Manicures can sometimes be so intricate that they take hours to complete. One of my most detailed designs featured famous paintings like Van Gogh’s *Starry Night*, Edvard Munch’s *The Scream*, and a Monet landscape. While these elaborate designs do get some attention, the manicures that consistently receive the most compliments are surprisingly simple—gradient nails.
A gradient manicure blends two or three colors seamlessly on each nail, creating a smooth transition between shades. The effect is achieved using a basic makeup sponge technique, and in my opinion, it looks even more stunning when finished with a touch of glitter.
Recently, I created a gradient manicure using gray and two shades of purple. Of course, I added glitter because I love the extra sparkle, but you can customize yours however you like.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat. Then, paint stripes of your chosen colors side by side on a makeup sponge. The width and length of the stripes should match the size of your nails. Expect some polish to get on your skin, but don’t worry—it’s easy to clean up.
Next, gently press the painted sponge onto each nail, dabbing the color on. You’ll need to reapply polish to the sponge for each nail. Repeat this process two or three times until you achieve the desired intensity, just like applying multiple coats of regular polish.
Finish with a clear top coat to smooth out the colors and enhance the gradient effect. Use a cotton swab to clean up any excess polish around your nails. You can leave the design as is or add glitter for extra shine—either way, it’s a simple yet eye-catching manicure!