The Internet Says Matte Nail Polish Is Cool Again—11 Shades We're Shopping

If there's one thing we can count on Instagram and TikTok for, it's bringing new beauty trends to light. Lately, those trends have been (in no particular order) the "model cheekbones" contour trick, an obsession with '70s-inspired hair, and something called "vampire skin."
Sometimes, though, the trends that circulate on Instagram and TikTok aren't exactly new—they're just a return to old, familiar ones. Take matte nail polish, for instance. What was once the trendiest manicure somewhere circa 2010 is making its way back into the spotlight. But instead of the kitschy matte nail art we used to see on social media, this year's updated version is all about clean and minimalist designs with a soft, shine-free finish.
There are two ways you can go about getting a matte manicure. First, you can paint your nails with any shade you like then apply a matte topcoat to sub the shine for a clean, minimalist finish. This is the most popular way to achieve a matte look (and my personal favorite). Second, you can use a matte nail color for a shine-free finish. This method can get a little tricky since there aren't many matte nail colors out there. There are a few options though. Keep scrolling!
The Best Matte Topcoats
I'll end with my favorite matte product—this Olive and June topcoat. It makes my manicures last longer than any other topcoat I've ever tried. And, FYI, the Olive and June Glossy Top Coat ($9) is just as good. You know, if you want a shiny mani every once in awhile too.
The Best Matte Nail Polish Shades
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Kaitlyn McLintock is a Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. She has 10 years of experience in the editorial industry, having previously written for other industry-leading publications, like Byrdie, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, and others. She covers all things beauty and wellness-related, but she has a special passion for creating skincare content (whether that's writing about an innovative in-office treatment, researching the benefits of a certain ingredient, or testing the latest and greatest at-home skin device). Having lived in Los Angeles, California, and Austin, Texas, she has since relocated back to her home state, Michigan. When she's not writing, researching, or testing beauty products, she's working through an ever-growing book collection or swimming in the Great Lakes.
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