Pond Manicure Update - Matte Topcoat

Hello everyone!

On Saturday I posted my first ever pond manicure, done in support of Glam Polish's #bluemanisforalopeciaawareness event. If you missed the post (or are new to my blog, hi!) check it out here. I absolutely loved the final look - so much so that I'm nowhere near ready to take it off! Here's how it looks after the few days wear: 

Pond Mani - Several Days Wear @acertainbeccaa

It hadn't chipped at all, but some of the shine had faded. To get a few more days out of the design, I decided to switch it up a bit. Now I wasn't sure whether adding subtle glitter (e.g. China Glaze's 'Fairy Dust') would work, and I wanted to try something new. So instead I reached for a matte topcoat. Click below to find out more and see how it turned out!

I've had Barry M's Matte Nail Paint for a long time but I've never used it properly. I have tried the matte effect on a singular nail now and then, but it always felt odd. It gives my nails a kind of waxy feel that I'm not used to - it may sound strange but it feels vulnerable to chipping. Based on that initial thought I'd never risked a full mani. Until now!

First I thought I'd add a quick reminder of the glossy look:

Blue Pond Manicure @acertainbeccaa

Now after Barry M's Matte topcoat:

Matte'd Pond Manicure @acertainbeccaa

Yay! I love it! It makes all of the dots so much clearer. In a weird way, it almost makes it brighter. For a quick comparison here's my thumbs - one before matte topcoat and one after. It makes so much difference! Keep in mind that the 'non-matted' thumb had already dulled a bit, so is not as shiny as it originally was.

Glossy Thumb vs. Matte Thumb @acertainbeccaa

I'll definitely be using this more often. It dried so quickly. The texture still convinces me it will chip easier - fingers crossed it doesn't! What do you think? Do you like Matte polishes/topcoats? Leave a comment and let me know.

As always, thank you for reading my post! See you in the next one.
Becca x