How to Do Ombre Gel Nails with a Sponge or Brush in 6 Steps

Ombre gel · 6 steps · 2 shades

An ombre is two colors that meet in the middle and blend. A sponge or an ombre brush does the blending.

1. 1

   Prep and base

   File, buff and wipe the nail clean. Dehydrate with pH Bond, then brush on a thin coat of base coat and cure.

   TipCap the free edge.

2. 2

   Lay a background color

   Apply two thin coats of a light or neutral gel color and cure each one. The fade will sit on this background.

   TipA white or nude background keeps the two shades clear.

3. 3

   Pick two shades

   Start with two shades that sit close together. Solid Cream art gel is made for ombre, painting, coverage and stamping, and it holds its shape on a sponge or brush.

   TipTest the pair on a practice tip first.

4. 4

   Load the sponge

   Place a small amount of each shade side by side on a clean surface. Press the ombre sponge into both so the colors meet in the middle of the sponge.

   TipA little gel goes a long way. Too much makes a heavy, streaky fade.

5. 5

   Dab and blend

   Dab the sponge on the nail with light taps, from the free edge toward the cuticle, until the colors blend. You can also use the ombre end of the Duo Paint and Ombre Nail Art Brush to blend where the shades meet. Cure.

   TipTap, do not drag. Dragging pulls the colors apart.

6. 6

   Seal and finish

   Seal with a no wipe top coat and cure. Finish with cuticle oil.

   TipWash the sponge with alcohol or acetone before the next set, or use a fresh one.

Ombre tools

Nail Ombre Sponge Pen / Applicator Dual SideMSRP $5.50

Nail Ombre Sponge Replacement 10 pcs./bagMSRP $5.50

Duo Paint and Ombre Nail Art BrushMSRP $16.95

Art gels for ombre

Ombre Painting Gel 24 Color KitMSRP $96.00

Nail Art Gel - Solid Cream - 14MSRP $11.95

Nail Art Gel - Solid Cream - 03MSRP $11.95

Nail Art Gel - Solid Cream - 05 JellyMSRP $11.95

Nail Art Gel - Solid Cream - 02 MetallicMSRP $13.25

Nail Art Gel - Solid Cream Collection - GlitterMSRP $11.95