Guest Post - Nail Trend : Gradient Nail Art using Sponge Technique

My gradient nails using really simple sponge technique.

Previously I saw this gradient nail colour and I was like “I have to do that”.  The “standard/old” way of doing it is to paint a base coat colour, wait for it to dry completely before using a sponge to add the next colour.  I thought that it would actually take up much time as you need to wait for each coat to dry before layering on the next colour.  However, I did a little research and found that there’s alternative method that saves a lot of time.

Happy manicure!

What you will need :
various nail polish colours
a cosmetic (make up) sponge
Base coat and top coat (optional)

1. After applying your base coat (optional) and while waiting for it to dry, choose your gradient colours. In this tutorial I’ve chosen China Glaze in “Naked”, China Glaze in “Bare if you Dare”, OPI in “Malaysian Mist” and The Face Shop in “WH002″. Get your sponge ready too.

2. On the flat side of the sponge, paint a line across. Be generous with the amount. (China Glaze in “Naked”)

3. Next paint the second colour just below the first one. (China Glaze in Bare if you Dare”)

4. Continue with the 3rd colour, painting it just below the second colour. (OPI in “Malaysian Mist”)

5. I’m using 4 colours for my gradient so I painted the last colour just below the 3rd. You can use as many (or as little) colours as you want. Trick is to layer the colours onto your sponge. (The Face Shop in “WH002″)

6. Now that your sponge nail stamp is ready, stamp it onto your nail. Go over your whole nail as many times as you want to achieve the right gradient and intensity of the colours. If you find that your lacquer on the sponge is drying up, just re-colour the sponge and stamp again. Don’t worry about mixing up the colours a little. The effect is actually a very nice and blended in gradient. Re-colour your sponge and do the same for the rest of the nails.

7. You’d probably end up having colours on your skin as well. Not to worry, simply use a remover to clean of the edges. Wait for it to dry before finishing with a top coat (optional). Now you are done.

Variations :
Like I’ve mentioned earlier, you can use as many or as little colours as you like. Do a rainbow or a gradient of a shade (like what I’ve done here) or even a mix of random colours.

xoxo,
Ada


By Guest Blogger - Adeline Choi
Blog - ah-da-lin: meanie @ work