Gradient Manicure
You can also create this look using a slightly different
technique with a makeup sponge. We found
it a little more time consuming and a tad bit messier, but it works great as
well. Here is a link to a great picture tutorial. Just
Click Here
An ombré manicure has often been the term used to describe the
gradient manicure but it is actually quite different. A true ombré is the gradual let-down of
one color, from one nail to the next, as seen in the example below. To achieve this look you will need a dark
shade of polish, a matte white polish, a fast drying top coat, and something
you can mix polish in such as a small disposable dish or even a paper plate. Because you will be mixing the dark shade
with white to obtain your lighter colors, you will want to make sure you have
an ample amount of both polishes. First,
pour a very generous amount of your dark shade into your mixing dish. You will want to pour enough to coat all of
your nails. Paint both of your pinky nails
the dark shade. Next, add a few drops of
white polish to the dark shade in your dish and mix to create your next let-down
shade. Paint both of your ring
fingers. Then add a few more drops of
white polish to this now lighter shade to make the next one. Hopefully by now you get the gist of it, just
keep it going until you have painted your thumbs the lightest mixed shade. Finally, brush on a top coat if desired.
Skittle Manicure
For this last look, you will need a minimum of two shades of
polish and a fast drying top coat. We
like to use five, a different color for each nail. These colors do not need to be in the same color
family, think of a bag of skittles, which is how this manicure got its name. We will not bore you with a step by step as
this one is pretty easy and up to your imagination. You can use two colors and paint the full
nail in an alternating pattern or simply paint each full nail a different color,
the choice is yours. When you are all
done, brush on a top coat if desired.
Now for something fun!
Why not experiment and combine the Gradient Manicure with the Skittles
Manicure or Ombré Manicure. The
possibilities are endless!
photos courtesy of the-swatchaholic.com
