10 Best Matte Top Coats – 2023 Update
Give your nails that velvety matte finish that lasts long and looks oh-so-luxurious!
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Nail paints are always hard to choose from, for their wide variety of colors, as well as matte plus glossy features. Putting the best matte topcoat gives the smooth finishing touch that everyone needs after the end of a nice manicure. Since everybody is all about DIY self-care, from beauty, hairdos, to personal grooming, it is good to find your own products that suit you best. For nails to look flawless, the top layer needs to provide protection as well as look good. It will also make your bomb shade stay for long. The hands and nails product industry is evolving immensely and offers healthy formulas, color tones, that can be smoothly applied consistently and do not chip off easily. Of course, taste differs as per individual, so choosing a matte topcoat according to your preference is quite important.
We have curated a list of the 10 best ones in the market, that you can trust blindly and purchase without any apprehension. Your color shade will last long too with these.
In This Article
10 Best Matte Top Coats – 2023 Update
1. Best Gel Top Coat: O.P.I Matte Top Coat
This award-winning matte top coat by OPI gives you a superior, velvety matte finish. It seals in color to prevent any chipping, scratches, or smudges for up to 7 days. The formula also prevents your nail polish from yellowing or staining and ensures long-lasting protection. Check this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Does not bubble up
- Smudge-proof
- Easy to apply
- Smooth finish
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Cruelty-Free Top Coat: Barry M Cosmetics Matte Nail Paint
Spice up your look and fingernails with this matte nail paint by Barry M Cosmetics! It provides you with ultimate chipping protection and gives a quality matte finish. It offers a pearlescent finish and pairs perfectly with any nail paint, providing a long-lasting manicure.
Pros
- Vegan
- Smooth application
- Comes off easily
- Fast drying
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
3. Best Salon-Quality Top Coat: Essie Matte About You Top Coat
This classic gel top coat by Essie is a must-have in your vanity. It is equipped with a patent-pending curve nail hugging brush and gives you seamless and precise coverage. This fast-drying formula is super long-lasting and can stay put for up to 14 days. The texture of the top coat is designed to glide over the nails for a seamless matte finish without streaks. The precise formula provides your nail polish with a velvety finish in just a swipe! It can be removed easily and does not require any harsh scrubbing, soaking, or scraping. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product.
Pros
- Instant results
- Seamless application
- Vegan
- DB-free
- Toluene-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- Hardens soon
4. Best Quick-Drying Top Coat: Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat
If you are a manicure lover, this topcoat treatment by Sally Hansen is a definite must-buy! It enhances your nail color and sits into a flawless matte finish. It also helps protect your nails from chipping, smashing, or wearing off too fast. The quick-drying top coat is specifically designed for even application and preserves your nail color’s texture and look. In addition, the long-lasting formula can stay put for up to 10 days. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Precise application
- Prevents yellowing
- Lightweight
- Does not bubble
- Good staying power
Cons
None
5. Best Budget-Friendly Top Coat: Revlon Transforming Effects Top Coat
This quality topcoat by Revlon is a definite trendsetter. It uniquely transforms any nail color into a beautiful matte look. In addition, the formula stays put for a long time and does not use UV or LED lamps for drying.
Pros
- Does not bubble up
- Prevents yellowing
- Prevents chipping
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Smooth finish
- Dries quickly
Cons
None
6. Best Long-Lasting Top Coat: Babenail Gel Polish Matte Top Coat
This gel top coat by Babenail does not lift, chip, or peel for up to 21+ days. It is fast curing and dries in just 30 seconds. The soak-off gel polish is suitable for all manicure types – natural nails, hard gels, acrylic nails, artificial nails, and nail tips.
Pros
- Fast-drying
- Precise application
- Prevents yellowing
- Lightweight
- Does not bubble
- No chipping
- Good staying power
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
7. Best Applicator Brush: China Glaze Matte Magic Top Coat
This unique top coat by China Glaze gives you a precise and seamless application every single time. It is free of any harsh toxins and chemicals and is safe and gentle on your nails. In addition, it turns any shiny nail polish to a beautiful matte finish in just a matter of seconds.
Pros
- Instant results
- Seamless application
- Value for money
- Prevents chipping
- DBP-free
- Toluene-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
None
8. Best Toxin-Free Top Coat: Makartt Soak Off UV & LED Matte Top Coat
This gel top coat by Makartt is an ideal choice if you fancy artificial nails, jellies, acrylic nails, and designed nail tips. It provides exceptional durability and ensures a long-lasting manicure for up to 2 weeks. The formula prevents chipping, peeling, and seals in the nail color while delivering a beautiful matte finish. It requires a nail lamp and cures quickly in just 90 to 120 seconds.
Pros
- Vegan
- Toxin-free
- Fast-drying
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Easy to remove
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
9. Best Value Added Pack: Eternal Matte Top Coat
This duo pack of top coats by Eternal enhances, protects, and complements your favorite color. It is apt for gel, natural, and acrylic nails. The polish gives your manicure a new dimension and dries into a velvety matte finish. The salon-quality results are sure to make you receive numerous compliments. It is easy to apply, and dries quickly!
Pros
- Fast-drying
- Long-lasting wear
- Easy to apply
- Formaldehyde-free
- DBP-free
- Toluene-free
Cons
None
10. Best Professional Quality Top Coat: Orly Matte Top Coat
This professional quality matte topcoat instantly turns your glossy nail lacquer to a gorgeous matte finish. It prevents your nails from yellowing or staining. Your nail shade stays the same from day one. The formula is also self-leveling and dries into a smooth, hard finish. It is easy to remove and does not damage your nails during the procedure.
Pros
- Does not bubble up
- Prevents chipping
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Smooth finish
- Fast-drying
Cons
None
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a matte topcoat.
What To Look For In A Matte Topcoat?
- Drying Time
Most topcoats are formulated to dry fast. If the product dries within a few minutes, it is most likely to be indicated on the label. Otherwise, you can expect most of the topcoats to dry within 10 minutes and get fully set in hard in roughly 30 minutes. Another word of advice is that the more coats you apply, the longer it takes to dry.
- Gel Vs. Lacquer
Regular nail lacquer is quite similar to paint, so they air dry. On the other hand, gel top coats only dry or cure under special LED or UV lamps.
- Applicator
The applicator brush’s shape, texture, and length is an important point to be considered. The right applicator gives a precise and seamless application.
- Long-Lasting
Choose a top coat that stays put for a long time, thereby keeping your manicure intact and giving a matte finish throughout.
Top coats are a very thoughtful addition to the beauty industry. The top coats can instantly turn the glossy nail color to a matte finish with one single application. Professionals and nail artists widely use top coats to create an artistic look. Ideal top coats make the nail color stay long. These long-lasting, chip-resistant, bubble-free, and quick-drying top coats come as a great savior. But, avoid coats that harden, have a strong scent, or that don’t provide a smooth finish.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Certified in makeup techniques, Baishali Bhattacharya is a makeup and fashion fanatic. In this post, she brings you a list of the best matte topcoats that are easy to apply and fast-drying. These products add shine to the nails and help the polish last longer. Baishali has intensively researched various topcoat brands in the market to shortlist matted coats that give your nails a manicured finish. She also shares handy tips on things to consider when choosing a matte topcoat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a matte top coat last?
A matte top coat can last for up to 10 days. Then, as it starts wearing off, it gives a semi-shiny or satin finish.
Can we use a matte top coat on gel nail polish?
Yes, you can use a matte top coat on gel nail polish.
Does the matte top coat dry faster?
The surface of a matte tends to feel less tacky faster than a regular top coat. So, while the surface might feel solid, half of the product underneath still has to dry – but you will be able to touch the top layer.
Can you do two coats of matte topcoat?
A matte top coat gives a matte finish to your manicure and protects the gloss underneath. One top of a matte top coat nail is usually sufficient. However, there’s no harm in using one extra coat.
Do you have to cure a matte top coat?
Yes, it is ideal to cure your nail polish after every coat. This way you can ensure that your manicure is thoroughly dried and will not smudge or smear unexpectedly.
How do I keep my matte nails from chipping?
Since most chipping begins at the tip of the nail, to keep chipping away, paint a vertical swipe of polish at the tip of your nail.
Can you put matte top coat over regular nail polish?
Yes, you can put a matte top coat over regular nail polish.
What’s the difference between a top coat and a matte top coat?
Top coats are used to make your manicure last longer. They protect your nail polish and prevent chipping. A matte top coat provides the same benefits but without the shine.
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