DYI: Gradient Polish Design

I am loving the gradient polish design that is all the rage! Tonight, I decided to try it on myself and I got great results. To attempt this design, you'll need the following items: two contrasting nail polish colors, a base coat (I recommend Seche), and a makeup sponge (the disposable kind is fine).

Step 1: Apply your base coat and two coats of your primary color; let dry.

Step 2: Paint a strip of your secondary color onto the edge of your makeup sponge and dab onto the very tip of your nails.

Step 3: Dab side to side and work your way upwards to the center of your nail bed. Always dab from the bottom up so that the tips are the darkest. This is what creates the gradient effect.

Step 4: Repeat on all nails, let dry and use a cotton swab to clean up around your nail beds. Apply top coat and admire your DYI Gradient Design at home manicure.

Tip: This is also a cool way to accent your big toe for a funky and unique pedicure design.

I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail color in White On as my primary shade and Orly's Mirror Mirror color as my secondary gradient color. I completed the look with Orly's high gloss top coat.

Post comments on how this look worked for you. What are some of your favorite colors when wearing the gradient design?

Enjoy the photos that inspired me!

Target Tuesday: Today’s Cosmetics Haul

Today I went into Target with the intent to purchase my everyday foundation and sun tanning oil for my Florida trip at the end of this month. I made my way to the L’Oreal section only to find that they didn’t carry the cream version of the True Match line. Disappointed, I opted instead for the liquid version in my winter color, W6. Look for my application tutorial soon! One aisle over I found the wide array of sun block and tanning lotions. I chose Banana Boat’s deep tanning oil which is a spray-on sun block w/ sun protection factors ranging from 4-15. I won’t embarrass myself by divulging exactly which SPF level I selected. After getting the two products that I went for, I found myself w/ a lot of extra time to browse the cosmetics section, which for me, is never a good thing…

I also purchased what I think will be an uber amazing new sculpting blush duo by L’Oreal, in a shade called Nectar (825). It is called The One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo and it claims to both color and sculpt in one felt swoop. We’ll see about that! What attracted me most to this product was the pretty shade of subdued tangerine and the fact that I will only need to travel w/ one blush compact and no additional contouring shade. I was sold and I can’t wait to review this sculpting blush duo.

My haul didn’t stop there. My brand loyalty to L’Oreal prompted me to pick up a lip gloss from their new ‘8 hour infallible’ lip gloss line and I bought it in Coral Sands (405). I tried it out in the car and I like it a lot. It is very subdued and perfect for everyday wear as there is nothing about the shade I chose that pops or begs much attention.

Last but not least, my least expensive purchase was a Sinful Colors nail polish in a bright pink color called Timbleberry. It looks pretty in the bottle and because I so badly need a manicure, I’ll be using it this evening. 

That’s all for now folks, stay tuned for my upcoming reviews!