NOTD | Gradient Nails

A couple of weeks ago my mom asked me to do her nails. As I presented each and every color I own out on the table for her to pick one, she made the inevitable remark: “Why, you have a whole lot of polishes.” “Heheh well…” is all I could respond. I KNOW I have too many. You don’t have to point it out. But even so, I’m still looking to buy more each time I enter a beauty store. Sounds familiar?

It got me thinking. How could I make more use of my stash and at the same time feel like I’m wearing something totally new without actually buying new polishes?

So I started to play around a little with some of my favorite colors. One of my latest purchases, a gorgeous printed dress (which you’ll be seeing in an outfit post soon), inspired me for this simple and fun piece of nail art. Sure it’ll take a while longer to pull it off, but it definitely is an eye catcher. I posted the details below in case you’d like to make your own version. Have fun! ~

TOOLS:

• base- and top coat (I used Rituals base coat and OPI top coat)
• white nail polish (I used Essie Blanc)
• 3 shades of nail polish from the same color family (I used Rimmel 60 seconds Instyle Coral, Essie Cute As A Botton and Essie Peach Daiquiri)
• a makeup sponge (I got mine at Hema)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Apply base coat and the white nail polish all over your nails. The number of layers depends on the quality of the nail polish. I recommend Essie (1 or 2 layers will do). Make sure your nails are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

2. Take a makeup sponge and paint some of the lightest nail polish on the tip. Quickly start stamping it onto the tip of your nail and work your way up ’til you’ve painted 3/4 of the nail. Don’t press too hard, but push the sponge softly onto the nail in a swift movement to prevent pieces of the sponge sticking onto your nails. Let it dry for a bit.

3. Paint the second shade onto your makeup sponge and repeat the process. Only this time, only stamp ’til you’ve reached the middle of your nails. Repeat the process again with the 3rd polish, but only stamp the tip of your nails. Finish with a top coat and you’re done!