Matte Polka Dot Manicure

When I received Avon’s new Dual Ended Nail Brush and Dotting Tool, I decided it was time to take it for a test drive. For this Manicure Monday, I have a pink and brown polka dot manicure. Unlike the matte and glossy manicure, which is trending in the beauty blog community, this is an all matte manicure.

Avon Speed Dry Nail Enamel claims to be a high-shine formula that dries in 30 seconds and promises full coverage. Retailing at $6.99 for 12 mL; it contains no formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

Matte Polka Dot Manicure

Here are the products I used to achieve this matte manicure:

CND Sticky Base Coat

If there’s one step I never skip when I do my manicure, it’s got to be my base coat. I find using the right base coat helps with the longevity of a manicure, reduces nail staining and increases the strength of my nails.

Avon Speed Dry Nail Enamel Express Mocha

Express Mocha served as a base color for my nail art. I applied two coats of this nail polish to ensure full coverage. I applied this nail polish to only half of my ring finger. One coat is opaque enough, but I always prefer 2 to 1.

Overall, I’m extremely impressed with this nail polish because the finish is opaque and high-shine. My only concern is that the formula increases in thickness over time.

Avon Speed Dry Nail Enamel On the Go Pink

I used the Avon Dual Ended Nail Brush and Dotting Tool to create a clean edge between the pink and the brown on my ring finger. I used the dotting tool for the polka dots. I went over the dots once with a second coat to increase the opacity of the pink.

This nail polish requires about 3 coats to achieve full opacity, 2 if you are really good with application. I’m never surprised when I need at least 3 coats with a light shade like this one, though.

I think the Avon Dual Ended Nail Brush and Dotting Tool is great for beginners, but it has definitely opened my interest in investing for a more stable tool. The dotting side of my tool pulls out of the plastic handle, it’s nothing a little glue can’t fix and it didn’t intervene with me achieving my manicure. For only $2.99, it does its job.

Revlon Matte Top Coat 790

I applied a matte coat; this step is totally optional but I’m loving this finish at the moment. One coat of the Revlon Matte Top Coat is more than enough to give your manicure a new edge. A matte top coat can shorten the life of your manicure, but it’s worth the venture for aesthetic reasons.