Spangley's Simple Steps: {Gradient vs Ombre Tutorial} Part 1 - Ombre

Hi everyone! So, one question I often get asked is, whats the difference between Gradients & Ombre's, or are they the same thing?  Well! To answer this question, I have come up with a 2 - part tutorial series for everyone who has wondered the very same!

Gradient - When one colour fades into another colour.
To you and me - When blue fades into green, pink to blue, purple to orange; the possibilities are endless!

Ombre - When one colour fades into a another shade from the same colour family.
To you and me - When baby blue fades into royal blue or lime green into dark green; again, the possibilities are endless!

We're starting off with Ombre.  I learnt this technique just over a year ago and have been experimenting with colours and techniques ever since.  The process I have outlined below is the process I learnt and use it still, to this day.

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need;

Your favourite Base and Top Coat

A light colour for the base: OPI - Pink It Through

A dark colour for the Ombre: OPI - Kiss Me On My Tulips

Glitter for the top: I have said this is optional because you do not have to add this, you can just add top coat, but I think it adds extra "blend" to the look & I'm using China Glaze - Fairy Dust

You will also need a few tools too;

Step 1

Start off by painting your nails with your base coat and letting it dry, then paint all your nails with your lightest colour.

You need to wait until this is totally dry before moving onto the next step, if you move on whilst the polish is still tacky, you run the risk of ruining the entire mani.  If you're impatient, like me, you can add a coat of Fast Drying top coat which will speed the process up.  If you choose to do this though, make sure you wait 10-15 minutes before moving on. 

Whilst this is drying, add 2 pieces of scotch tape to either side of your nail.  This is optional, I just think it helps with clean up at the end.

Step 2

With your darker colour, paint a small amount onto the side of your make up sponge.

Step 3

Take your make up sponge and dab it directly onto the bottom of your nail.  Keep dabbing lightly near the bottom half of your nail.

Step 4

Repeat Step 3 as many times as you need to to achieve your desired ombre look.

Step 5

If you went for the glitter option, add a coat now whilst the polish is still tacky - its helps blend it, I promise! 

 Finish off removing your scotch tape from the sides of your nail, then add a top coat and you're done!

You can add an optional Rhinestone Bow for extra girlie-ness like I have done here.

Please let me know if you try this design out by using the hashtag #LookSpangley on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, alternatively you can tag me in the picture - I'd love to see!

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