White and Green Shimmer Gradient Nails

A few months back I did a tutorial on how to create the gradient nail effect.  For that tutorial I used a neon pink and purple by China Glaze and wanted to see how the technique held up with glitter/shimmer polishes.  (For gradient manicures I like to use two contrasting colours to create a more dramatic effect, but of course you can use similar shades for a more subtle effect.)

I started with Orly’s Winter Wonderland polish, a white shimmer polish, heavy with tiny silver glitter.

Then, using a cosmetic sponge, I lightly dabbed on “Watermelon Rind” by China Glaze on the upper half/two-thirds of the nail.

Then, I began adding a second coat of Watermelon Rind, but this time, starting further up the nail.  (Leaving the lightest part of green untouched where it meets the white)

Repeat with a third coat, starting even further up the nail this time, focusing on the tips of each nail.  At this point, you should really notice the gradient effect.  (Don’t worry about it getting all over your skin, that is normal!)

Then, you simply take a q-tip with nail polish remover and clean up the skin around the nails.

A gradient manicure like this is really fast and easy to do.  And because the coats of polish you are applying are so thin, it dries very quickly.  

Have you tried out gradient nails yet?  Do you have a favourite colour combination?  Or a different method you prefer?

xox,

Shannon