Ombré nails are an easy way to spice up your nails without too much effort. You literally just dab and go! I was taught this effect by the lovely Glossy Gurl. Once I tried it out for myself, I became obsessed! I tried out tons of colors, but so far, blue hues create my fave look by far.
To create this look, it took me about 45 minutes. It's the perfect thing to do while watching a movie, or even when you're just bored and want to try something new. The end result is gorgey and looks like you had your nails professionally done at an expensive salon!
What you need:
- a base coat (I used OPI's Ridge Filler.)
- at least three polish shades varying from light to dark (I used Essie's Coat Azure, Mezmerized, and Sally Hansen's Navy Baby.)
- a shimmery polish (I went with Essie's Pure Pearlification.)
- a top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is fabulous!)
- a makeup wedge
Once you have everything set up, you can start creating this amazing look!
The first thing you want to do is apply your base coat. The ridge filler is great because it creates a smooth base for the design. Next, paint the entire nail bed with the lightest polish shade.
Once that's dry, take the medium hue and paint it onto the smallest edge of the makeup sponge (the little end). Take the sponge and stipple it onto your nails, covering the top half of your nail. You basically want to dab the sponge in order for it to look blended. Even after the color stops coming off of the sponge, keep dabbing for maximum blending.
Next, take the darkest shade and do the same thing, only to the tip of the nail. Use the side of the makeup wedge to paint the color onto.
Once the nail looks blended, apply the shimmery polish. This makes the colors look even more blended and beautiful. Also, how can you go wrong with a little shimmer?!
Finally, apply a thick layer of the top coat to seal everything in.
Personally, I had to try this a few times before I got the hang of it. You can try it with even more colors to intensify the ombré effect.
I love love love the result! Try it out for yourself--I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is!