Mastering Matte Nails

Each day of New York Fashion Week the Yahoo Beauty editors will be sharing one life-changing beauty tip from the makeup artists, hair stylists, nail artists, and models we meet backstage.

Backstage at the Alexander Wang fashion show, where Kendall Jenner hit the runway, models were sporting a neutral matte manicure that complimented the dark vibe of the designer’s fall 2015 collection. The popularity of the matte manicure has continued to grow over the years, but removing the lacquer requires a bit more work than your typical polish.

Thankfully Essie manicurist Michelle Saunders has a few pointers. She recommends starting your manicure by moisturizing your hands, especially in the winter. “Put your cuticle oil on first, not at the end like you would with a glossy nail,” says Saunders. “If you do it after, you’ll lose the whole effect of the matte.” Make sure you remove the oil from the nail bed and apply a ridge filling base coat to a clean nail to help create a smooth surface for your polish. After applying your polish color (Saunders used Essie’s ‘Jazz’ for the show), be generous with your matte top coat. “Get it in the cuticle, on the sides and underneath,” says Saunders. “If even a little shine comes through you’ll lose the effect.” Keep in mind that matte formulas take longer to dry, so give yourself at least 10 minutes before picking up your phone and heading out the door.

Kendall Jenner backstage at the Alexander Wang fall 2015 show, wearing Essie nail polish in Jazz.