Gradient Nails: Tutorial

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday August 30, 2011

We came across this tutorial for 'Galaxy Nails' and loved the idea of using sponges in your nail art. We played acround with this idea for a bit and came up with a very easy and simple idea for gradient nails. What we wanted for this gradient effect was a darker, more opaque tip that becomes lighter for the length of the nail. YouTube guru MissChevious did a very similar nail polish look that we took inspiration from. While she used darker blues and purples, we used glittery nail polish colours with a neutral base. The nail polishes we used in this tutorial are all Sephora O.P.I. Products (US$9.50) in: I Don't Bite (purple), Don't Feed the Hand Models (cream base), Already Famous (Silver-Gold).

Before starting, decide on your three colours for the gradient look (you can definitely do more but for simiplicity, we'll stick with three). For the gradient look to work properly, we suggest choosing a light or neutral colour for the 'base', meaning this is the first coat. You will need one darker colour and then one medium-dark colour.

Step 1: Paint your base coat.

Step 2: Taking your darkest colour, paint a stripe across the tip of your nail. Let dry.
Tip!: The next step calls for a sponge- We used kitchen sponges in this tutorial but as we later discovered, make up sponges work best!

Step 3: Apply a fairly generous amount of the same polish to a sponge.
Tip! Make sure that your sponge has some edges to more easily apply polish!

Step 4:Sponge upwards from the bottom stripe. Make sure that you stop sponging about 3/4 or 1/2 up the nail so you really get the gradient effect. Taking a clean edge of the sponge, sponge the excess polish away to get more of the gradient look.
Tip!: If you brought the polish up too high, feel free to go over the area with a bit of the base colour on a sponge.

Step 5: Apply some of the medium-dark polish to another sponge. This polish should go across the middle of the nail, making the overall 'fading' effect.

Step 6: Apply your top coat to prevent chipping and you're done! Show those gorgeous nails off Chicks!

What nail trend will you like us to share next?

More by Alexandra C.
More on Hands & Feet, DIY

Pin It

Members' Faves: Eyeliner

Brad Pitt vs. Bradley Cooper:...

14 Comments

	on November 20, 2011 so_adorkable_ 2,602 said: i love nail art, although it is a bit frustrating to do at times, i've been wanting to try this!
	on September 27, 2011 amyknows 2,352 said: This is super cute. it would be neat to try and add another colour to the gradient. :)
	on September 06, 2011 Steffikah 9,295 said: I'd love to try this, but knowing my klutzy self I'm not sure how it would turn out. Looks fantastic though!
	on September 06, 2011 chicky82 2,625 said: It's a great look but I have soo much trouble painting my left hand (I'm a leftie) also how much polish sinks into the sponge? I'd feel bad about wasting polish. :)
	on September 02, 2011 Aliza 14,011 said: I will definitely be trying this look out! Looks great!
	on August 31, 2011 Bubblybunny 4,709 said: Love it!! You know what would be great? A youtube video on this!! :P
	on August 31, 2011 elizabethxox 190 said: I love it, really cool and surprisingly simple look!
	on August 30, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: so fun! I'll definitely try this out at some point.
	on August 30, 2011 Becky 13,128 said: This really does look awesome! I'll try it but I doubt it'll look nearly as well done as you ladies
	on August 30, 2011 AlexJC 50 said: @jlgoneboatin I have super short nails and this nail art works for me- don't despair! But yes, Tammy's nails are gorgeous!