Ombre Glitter Mani

All photos by clairesayswhat

So one day, I happened upon this awesome video tutorial by Jillian C. for Smokey Gradient Nails and decided to try my own version of it. Since I also recently purchased Orly’s Bubbly Bombshell shade from the Pin-Up collection I wanted to try it, too. Jillian uses something like 5 or 6 polishes in her smokey nails, which I thought was a little crazzzy although it does produce an amazing effect. She’s definitely talented.

For my version, I first used a coat of Scandal Secrets & Sparkle by Nicole by OPI. Then I layered 3/4 of my nails with a darker shade, Wink of Twink, also by Nicole by OPI. I love this shade because it’s like a disco ball after 3 coats! Scandal is thinner and less opaque. I really don’t use it all that often, but I thought it might lend itself well to creating the kind of glassy effect on the lower part of the nail that Jillian achieved.

Now, for the fun part! Using one of those good old triangular makeup sponges that you probably have around your makeup drawer (or, in my case, under the sink), I layered on the purple glitter! It’s really easy! You just glop on some of the glitter on the skinny side of the sponge and dab it on your nails. It took about 3 coats for me to build it up as opaque as I wanted it. You can watch Jillian’s video if you want to see the technique in action. Overall, this is one of the most fun I’ve ever had painting my nails, and I’m already dreaming up more ways to use the glitter polish-makeup sponge technique!