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D.I.Y Ombre Nail Polish Effect

There are so many great nail art options out there that sometimes you don't even know which style to choose from.  I picked up a few nail art techniques from the stylish, trendsetting nail salons that I visited quite often while I was over there. My favorite technique is the ombre effect using a triangle sponge applicator and different colors of nail polish. (Yes, I said triangle sponge applicator, like the ones you use to apply your make up.) It's such an easy technique and I always get asked "where did you get your nails done?" that I wanted to spread my knowledge with you and show you the D.I.Y ombre nail polish effect.

Step 1 What you will need. Freshly manicured nails, colors of choice, triangle sponger applicator, wooden cuticle pusher and nail polish remover.
Step 1 What you will need. Freshly manicured nails, colors of choice, triangle sponge applicatorwooden cuticle pushernail polish remover

Step 2. Apply the color you want as your base.
Step 2. Apply the color you want as your base.

Step 3. Once your base color is dry, apply the secondary color you want as your ombre effect onto the triangle sponge applicator. When applying the polish onto the sponge, try to keep it at a medium level, not to light and not too heavy.
Step 3. Once your base color is dry, apply the secondary color you want as your ombre effect onto the triangle sponge applicator. When applying the polish onto the sponge, try to keep it at a medium level, not to light and not too heavy.

Step 4. Lightly dab the sponge onto the tip of the nail. Re-apply polish on sponge to keep it from drying out.
Step 4. Lightly dab the sponge onto the tip of the nail. Re-apply polish on sponge to keep it from drying out.

TIP: You can go as far as you want on the nail for your desired ombre effect. I usually just go to the middle of the nail.
TIP: You can dab as far as you want on the nail for your desired ombre effect. I usually just go to the middle of the nail.

Step 5. Add a third color for a deep ombre effect.
Step 5. Add a third color for a deep ombre effect.

Tip: dab third color closer to the edge for definition.
Tip: dab third color closer to the edge for definition.

Step 6. Once polish is dry, apply a clear top coat. Sometimes I notice the top coat helps to lightly blend the colors for a smooth ombre effect.
Step 6. Once polish is dry, apply a clear top coat. Sometimes I notice the top coat helps to lightly blend the colors for a smooth ombre effect.

Step 7. To clean the excess nail polish off the sides of your nails and around the cuticles, take the wooden cuticle pusher and put it in nail polish remover. It's a much more effective way of cleaning around your nails than using Q-Tips and rubbing off the polish.
Step 7. To clean the excess nail polish off the sides of your nails and around the cuticles, take the wooden cuticle pusher and put it in nail polish remover. It's a much more effective way of cleaning around your nails than using Q-Tips and rubbing off the polish.

SEE!? Pretty clean huh?
SEE!? Pretty clean huh?

TADA! DIY Ombre nail polish effect from the comfort of your own home!
TADA! D.I.Y Ombre nail polish effect from the comfort of your own home!

Of course this is just my interpretation of the ombre nail polish effect but it's also my favorite way to paint my nails 😉

If these steps were helpful, show us your ombre nail polish effect. We would love to see them!

For more nail scoop check out 7 DIY Nails Inspired by the Runways and Acrylic Nails vs Gel Nails!

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Comments

  1. CRAVE Beauty says

    Very pretty! The Ombre look is so popular right now. Great job.

    Reply

  2. Sarah says

    Thank you, glad you enjoyed the post!

    Reply

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