{"id":198,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=198"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:53:44","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:53:44","slug":"how-to-make-matte-nail-polish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/how-to-make-matte-nail-polish\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make Matte Nail Polish: A Step-By-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you love the understated elegance of matte nail polish but don’t want to keep buying new bottles, learning to make your own at home is a great option. With just a few simple ingredients and supplies, you can whip up custom matte nail polishes in any shade your heart desires.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to your question: To make your own matte nail polish, all you need is regular nail polish, mica powder, cornstarch, alcohol, and an empty nail polish bottle or small jar<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Simply mix together nail polish, mica powder, and cornstarch, then thin it out with alcohol. Voila – matte nail polish on a budget!<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to make your own long-lasting matte lacquers at home. You’ll learn all about picking ingredients, essential tools and supplies, mixing techniques, special tips for getting an ultra-matte finish, fun add-ins you can experiment with, and more.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n
When formulating a custom matte nail polish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Having these materials on hand before starting will make the process smooth and efficient.<\/p>\n
The base for the matte polish can be either a clear nail lacquer or an existing colored polish. Using a clear polish allows you to control the exact pigment shade. Alternatively, an old bottle of colored polish works as well. Just ensure it’s free of glitter or shimmer particles.<\/p>\n
You’ll need about 1-2 oz of lacquer for a single batch.<\/p>\n
Mica powder is crucial for giving the matte effect. The tiny mineral particles defuse light reflection, cutting down on shine. Mica comes in a spectrum of natural colors like silver, gold, black, red, and bronze. But a white or off-white works best as it won’t alter the polish hue.<\/p>\n
You’ll require approximately 1 teaspoon per mixture.<\/p>\n
A pinch of cornstarch<\/b> also aids the dull matte finish. The fine powder absorbs excess moisture and oils from the nail lacquer. This further reduces any luminous or glossy appearance. About 1\/2 teaspoon is ample for a single nail polish batch.<\/p>\nRubbing alcohol<\/h3>\n
Finally, a small amount of rubbing alcohol serves as a suspension agent between the mica and polish. It allows the ingredients to blend smoothly into a unified liquid. Add several drops or about 1 teaspoon per mixture. Ensure the type you select has at least 90% isopropyl alcohol<\/b> content.<\/p>\n
Once you gather these basic components, the matte nail lacquer comes together quickly. DIY websites like The Spruce Crafts<\/a> provide measurements and details for customizing the ratios as desired. And various mica colors permit experimenting with an array of trendy matte polish shades.<\/p>\n Making your own custom matte nail polish at home is easy with just a few basic supplies. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to get started:<\/p>\n You’ll need small plastic containers, like sample cups or jars, to mix up the nail polish. Avoid anything made of metal, as this can react with the polish ingredients. Clear containers make it easy to see the color as you mix.<\/p>\n Once your polish is mixed, you’ll need something to put it in. Empty nail polish bottles with brush wands are ideal, or you can use small jars. Make sure containers have leakproof lids.<\/p>\n A small plastic funnel will help you easily transfer the mixed nail polish into the bottles or jars without spilling.<\/p>\n You’ll need something to stir up the nail polish ingredients as you blend them. Mini stir sticks, toothpicks, or thin wooden skewers all work well.<\/p>\n If you want to protect your skin and avoid inhaling fumes, wear disposable gloves and a dust mask as you work with the nail polish ingredients. This is especially helpful if you have sensitive skin.<\/p>\n With these basic supplies, you’ll have everything you need to start experimenting with making your own beautiful matte nail lacquers. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Now let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need.<\/p>\n Making your own matte nail polish at home is easy and fun! Here are the steps to prepare and combine the base mixture:<\/p>\n Start by pouring about 2\/3 cup of clear nail polish into a glass or plastic mixing container. Use a nail polish that is good quality and applies smoothly. Avoid polishes that are thick or cheap quality, as this will affect the final matte polish result.<\/p>\n Next, add about 1 teaspoon of mica powder. Mica powder helps give the polish a nice matte finish. Be sure to use cosmetic-grade mica powder, not craft mica powder.<\/p>\n After that, add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch. The cornstarch will help absorb light, giving the polish a matte look once dry. Add more or less cornstarch depending on how matte you want the final polish to be.<\/p>\n Now comes the fun part – mixing everything together! Use a plastic spoon or spatula to thoroughly combine the nail polish, mica powder and cornstarch. Make sure to stir very well so there are no clumps or dry powder left.<\/p>\n Stirring for a couple minutes ensures the ingredients bind together into a smooth, blended polish.<\/p>\n Once finished stirring, the base mixture is ready to go! You can proceed to the next step of adding color pigments. Making DIY matte polish is so quick and easy. In no time you’ll have stunning matte nail colors to paint your nails with. Let your creativity run wild with unique color combinations!<\/p>\n Once the nail polish ingredients have been thoroughly combined, it’s time to thin out the solution to reach the ideal viscous consistency. This is achieved by integrating small amounts of alcohol in stages. The end result should be a mixture that flows slowly like honey<\/b>.<\/p>\n Start by adding 1\u20442 teaspoon of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), or roughly 2.5 ml. Using an eye dropper allows you to control the amount precisely. Pour the alcohol along the inner sides of the container, then use a popsicle stick or toothpick to stir thoroughly and fully incorporate it.<\/p>\n The nail polish mixture will still appear very thick after adding a small dose of alcohol. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to fully blend. Check consistency by drizzling a single drop along the inner wall of the container. <\/p>\n If it still moves too slowly, add another 1\u20444 tsp (1 ml) alcohol and keep mixing. Repeat as needed in increments until the drizzled drop travels down at a viscous, honey-like pace. Most DIY recipes call for 1 to 11\u20442 teaspoons total alcohol.<\/p>\n When thinned properly with alcohol, the nail polish will steadily drip down vertical surfaces. The ideal finished texture resembles warmed honey pouring from a jar. It should also coat a brush evenly.<\/p>\n If the mixture seems too thin and spreads quickly like water, you’ve added too much alcohol. In this case, create a new batch with more pigment and pearl powder to thicken it up again. Getting the viscosity right is crucial for an even application.<\/p>\n Here’s a helpful comparison of finished matte polish consistency<\/b> across various household liquids:<\/p>\nGet the Right Supplies<\/h2>\n
Small mixing containers<\/h3>\n
Empty nail polish bottles or small jars<\/h3>\n
Mini funnels<\/h3>\n
Mixing sticks or toothpicks<\/h3>\n
Gloves and mask (optional)<\/h3>\n
Prepare and Combine the Base Mixture<\/h2>\n
Pour nail polish into mixing container<\/h3>\n
Add mica powder and cornstarch<\/h3>\n
Stir thoroughly until fully blended<\/h3>\n
Thin the Mixture with Alcohol<\/h2>\n
Add small amounts of alcohol<\/h3>\n
Stir again until desired consistency is reached<\/h3>\n
Mixture should flow slowly like honey<\/h3>\n