Gradient Ombre Nails-Part One...

Hello style lovers. Yes, another mention of Ombre, are you sensing a trend too? I think it is pretty captivating looking at colours gradually turn from one to the other. The trend has taken a huge surge forward and can not only be used on your hair but also with clothing, shoes, makeup and nail art.

With nails I find this style a step inspired by the use of one colour for the base of nails and another colour for the tips. It isn't so harsh and should definitely have a blurred transition line!

For the last couple of months I have had a picture of a gradient nail design as the background for my phone... I have been calling it 'sunset nail', here it is...

For a very clear and easy to follow tutorial (with pictures step by step) from Nailasaurus please click here.

The Basics - why:

• You don't have to be an expert - but the more practice the better (and the steadier your hands will be)!
• This look will not cost you alot of money
• It is a very individual style - meaning you can use soft, complimentary colours but also use bold, contrasting combinations. Which makes it easily adaptable to your life, for example, use soft pinks/nudes for professions or workplaces that don't condone vibrant makeup or fashion
• You will get your nails noticed, receive compliments and get asked questions as to how you achieved the look.

For Gradient nails created with sponge applicator

The Basics - to use:

• Nail polish remover
• Two to three nail polishes in colours appropriate to the gradient style you are trying to achieve. Can compliment, contrast or completley clash.
• Top coat for good finish (consider using a layer as base coat - provides a smooth surface for application of polish)
• Sponge pieces - there are many different types, and all work to some degree. Most common types found when looking into this effect are - foam sponge (such as used when washing a car), ones used in the kitchen/bathroom for cleaning, eyeshadow applicators, foundation sponges
• Cotton tips/brushes for cleaning cuticles and/or nails

The basics - technique:

• Clean your nails with nail polish remover
• Apply base coat of clear polish                  *optional tip*
• Depending on the technique you are following either:
• paint your nail the 'base colour' - the main colour/the colour that forms the basis of the ombre effect
• paint your nail with a white polish (opaque or block), then dab/paint the colours you want onto the sponge and apply to nail
• apply sponge with paint directly onto nail (no base or white colour)
• Apply 2-3 coats of top coat - may need to be heavily applied to provide an even, smooth finish
• Allow to dry very well

 

Nail Gradient from 'A Polish Addict'
- Becky used the tutorial from Nailasaurus

 

The Nailasaurus gradient manicure



The basics- tips:

• Try out the sponge options if you are considering more then one.
• If you settle with a dense sponge, such as a foundation sponge, dip quickly in water, squeeze excess water out and allow to semi dry - this prevents the nail polish from been soaked into the sponge.
• When applying the sponge, it doesn't need to be perfectly aligned, you can dab and/or move the sponge back and forth - helps to blend the colours well (meaning NO transition line)
• The white nail polish creates a 'glow' type effect, making nails seem brighter.
• You can paint the polish in lines onto the sponge, as per Lainie Fingers or use Nailasaurus' swirl technique and then 'stamp' the sponge)
• Using a brush to dip in nail polish remover and then wipe/clean cuticles and sides of nails can assist in not accidently removing any of the nail polish
• Some techniques suggest applying chapstick, paw paw ointment, moisturiser or oil to the skin and cuticles surrounding the nail (but NOT the nail).
• this should mean, once you have finished and the polish has dried on your nails, that you can wash or wipe your hands and the nail polish resting on the skin will come off easily.
• For a deeper result apply layers - just make sure the last layer is dry first!
• Don't think you can't do it, give it a try! Some techniques I looked at use off centre, diagonal gradients - which makes it easier to make a mistake look intentional.
  
  
  
      Left & Above: Lainie Fingers

Left & Above: Nailasaurus swirl and sponge technique

For something extra, you can pair this look with additional nail art or stamps, such as this picture featured on Miss Jonie Tumblr...

I will be trying the sponge technique on my days off and will do a follow up post on how it went! Pretty excited to try this! Please let me know if you try it too, and if what you found here helped.. Also any issues please let me know and I will try to find a solution. Part Two will be the gradient effect without using a sponge.

Kooklah Xx