Gradient Nails Tutorial

The 'Gradient Nail' trend has been sweeping the beauty community of late and it’s a look I love because it’s so versatile. It’s great if you want something different but don't want to opt for a full on glitter frenzy. Even though at first glance you may think, 'Hmmm not sure I could have the skill to do that?!' they couldn't be simpler and don't even take that much longer than if you were going to paint your nails in a regular manner. They are perfect for any occasion and will no doubt make an impression! It’s really easy to do. Here’s how!

What you will need:

Various nail polish colours

A cosmetic (make up) sponge (You could also just cut up a new dish sponge and cut off the scourer part)

Base coat and top coat (optional)

1. After applying your base coat (optional) and while waiting for it to dry, choose your gradient colours. In this particular look the colours chosen are China Glaze Electropop collection in “Dance Baby” (Pale bubblegum pink) China Glaze in “Sweet Hook” (a very creamy pale purple), China Glaze in “Kinetic Candy” (A pale baby blue with a hint of grey) Get your sponge ready too. You will need a sponge big enough to cover your thumbnail tip, as this is the widest nail.

2. On the flat side of the sponge, paint a line across. Be generous with the amount (Kinetic Candy)

3. Next paint the second colour just below the first one. (Sweet Hook)

4. Continue with the 3rd colour, painting it just below the second colour. (Dance Baby)

5. You can use as many (or as little) colours as you want. The trick is to layer the colours onto your sponge.

6. Now that your sponge nail stamp is ready, stamp it onto your nail. Go over your whole nail as many times as you want to achieve the right gradient and intensity of the colours. If you find that your lacquer on the sponge is drying up, just re-colour the sponge and stamp again. Don’t worry about mixing up the colours a little. The effect is actually a very nice and blended in gradient. Re-colour your sponge and do the same for the rest of the nails.

7. You’ll probably end up having colours on your skin as well. Not to worry, simply use a remover to clean off the edges. Wait for it to dry before finishing with a top coat (optional). Now you are done! (Optional Finger Prep: Rub Vaseline on the skin around your nails before polishing. Mistakes can be wiped off when your nails are dry and will soften cuticles at the same time) Like I’ve mentioned earlier, you can use as many or as little colours as you like. Do a rainbow or a gradient of a shade or even a mix of random colours! As you can see, it works beautifully. Thanks for reading everyone, if it works for you too be sure to let us know. Happy Painting!!

If you didn't quite understand how to achieve the gradient results I’ve included a YouTube Tutorial courtesy of Layniefingers who runs a fantastic Nail Blog that is well worth checking out! http://layniefingers.blogspot.com/