Source(google.com.pk)
It's best to play with different sponges to see what you like best. There is no right or wrong choice here.
If you are wanting to create a Gradient look, then depending on the method you use, you may need something to mix the polish with and a piece of plastic. A toothpick or wooden cuticle pusher with a sharp tip can be used for the tool for mixing. And for the plastic you could use an on fast food lid, a zip lock bag, a clear plastic folder (used to hold paper).
Gradient Nail Techniques
There is more than one way to achieve a gradient nail look.
Gradient Nails - Technique 1
Gradient Nails - Technique 2
Theres is no right or wrong way - so try all of them and then use the one that works best for you. Below are main steps that are done regardless of the technique you use.
Setting Up For Sponging
The set up for this method is simple. You need to have a piece of sponge or two pre-cut. The pieces of sponge should have one side that is flat. This is the side that you will use to apply the polish to your nail. So it needs be wide enough to cover your nail.
You will need at least two colors for a gradient. But you can use as many as will fit on your nail.
Setting The Stage With Your Main Color
Applying a main color over your nail is an optional step. I do this step as it takes less time to complete the mani if I already have full overage on my nails.
I usually make this one of the colors that I will be using later.
Gradient Nails - Technique 1 - The basic steps:
Apply the main colour (optional)
Apply two or more colors to a piece of plastic
Lightly blend the colours
Sponge your nail
I found this sponge nail art technique on The Nailasaurus.
Additional Equipment
For this you will also need a tool for mixing the polish and a piece of plastic. A toothpick is good for mixing (and cheap). But you could also use an old cuticle pusher or a dotting tool.
The plastic will be what you use to paint your polish on. I use an old lid that comes with fast food, however, you can also use a zip lock bag or a clear plastic pocket (the kind that holds paper).
Line Up Your Polish On A Piece Of Plastic
On your piece of plastic, paint one stripe of polish. Then next to it paint another line of colour next to the 1st one. You want the lines of polish almost or just touching. Be generous with the amount of polish you use. (The sponge will soak a lot of it up)
Repeat this for as many colours as you want. If this is the first time you are trying this start with two or three.
Blur The Lines By Mixing Them
For this step you want to lightly mix the polishes together to blur the dividing line between them. You are not mixing both colors together - just the dividing line to blend it.
A toothpick is perfect for this job (and cheap too). But I've also used an old cuticle pusher and even a dotting tool before.
You don't need to be exact with this step. The sponge will blend the dividing lines even more so you don't need to be perfect.
Mixed with a old cuticle pusher
After mixing
Dab, Dab, Dab With Your Sponge
Next, take your sponge and dab it into your polish. Then dab it onto a piece of plastic that has no polish on it. Doing this evens out the polish in the sponge. If you don't you will end up with a blotchy look.
Then dab the sponge onto your nail. It's almost like a bouncing action. If you need more coverage - let this coat of polish dry before adding another coat.
A word of warning - your sponge will eventually break down. If you find that it is sticking to your nail then it's time for a new piece of sponge. Otherwise you'll end up with small bits of sponge stuck to your nail.
This will look quite bumpy but it will smooth out when you have a topcoat on this.
1st coat
2nd coat
Cleanup around your nail using a Q-Tip dipped in nail polish remover
And the final result after applying a topcoat. The lines between the colors are quite blended.
Are you wondering why there is a difference in the colors from the two pictures above to the one below. It is because I used China Glaze Tranzitions. So the colors changed once I applied the topcoat.
