10 Best Matte Top Coats – 2023 Update
Give your nails that velvety matte finish that lasts long and looks oh-so-luxurious!
Cha Cha WoskaCertified Makeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup
Experience: 20 years
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special even... more
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
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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 the color stay longer. Nail enhancement products are evolving immensely and offer a variety of options with healthy formulas and color tones, that glide on smooth and are chip-resistant. 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
Image: Opi 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 a long-lasting protective layer. 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
Pro Tip2. Best Cruelty-Free Top Coat:Barry M Cosmetics Matte Nail Paint
Image: Barry M 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
Quick Tip3. Best Salon-Quality Top Coat:Essie Matte About You Top Coat
Image: Essie 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
Image: Sally Hansen 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:Beetles Gel No Wipe Matte Top Coat
Image: Beetles The Beetles Gel No Wipe Matte Top Coat is one you will surely be coming back for! This alcohol-free top coat provides the ultimate matte finish to your nails, which can effortlessly compete with any salon-done nails. The formula does not solidify easily, so you can trust it for its durability. The product is easy to use and can deliver good coverage, making it suitable for beginners and professionals.
Pros
- Toxin-free
- Alcohol-free
- Velvety matte finish
- Chip-resistant
- Smudge-resistant
- Durable
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction
6. Best Fast-Drying Top Coat:AIMEILI UV & LED Soak Off No Wipe Matte Top Coat
Image: Aimeili The AIMEILI UV & LED Soak Off No Wipe Matte Top Coat is an easy-to-use, long-lasting product. It works tremendously and is guaranteed to provide you with a top-notch, salon-like finish. It is ideal for securing any form of nail art design. The top coat provides good coverage and durability for up to 21 days, so you won’t have to worry about reapplying it. Along with its easy application and anti-fading properties, it also provides UV protection and is non-yellowing.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Beginner-friendly
- Smooth matte finish
- Hema-free
- Chip-resistant
- Smudge-free
Cons
None
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 Lightweight Top Coat: Kupa Gelfinity Gel Top Matte Coat
Image: Kupa, Inc The Kupa Gelfinity Gel Top Matte Coat is a must-have high-quality gel polish. It is formulated with non-toxic materials that do not harm the nail bed and give desired results. The lightweight product delivers a neat glaze that efficiently covers the nail art design without smudging it. It is long-lasting and works for all nail types, from natural, acrylic, and hard gels to artificial. It can be applied smoothly for a consistent finish.
Pros
- Formaldehyde-free
- Non-toxic formula
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- Smooth matte finish
Cons
None
9. Best Value Added Pack:Eternal Matte Top Coat
Image: Eternal 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
Image: Orly This professional-grade 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 and elegant finish that does not peel off. 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 and last longer.
- 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.
Infographic: Why A Matte Topcoat Is A Must-Try Product
A matte topcoat is a perfect way to add a unique and trendy touch to any nail polish color and give it a velvety finish. It not only hides any flaws in your manicure but can also lengthen its lifespan. Check out the infographic below to learn more about matte effect topcoats and their benefits.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
The Bottom Line
Nail beauty products are versatile, trendy, unique and can be tailored to individual needs. Top coats are a very thoughtful addition to the beauty industry. The fashion-forward top coats can instantly turn glossy to matte 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. The O.P.I Matte Top Coat is the perfect choice for a smooth and long-lasting finish. The Barry M Cosmetics Matte Nail Paint is an affordable, cruelty-free option that adds a little shimmer to your matte top coat, while the Essie Matte About You Top Coat is ideal for a professional, salon-like finish. 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 high-shine.
Recommended Articles
- Matte Nail Polishes That’ll Make You Forget About Glossy Ones!
- Base Coat Nail Polishes For Long-Lasting, Gorgeous Nails
- Long-Lasting Gel Nail Polishes
- Glitter Nail Polishes For Perfect Sparkly Nails
