You can also push back your cuticles using a rounded manicure stick. [2] X Research source This will help elongate your nail beds, so your nails look longer. Alternatively, you can push back your cuticles using your thumbnail on your opposite hand.
For an opaque base, paint two coats of your base color. Allow the first coat to dry completely before adding the second coat. To help your nails dry faster, it’s better to paint two thin coats of polish rather than one, thick and heavy coat of polish.
Normally, two or three colors are used to create the ombré effect, but you can experiment with different colors and combinations to see what you like best. It may help to dip the makeup sponge in water first before painting on the colors. Dip the makeup sponge into water. Wring out the sponge until approximately 80% of the water is removed. Then paint on the nail polish colors. Dipping the sponge in water will prevent the sponge from absorbing too much polish and having the polish dry up too quickly on the sponge.
This process will transfer some nail polish onto your skin surrounding your nails. To prevent this you can edge the skin around your nails with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or place tape on the skin surrounding your nails. [9] X Research source Otherwise; you can use nail polish remover to clean the sides of your nails later. There is a lot of freedom with how you transfer the paint to your nail. You can adjust the placement of the sponge (stamping vertically on the length of your nail, tilting the sponge to specifically stamp on a certain color) to make your ombré effect unique and original. [10] X Research source
Keep in mind, if you try to ombré you nails with a sponge that isn’t damp enough with polish, the dry sponge can actually pull off your base color coat and ruin your polish. [12] X Research source If you stamp or roll your nails quickly, you most likely only need to add polish to the sponge for every other nail.
The cotton on the Q-Tip will help rub off polish on the skin, whereas the paintbrush can be more exact in removing excess nail polish.
Consider pushing back your cuticles with a manicure stick to expose a bit more of your nail bed. [16] X Research source You can also use your thumbnail from your other hand to push back your cuticles if you don’t have a manicure stick.
Allow your clear base coat to dry about 5-10 minutes before applying any more nail polish.
Two light coats of polish will increase the opacity of the color without making the layers of polish gooey.
Allow this first layer of glitter to dry for at least five minutes.
Obviously, you can make the bottom half of your nail as glittery as you would like. Just be sure the ombré glitter gradient transitions from thin to thick, smoothly. You can always add another coat of glitter to the bottom 1/3 or 1/4 of your nail, but then you run the risk of having a very wet nail (full of layers of polish). A wet nail heavy with polish will take a long time to dry. Experiment to see what you think looks best and works well regarding drying time.
You may consider adding two thin coats of your top coat, only because the glitter can make the surface of your nail quite bumpy. You want all the glitter to be covered, so the glitter doesn’t get caught on any clothing or scratches your skin.
