How to create a glitter gradient nail effect

A glitter gradient nail is way easier to achieve than most people realize. The results are a lot better if you use glitter polish for this instead of trying to sprinkle loose glitter on your wet nail with your fingers.

How to... Add
glitz and glitter

Follow these simple steps to master the glitter gradient technique.

Step 1: Choose the right supplies

Colors used for this tutorial include Sephora by OPI Traffic-Stopper Copper, Julep Oscar and Julep Marisa.

Step 2: Paint a base coat

Start with a base coat of the dark blue. (You can try this with any color, but the dark blue gives the glitter some contrast.)

Step 3: Start the gradient

With a small amount of the fine gold glitter on the nail polish brush, lightly paint two thirds of the top part of the nail.

Step 4: Continue the gradient

With a bit more gold glitter polish on the brush, paint some more glitter on the top third of the nail.

Step 5: Add some variety

For more variety in the gradient, paint some chunkier glitter (can be the same or a complementary color) over the top third of the nail. This gives the look some more weight.

More nail tutorials

How to easily add polka dots on your nails
How to create an ombre nail design
How to do a chevron pattern with nail polish