting by experimenting with polish placement and unexpected embellishments.
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5 

Asymmetrical Art

A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on Dec 18, 2017 at 7:01am PST

What's more fun than matte cobalt blue polish? Matte cobalt blue polish with negative space and metallic tips.



6 

Gorgeous Gradients

A post shared by NARINA CHAN (@narinanails) on Aug 12, 2018 at 8:05pm PDT

What should you do when you love a trend, such as ombré, but it feels played out? Try it in a new finish, like matte. This gradient fades from a matte hot pink on the tips into a lighter shade at the base.
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7 

Two-Tone Tips

A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on Nov 5, 2016 at 2:37pm PDT

Experiment with multicolor matte shades for a super cool look like this. Choose complementary colors, like orange and blue, or stick with shades in the same family to keep it cohesive. Then use those shades to paint your nails in vertical halves.



8 

Tiny Gold Accents

A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on Nov 3, 2016 at 1:45pm PDT

After you've painted your nails a solid matte shade, use gold striping tape to accessorize.

SHOP NOW Striping Tape.
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9 

Marble Mani

A post shared by NAILS by MEI (@nailsbymei) on Jan 13, 2016 at 12:30pm PST

Inspired by the sophisticated look of white Carrara marble, this manicure takes the same white, black, and gray free-form pattern. Start with a white base, and while the paint is still wet, use a striping brush to paint thin black or gray lines. Finish with a matte top coat.



10 

Neutral Nails

A post shared by ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴀ s ♥ ɴ ᴀ ɪ ʟ s (@dreasnails) on Aug 12, 2018 at 10:33pm PDT

To keep your look simple but by no means basic, pair your beige shade with an interesting nail shape and a matte finish, like the style shown here.
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11 

Metallic Splatter

A post shared by @ladycrappo on Jan 18, 2015 at 11:08am PST

For this look, start with a matte ombré base in different shades on each nail. Then, place a few drops of polish onto a paper plate and dip one end of the straw into the polish. Hold the straw two to three inches away from your nails, and blow out the other end for the splattered effect.



12 

Negative Space

A post shared by Cassandre Marie (@cassmariebeauty) on Mar 20, 2016 at 11:05pm PDT

Two ways to make pastel polish edgy: a matte finish and a negative space design.
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13 

Matte-ching Shades

A post shared by Julie K 🎀 Beauty & Travel (@julieknailsnyc) on May 12, 2018 at 11:50am PDT

Create subtle texture by mixing both glossy and matte polishes in the same shade for your nail art design. For this look, paint the shiny finish over your half-moon and use the matte polish to paint the rest of the nail.



14 

Holographic Accents

A post shared by Savannah (@sweetandsavvynails) on Sep 25, 2016 at 5:38pm PDT

Break up an over-the-top holographic nail look with a few solid matte accent nails. For an even more unique twist, try a coffin or stiletto nail shape.
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15 

Geometric Designs

A post shared by Miss Pop (@misspopnails) on Jun 19, 2015 at 9:41am PDT

Geometric art isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Make your nails your canvas, and freestyle with your favorite shapes and colors.

See more at: Cosmopolitan