Animal prints are very hot this summer and I wanted to put them on my nails, but I wanted to give them more of a 3D look. So, I decided to use the ombré (shaded) effect underneath the leopard spots, to help them “pop”. I really liked the look and so did my friends, so I just had to share it with my readers!

 Supplies:
Nail Polish Remover                                       
White Nail Polish
Polish Remover Pads                                     
Dark Brown Nail Polish
Clear Base Coat                                                
Black Striping Nail Polish
Light Brown or Tan Nail Polish
Clear Top Coat
Cosmetic Wedges                                           
Wax Paper

Remove your old polish, file and buff your nails. Apply a clear basecoat and let dry.

Step 1:

Apply two coats of Light Brown or Tan nail polish to your nails and let dry for at least 15 minutes. You need this much time for drying when applying the next step.

Step 2:

Next we will begin the ombré or “fade” effect.

Drop a couple of drops of white nail polish on a small piece of wax paper. Dab the tip of the cosmetic sponge into the white polish and beginning at the tip of your nail, work your way half way up the nail bed, lightly “dabbing” your nail as you go. The polish will naturally fade as you run out of polish on the sponge, giving that “faded” look. The first coat will not make the tip of the nail opaque, and that is what you want…you can always add more, but you can’t remove it without starting over.

After completing all your nails, they will be dry enough to add another blend coat. Take your time and continue doing this until you are happy with the opacity, but be careful to make only the tip of the nail opaque, not the top (see photo below). If you get white polish on your fingers, just use a little polish remover to remove it.

Tip: Change out the sponges often. The polish will cause the sponge to disintegrate and leave residue if used too much.

Step 3:

Paint leopard spots using the dark brown polish. The good thing about painting the spots is that the more random they are, the better they look. So, don’t be too symmetrical with your painting. When the spots look like you want them to, highlight the edges using the black striping polish. Let the polish dry for about 10 minutes, then apply a top coat. Actually, I like to apply two coats. It protects your designs longer and these are so cute, you will want them to last as long as possible.

I really had a lot of fun with this design and it took no time at all. I hope you give this technique a try and really go “wild” with it.

Until next time…..keep those nails covered.