Thought matte nails were dull and dry-looking? Well, think again, as matte is back – and in a big way for autumn/winter 2013. So we've asked Helena Biggs, deputy editor at Scratch magazine, to talk us through the best ways to rock this look.
From the Louise Goldin catwalk at New York Fashion Week (where nail artist extraordinaire, Marian Newman, and her team created a subtle yet stunning matte nail in a chic taupe, with a glossy tip - you can replicate it with a shade like Essie's Don't Sweater It with a matte top coat) to the design station of chic Brit Henry Holland, this trend was seen everywhere. So, stay on top of your nail game by snapping up a matte top coat – stat!
Give your usual French mani an injection of ‘va va voom’ by getting rid of the gloss and making it totally matte. Or, if you prefer a bit of colour in your life, paint nails in your chosen shade and slick on a matte top coat; try OPI’s for size. When dry, paint just the tips of the nails in a glossy top coat, like Seche Vite, for a seriously nu-style French. This looks super chic in black or a deep indigo.
Nuts about nail art? Us too, so dive right in with your matte top coat in hand and get creative. Simply slick on top of painted nails and allow to dry. Grab a brush or dotting tool – we love Orly’s Dotter Duo – and dip in a glossy top coat, then brush a pattern or dab on some dots. Voilà! A simple yet effective nail design.
Image courtesy of ORLY
If you’re a bit unsteady when it comes to nail art and painting your own talons, then Henry Holland has the answer with his soon-to-be-released range of press-on nails for Elegant Touch. Inspired by his London Fashion Week collections, our fave is the bright matte Zig Zag Stardust design, featuring neon half moons, a kaleidoscope design and some fun zig-zags. Simply press on and get ready to rock out alongside your favourite tee and leather mini when they hit high street stores in September. And you dared to think matte was dull…
Henry Holland nails for Elegant Touch applied by Michelle Class
Nail Art: Inspiring Designs by the World's Leading Nail Technicians by Helena Biggs is available to from Amazon.
Check out Scratch magazine.
White nail art: how to wear this summer's hottest trend
Stunning wedding nail art to make your big day even more special