How to create a foolproof ombré manicure

Create a Foolproof Ombré Manicure

17
STEPS
TOOLS

Start off with bare nails. In order to make my manicures last longer I use cuticle softener to gently push my cuticles back

Start off with bare nails. In order to make my manicures last longer I use cuticle softener to gently push my cuticles back

Base coat. This can be quick dry or not, doesn't matter. But obviously make sure it's dry before the next step!

Base coat. This can be quick dry or not, doesn't matter. But obviously make sure it's dry before the next step!

Paint a complementary base colour that will help make the other colors pop! I chose this because it is usually a one coater (but was acting up today and become a two coater) so it would dry faster.

Paint a complementary base colour that will help make the other colors pop! I chose this because it is usually a one coater (but was acting up today and become a two coater) so it would dry faster.

These are the colours I used. Cinderella by fun lacquer, electric beat by china glaze and oh my glitter by essence.

These are the colours I used. Cinderella by fun lacquer, electric beat by china glaze and oh my glitter by essence.

Cut up your sponges and dip them into water before you apply any polish on them. This makes the application SO MUCH SMOOTHER! And prevents the sponge from rubbing off on your nail.

Cut up your sponges and dip them into water before you apply any polish on them. This makes the application SO MUCH SMOOTHER! And prevents the sponge from rubbing off on your nail.

I painted the shimmery blue the bottom 1/2 of the nail then the purple the top 1/3 then used the tiny sponge to fill in the gap THEN the bigger sponge to better ensure a nore gradual gradient

I painted the shimmery blue the bottom 1/2 of the nail then the purple the top 1/3 then used the tiny sponge to fill in the gap THEN the bigger sponge to better ensure a nore gradual gradient

Sponges should not be stamped! They should be applied in a up-and-down motion along the nail to truly mix the colours, then dabbed onto the missed sides. It will look rough at first.

Sponges should not be stamped! They should be applied in a up-and-down motion along the nail to truly mix the colours, then dabbed onto the missed sides. It will look rough at first.

But after top coat everything will look fine! Just make sure no stray sponge remnants are on your nails before you put the topcoat!

But after top coat everything will look fine! Just make sure no stray sponge remnants are on your nails before you put the topcoat!

My right hand, featured in step 8, was quite neat as I am left handed. Not so lucky for my left hand which needed some help with cleaning up! I used cotton buds dipped in a capful of polish remover

My right hand, featured in step 8, was quite neat as I am left handed. Not so lucky for my left hand which needed some help with cleaning up! I used cotton buds dipped in a capful of polish remover

And tada! I think the colour combo is a tad weird but it reminds me of DISNEY and the shimmer makes it magical so - I like it overall. Looks ocean-ish too!

And tada! I think the colour combo is a tad weird but it reminds me of DISNEY and the shimmer makes it magical so - I like it overall. Looks ocean-ish too!

  • Base coat
  • Base colour (one coater)
  • Ombré colour 1 for the base
  • Ombré colour 2 for the tips
  • Quick dry top coat
  • Sponge
  • Container of water
  • Cotton buds
  • Nail polish remover