If you’re looking for a way to spice up your nails, look no further than an ombré manicure. This trendy nail art technique creates a stunning gradient effect that can make any colour combination pop. Whether you want to rock a pink ombré nail design for a girly vibe, or experiment with different shades and patterns, ombré nails are sure to impress. And the best part is, you don’t need to be a pro to achieve this look. With some basic tools and a little patience, you can DIY your own ombré nails at home. Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps.
What You’ll Need
- Basecoat
- Topcoat
- Nail polish remover
- Three shades of the same colour family (light to dark)
- Clean up brush
- Wedge makeup sponge
How To Create Your Ombré Mani
#1 Apply a layer of basecoat
Apply one or two layers of base coat to your nails. Ensure the coat is completely dry before moving on to the next step!
#2 Cut your sponge
Cut the flat side of the wedge makeup sponge so that it matches the width of your nail. This way, you can avoid getting too much polish on the skin around your nails.
#3 Add colour to the sponge
Paint the three colours in straight lines on the wedge-shaped makeup sponge. The lightest colour goes at the base of the wedge. The colours can slightly mix as you brush them onto the makeup sponge—this will help create a flawless fade.
#4 Start applying
Press the sponge lightly on your nail to apply the polish. Make sure you get all three colours on the nail. Do the same thing for the other nails (or the ones you want to have an ombré effect) after you finish the first one.
#5 Apply the top coat
A top coat is essential after your ombré mani because it will protect them from chipping and make the fade look better. Don’t worry about ruining your beautiful DIY nail art with another layer of polish, it will actually smooth out the colours.
#6 Clean things up
To remove any polish that got onto the skin around your nails, brush it off with a clean-up brush and nail polish remover. A smaller, tapered brush will give you the best results. It can easily (and neatly) touch up under the edge of each nail and around each nail bed. Move slowly and steadily around each nail when you touch up, so that you don’t accidentally remove polish from the edges or tips.
#7 Moisturise your cuticles
The skin around your nails can become very dry and fragile from acetone, so it is essential to apply cuticle oil to moisturise it. This can help you protect the delicate skin in that area.
Wrap-up
Now that you’ve learned how to do ombre nails, you’re ready to show them off. Snap a photo of your ombre nails and post it on Instagram or Twitter. Don’t forget to tag us @getsmytten so we can see your awesome work!
Also, make sure to check out our blog for more tips and tricks on how to rock the latest trends in lifestyle! Happy discovery!
