Lipstick Masala

When getting a manicure or pedicure, there are two things that I make sure of (besides basic hygiene protocol) – that the color I choose is cheery and maddeningly vibrant, and that the topcoat is perfectly shiny, you know, the kind that makes your nails gleam so they still seem wet long after they’ve dried. This Fall, however, it seems I must temporarily put away all my favorite shades, for shiny is out and matte is back.

The nail polishes of this year’s Fall lines are focusing on the exact opposite of what the Summer brought. Gone are the glossy neon nails ladies everywhere have been sporting since the weather turned warm. This new season is all about being dull – dull colors, dull nails, and perhaps dull moods?

Remember when Vicky Beckham (yes, I like to call her Vicky because we’re tight like that) was photographed wearing slate gray nail polish and we all cringed? Well, we better all get used to it, because gray is back in a big way this Fall, along with navy blues, blacks, and deep plums. And with an emphasis on color rather than on shine, most of these shades are being released with a matte finish. Even light shades such as winter white are lackluster. And for those of you who love turning to reds as the air becomes more crisp, some lines like Zoya have even created a polish just for you.

So, if you’re a fan of the matte look, or you want to try it on just for laughs, there are a couple of ways you can get in on the fun.

1)    Several companies are releasing purely matte lines for the Fall. Here are some of the most popular:

-       OPI is revamping some of its older shades to be resold without their shiny finish, including Alpine Snow, Russian Navy, and You Don’t Know Jacques, complete list on OPI.com (these shades will also still be available in their glossy versions). Range from $7-9.

-       The company, Zoya, is marketing their MatteVelvet Collection of shades of gray and red. Best of all – Zoya’s polishes are formaldehyde free. Zoya.com $6.

-       Knockout Cosmetics (koknockout.com) has a nice range of matte polishes. The price is a little steep at $19, but they have a wondrous turquoise that I’m dying to get my hands on.

-       The original matte nail polish – ManGlaze. Yes, you heard me – ManGlaze, like men really need to start wearing polish now? $6.66 online and $13 in stores. Manglaze.com

2)    If you don’t want to waste $$$ on multiple polishes and want to use the ones you already own, just spring for a mattifying topcoat. Many companies like Knockout are making mattifiers, but the most popular one currently on the market is “Matte About You” by Essie $10, check it out at Essie.com.

-       The website has an interactive demo that allows you to see what certain colors look like matte and gives ideas on how to get creative with the matte top coat.

-       This topcoat can be used with any polish to create a matte finish.

3)    Some people have suggested nail polish remover mattifies your nails. Either quickly dip your nails into a cupful of polish remover or lightly stroke on a little remover with a paintbrush (try to avoid using a makeup brush, you don’t want acetone remnants on your face). I haven’t personally tried this method; it will take some patience, and definitely several tries to apply it without removing the color. It may just be easier to go for the Essie.

So, what do you think, ladies? Is this matte fad worth a try, or will you be sticking to your trusty shine and color? Personally, I think I’ll be giving it a go with the Vicky Beckham gray.

Sound off with your thoughts in the Comments section below.