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Ombre Nail Polish Tutorial Using Essie Nail Polish

India Williams
by India Williams
Updated:
27 Sep 2024
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry. When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
Nail art can be hard to master, especially if you're used to having it done by someone else.
Achieving an interesting nail look is easy to achieve at home, even on nails that are growing out or just like to stay short. 
In this routine, Chelsea Bagan from Trophy Wife Nail Art takes us through how to achieve this straightforward ombre effect at home with just a few Essie polishes and a makeup sponge.
You can find the routines for Chelsea's other nail looks here:

How do you do ombre nails?

Doing ombre nails is perfectly easy with the right tools. All you need is a makeup sponge, a small detailed makeup brush, two nail polishes (one darker one lighter), a top coat and cuticle oil.
In this routine Chelsea Baganshows us how to do a pink ombre look, but really you can choose any colors you like.

Our foolproof guide to ombre nails:

Step 1: Cleanse the nail first
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Step 1: Cleanse the nail first
Start your nail routine by cleansing the nail first. You can do so by using a bit of nail polish remover on a cotton pad to remove any leftover polish, oils, dust or debris. This will make your manicure last much longer.
Step 2: Base coat
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Step 2: Base coat
Apply one layer of your base coat . Let this layer dry for a few minutes. Then apply a second coat and let this layer dry for a few minutes also.
Step 3: Prepare your sponge
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Step 3: Prepare your sponge
To create this ombre effect you’ll need something to use as a palette and a flat makeup sponge. Taking your flat sponge, paint some of your ombre colour on the edge of the sponge. Dab the sponge on your palette to get rid of some of the paint.
Step 4: The ombre effect
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Step 4: The ombre effect
Dab the sponge lightly down the tip of your nail, concentrating the polish at the tip of your nail. Repeat on all of your nails. 
Step 5: Clean up
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Step 5: Clean up
Clean up any mess or mistakes using a small detail brush dipped in acetone. Or even the corner of a cotton pad. 
Step 6: Top coat
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Step 6: Top coat
Seal everything in with a layer of the . Start at the base and brush backwards. Apply one layer and then leave to dry. This will help blend the colours together.
Step 7: Finish with a cuticle oil
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Step 7: Finish with a cuticle oil
Always finish your nail look with a cuticle oil like the . Brush it at the base of your nails to rehydrate.
The Finished Look: Healthy ombre nails that last
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The Finished Look: Healthy ombre nails that last
We hope you enjoy the finished look of this easy ombre nail polish tutorial. The colours used in this routine can be swapped out with any polishes you may have for an interesting ombre effect.

Ombre Nail Art Tips:

  • Paint your nails on the hand you feel least comfortable to get it out of the way, or simply clean up mistakes. 
  • When using this ombre technique remember to dab the sponge on your nail very lightly so you don’t damage the wet polish underneath.
  • Apply a cuticle oil at the end of your routine to help boost your nail matrix, for healthier, stronger nails. 
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India Williams

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