Thursday, June 20, 2013

Summer Challenge - Gradient

Hey guys! 

Today I have another look for the Step Into Summer Challenge to show you! This week, I chose to do gradient nails. The first time I ever attempted to do a gradient (here), it turned out amazing. And it was so easy to do. But it's never been quite so easy for me since then. I think the first time I did it, all the shades had great formulas and just worked really well together. My gradient that I'm showing you today didn't turn out the best in terms of being a nice smooth gradient, but it did form the base of a mani I ended up really loving! Click the Read More link below to see the full post!



Just to recap, here are all 8 themes for the Hobby Polish Bloggers summer challenge. 



I knew I wanted to do a blue gradient. I started with two coats of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls as a base. Then I used a makeup sponge to do the gradient, using Zoya Blu (light blue), Zoya Yummy (medium blue), and Essie Butler Please (darker cobalt blue). 

Butler Please is a pretty watery and patchy polish, so it didn't do too well with the gradient. The gradient didn't look too bad, just not the nice clean gradient I was going for. It kind of looked like a mix between a gradient and a saran wrap mani... and it actually looked kinda cool. Here was the result of the gradient:




But I really wasn't satisfied with that. I knew that polka dots would do just the trick! I used Zoya Beatrix from the Summer PixieDust Collection, a juicy sparkling matte tangerine glitter. I really love blue and orange together! And the polka dots over the gradient covered up the little details of the gradient to make it look much smoother. Love it. And love the mix of textures and finishes!



 
I hope you guys like my gradient mani! And don't forget to check out the other ladies' looks for this challenge using the links below.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you all have a great day =)








6 comments:

  1. The gradient didn't turn out too bad Kelsey! Good idea with adding the dots too, it really added a nice element to the manicure :) I should try out sponging more, its been a while since I've done one. Not a fan of the mess it can make, haha.

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    1. Aww thanks Lisa! I don't know why the first gradient I tried was *so* easy for me haha. And I agree about the dots! Polka dots are always great =D

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  2. This is SO stinkin' clever. And you'd never know you had trouble with it! And I know you're waiting for the food comparison: CANDY DOTS!! :)

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    1. Thanks, Melissa!! And omg... it does look like those candy dots! Especially because they're raised. Mm I just wanna pull em off and eat em!

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  3. I really liked the gradient! It has a sort of water color feeling to it! Beautiful!

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    1. Thanks Jezzica! And you're right, it is kind of beachy and aquatic now that I look at it!

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