Fan Brush Gradient Mani + Tutorial!

Hi there =]!

To make up for the last couple of days I've missed here in Neverland, I've created a super cool gradient mani using a fan brush! If you'd like to try this look yourself, you're in luck! I also made a lovely tutorial to go along with it =]

I'm not sure if anyone has ever done this before (or made a tutorial for it), but I did a rainbow one a while back and many of you asked for a tutorial...several months later, here it is =P! Let me say that this was NOT my first attempt at creating this tutorial...I've tried at least twice beforehand and for whatever reason it wasn't working out in a way I was happy with. However, I've finally got everything in order to show you guys =]! I love how this gradient is slightly streaky and almost textured looking (see the pictures below, you'll know what I mean!). For this mani, I used a white base (SinfulColors Snow Me White), Zoya Kimber, and Zoya Zuza. Now...tutorial time =]!

You'll Need:

Essentials (base/top coat, clean-up brush, cotton swabs, acetone)

White (or light colored) base color

At least 2 polishes that will blend nicely - I made the mistake of using green and orange once...BAD idea =P

Fan brush

Palette - I usually use a piece of paper

 

1. After applying a base coat, paint your light base color.

This will give the gradient colors a good platform so they can be super vibrant =]!

 

2. Once base color is dry, place medium-sized  drops of your colored polishes right next to each other on your palette.

They should be right next to each other, as in bleeding into each other, so that the gradient fades nicely. I only used 2 colors so I only needed 2 drops, but you'll need a drop of polish for each color you would like to use.

 

3. Drag your dry fan brush outward and pick up a generous amount of polish on the bristles.

Try to pull in one straight direction so the colors don't blend too much. Also, be generous with the polish you pick up on the bristles so that it glides easily over your nail in the next step. The biggest mistake I made in my previous attempts of this technique was how dry I left my brush. If it's too dry, you'll end up dragging the base color, not leaving enough of the colors you wanted, and creating a not so cute look =P

 

4. With enough pressure to spread the bristles across your whole nail, drag the brush from cuticle to tip.

You may need to go over the nail again once or twice, but try not to do it too much; the polish will begin to get goopy and you'll start pulling the color off with your brush each time. If you have a few spots that the color did not reach, you can use the fan brush at a different angle (tilted left or tilted right) so that particular color can fix the bald spot.

 

Fortunately, I had enough polish on the brush to only need one swipe for this nail! See how pretty it is =]?

5. Clean up!

This is a somewhat messy technique...if you need a good method for cleaning up those cuticles, click here!

6. Top coat it and enjoy your masterpiece!

 

 

I hope this tutorial was helpful and inspiring =]! If you decide to give this a shot, I would love to see your pictures on my Facebook page!

Have an awesome day!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*