We’ve all had fun with our bright pretty in pink, orange, and tangerine pedis this summer, but it’s getting tired as those chipping toes get covered in warm woolen socks and chic biker boots.  What’s a girl to do to fill the femme luster void?

My void is pleasantly sedated with Knock Out Matte nail polish. Fellow (but much fancier) makeup artist Mike Potter came up with this line, although he’s not the only one to anticipate this trend. Lines from Sephora by OPI to Essie to Man Glaze have jumped on board, which is cool since KO is kind of expensive at $22 a pop.

Why I think KO is better: 1. The colors are the most modern and interesting/unique. 2. The brush has a super long handle so your fingers don’t have to bunch up like the Wolverine trying to eat a tic-tac. 3. You can use the Flatte Top topcoat over any other color to make it matte, and while most of the other lines offer this too, I’ve had superior chip resistance with this one.

Here I used Sally Hanson Blue me Away and finished it with Flatte Top. I kept one foot and one hand shiny so you can see the before and after. A tip is to make sure the matte topper is evenly distributed to avoid spots of gloss.

Potter’s Genius also created the legendary looks for Hedwig and The Angry Inch (Maybe the inspiration for the longer brush handle?) and currently Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.