I'm so glad I finally worked out how to create gradient nails that don't suck. My first attempts were terrible, but now that I know the right technique it really is so simple.
I have to say, after my last gradient using the Nailsaurus' technique, I was having trouble with my makeup sponge breaking off and bits sticking to my nail. Her technique is where you paint your gradient colours on a plastic sheet, mix them together at the edges, then pick it up with a sponge and press it on your nails. For me, because there wasn't enough polish on the sponge, my sponge got tacky really quickly and started sticking lumps all over my nails.
It was only on the weekend when I read someone's post about painting directly onto the sponge that I had my light bulb moment. So for these gradient nails, I simply painted lines of the three polishes directly onto a piece of makeup sponge and then dabbed it on my base colour. So much easier and quicker and I only used one piece of sponge with nail polish on it. I actually feel like a bit of a dumb-ass cause I didn't think to do that earlier!
This gradient is created with a base of China Glaze GR8, the golden holographic from the OMG collection. The middle colour is Nubar Reclaim and the bottom colour is aEngland Saint George.
Saint George doesn't have quite the same smooth linear holographic effect that GR8 and Reclaim has, but it still makes the grade ok for this mani.
I love this effect of gradient nails in similar tones (does that make it an Ombre?) I'm definitely going to try this in a multitude of other colours.
Such a beautiful mani! Perfect color combo and execution!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, pictures are stunning :>
ReplyDeleteYeah I had the same problem but I found that if you dampen it, it doesn't happen as much!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous - and thanks for the tip! xo
ReplyDeleteAmazing gradient!
ReplyDeletePretty!) I also think your technique is easier)
ReplyDeleteHolo overload! It's awesome :)
ReplyDeleteoh i love st george=]
ReplyDeletei love this gradient, it really flows together nicely
this is freaking AWESOME! i am so doing this one day, probably in blue! :D
ReplyDeleteSnap, guess what colour I just did with my latest gradient. I'll post it tonight!
DeleteAwesome!!
ReplyDeleteWOW WOW WOW!! Love all the holo goodness!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna have to give this technique a try - I can't be doing with arsing around with plastic sheets and cocktail sticks even if it does work.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful gradient!
ReplyDeleteThat is fabu!! Now when my stubbin nubbins grow out just a tad, I will be trying your method!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love gradient mani's and this color combo works so well together. I use the same "paint on sponge" technique and I couldn't believe how quick and easy it was, as I've tried many different techniques as well and felt special for not perfecting them.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!!
xoxo Amber
http://myobviousobsession.blogspot.com/
That looks so awesome!
ReplyDeleteI feel like doing a gradient mani, I've been seeing them a lot lately. I usually put the polish straight on to the sponge but I still seem to get little bits of sponge sticking to my nail. Maybe I dab for too long.
ReplyDeleteI just love your gradient; it looks so flawless! Being a holo gradient makes it even more amazing.
ReplyDeleteYummy combination!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Wish I had the talent to do this!
ReplyDeleteHoly holo! That is GORGEOUS! Must try!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous...fantastic colors!
ReplyDeleteSo stunning! Holo goodness times three!
ReplyDeleteone of the best holo gradients i've seen!
ReplyDeleteSo georgous I can't stand it! :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh pretty!
ReplyDeleteOh, this one is amazing! I have to see all of your posts, I immagine how many beautiful manicures I'll see! :-)
ReplyDeleteSimply stunning!!
ReplyDelete