Hello my lovelies! So it's finally here, the most requested tutorial I get! A tutorial on how I do my gradients! Remember that this is what works for me. If something else works for you, then go for it. Enjoy!
*This is a super long and very in depth post but I wanted to make sure that I include everything to help you all!
Text that are in bold are little notes/tips that I think make a big difference.
*Also, I updated my
coming soon tab based on what you all requested! If you have any other requests, leave a comment below!
If you haven't seen my gradients, here are a few of them!
Now before we get started, let me show you how your gradients should and shouldn't look.
- Top picture: Here you can see where the colors begin and aren't very well blended. Bottom picture: The colors blend into each other better
Alright, lets get started:
Products you will need:
-Base & Top Coat : Seche Retain & Seche Vite
* Note: I suggest Seche Vite to make the colors appear even more blended in, plus it gives a very glossy finish.
-2-4 Nail Polishes: Sally Hansen: Lacey Lilac, China Glaze: Spontaneous, Icing: Txt Me later
*Note:
- When using the same color, the more polishes you use the better.
-If you start with a creme, the other colors should be cremes too. Sames goes with shimmers, and glitters. If you mix finishes together , you lose the nice effect.
-If you don't want to use the same colors, then make sure you use colors that blend well together. Example: yellow, orange, pink / blue, purple, pink / white, gray, black.
Sponge/Foam Brush: Around 50¢
*Note:
- You can also use a makeup sponge, kitchen sponge, etc. Use whatever works best for you
-A foam brush is what works best for me , I find it blends the colors nicer and I like that it has a handle (These should last you about 16 gradients)
(Optional) Holo glitter topcoat or any glitter: China Glaze: Fairy Dust, The Color Workshop: No name
*
Note: I usually use this on my gradients to mesh the colors even more. However, you don't have to use this.
Let's begin:
*Warning: I use the word blend/ing A LOT! lol
1. Start with applying a base coat
2. Apply 1 coat of your lightest color
*Note: Don't worry if you have bald spot or streaks, it will all be covered up.
3. "Paint" all of your nail polishes onto your sponge, going from lightest to darkest
4. Start sponging your nail.
*Note:
-You can tape of your sides, like water marbling to avoid a messy cleanup
-I like to start sponging from side to side then up and down slightly
5. After sponging your nails, let them dry a bit
6. Repeat steps 3-4. You can see going over a second time, makes a difference.
*Note: The second time you sponge, focus on going up and down. This blends the colors into each other as opposed to just sponging and not moving up or down
At this point, you can clean up your cuticles and apply a top coat. But if you still want to spice up your gradient, keep reading!
7.Clean up cuticles & apply a glitter topcoat
*Note: Apply a bit of pressure when doing this to drag the colors into one another
8. Again, this is optional. Stamp on a design of your choice.
9. Clean up again and apply top coat!
That's it! I hope this was helpful! I know I used the word blend like a million times but that's the key to gradients.
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