CoMo Style / September 2012 / What Up, Ombre?

Aug 20, 201211:54 AMCoMo Style

Tips & Trends For Columbia's Fashionistas

What Up, Ombre?

A trend that I keep seeing around Columbia and online is do-it-yourself nail art.

Evidence of do-it-yourself nail art is on the hands of women all across Columbia.  The informal, easy to create ombre style is popular because a variety of colors can be used (they fade from dark to light). Here’s a quick DIY tutorial. Have fun!

What you’ll need:

• Two-four shades of nail polish (I like Essie and O.P.I.)
•  one cosmetic applicator sponge (wedge shaped)
•  a cup of water
• a napkin
• nail polish remover
• cotton swabs
• a top coat clear nail polish

For my ombre nail look I like to have the design start from lightest shade at the cuticle of the nail to darkest shade at the tip of the nail, but you’re welcome to change it up. With this ombre look you can also choose to use colors on opposite ends of the spectrum, or you can choose to stay within the shades of a certain color.

1. To begin, soak the cosmetic applicator sponge in water. Once the sponge is wet, wring it out to where it is damp but not wet.
2. On your bare nails, apply two coats of your lightest shade of nail polish; this will be the base coat.
3. Once the polish has dried, you can start to ombre! Grab the damp sponge as well as your lightest shade (base coat) and paint a thin stripe across the tip of the wedge. Go over the line twice so that there is plenty of polish to transfer to your nail.
4.  After this shade has been applied, move on to the second lightest color and do the same thing, but add this stripe right above the previous color (work quickly so that the polish does not dry out). It does not matter if the colors overlap some or even touch. Continue this until you have used all your desired shades.
5. Dab your sponge a couple times on a napkin, to make sure that the colors are blended and to make sure that you don’t apply too much polish to your nail.
6. Take the sponge and line it up with the base of your nail and when you are satisfied with the position, start dabbing. Continue to dab the sponge a couple of times, and do not be afraid of having to hit the exact same place each time, this provides more of a shading affect.
7. Once you are satisfied with the look, you can move on to the rest of your nails. Take the sponge and reapply polish, remember to put on at least two coats.
8. Once you have finished your new ombre nail art and are pleased with the look, it’s time to clean up. Take nail polish remover, a small paintbrush or even a cotton swab and clean up the excess polish on the sides and cuticles of your nails.
9. After the polish on your nails is completely dry, apply top coat once. The top coat will leave your nails looking polished and professional.