How To Apply A Pastel Gradient Mani
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/e429cc3691d026e3aeadc98319d6c29cec5a8f7f-2160x1415.jpg?w=700&q=100)
Difficulty
Moderate
Time required
1 Hour
Salon price ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1540/8825/files/question.svg?v=1598134562)
est. $105 / Mani
DipWell price ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1540/8825/files/question.svg?v=1598134562)
est. $9 / Mani
Can't decide on just one color? Level up your mani game with this colorful array of gradient dip powder nails! This fun and easy nail art is a whole summer vibe - someone queue the pools floats & rosé!
PRO TIP: For a smoother transition to achieving gradient or ombre nails, be sure to use a fluffy brush to dust on color powder of choice. Keep in mind to clean the brush between each color powder application to avoid mixing unwanted ombre colors.
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Step 1
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/44555db0f8799e421f2566ee59ca64177be9e09c-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Apply a coat of Step 1 Bond to all fingernails
PRO TIP: Make sure you thoroughly prep nails to ensure adhesion & long-lasting wear! Push back cuticles, create a rough texture on the nail plate by filing, and sanitize thoroughly.
Step 2A
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/593478e7749e138164e6cd26d725e161fb148ad5-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/593478e7749e138164e6cd26d725e161fb148ad5-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/1b3aabfffd66d4cd3f6ef210415194df48a1f138-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/4e9c20ad0253c082fa45877409d83018975e9980-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/01e7b0a0fcb8f4e997a774f2cf1e12c5795290e0-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Paint a thin coat of Step 2 Base and load a small fluffy brush with powder by dipping into color powder of choice
PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base if applied
Step 2B
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/28997b55178d0371d1befa6683ef4cafb616b93c-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/28997b55178d0371d1befa6683ef4cafb616b93c-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/8903f681221ced0aa41d7bad8d4ccf5de08b4713-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Repeat to fill in the rest of the nail with the other color powders of choice
- Tap finger to rid of loose powder in between nails
Step 3
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/7937e164a86747d8056d31160648662e5efadace-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Make sure to thoroughly swipe each nail to remove loose powder
Step 4
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/3b056199d0b42466ae0e8f8ede089ad537faab08-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/3b056199d0b42466ae0e8f8ede089ad537faab08-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/19da4428cb9955556a37a03ade048578258890ab-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Repeat for more coverage
PRO TIP: Brushes may harden or pick up color powder during application. Simply switch them between Brush Softener for easy cleaning & workability.
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Step 5
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/9f9e193be1fcfc34d28186ddd87fdd194867e450-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/9f9e193be1fcfc34d28186ddd87fdd194867e450-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/f15bb30205fd06143daf94c1b53d8db54cec62c5-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/2a808704a23cfc63facd3803bfc7958c645636e4-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/4b44ca4b492f143613a8848ae68301c87cc0a2cd-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Paint a thin coat of Step 2 Base, then immediately dip into Base & Finish
- Tap off loose powder and brush off excess
Step 6
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/77c2c0269896532224dbe0282f4441bcf2801231-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Apply a coat of Step 3 Activator to harden the blend of powder & liquid
- Allow two minutes for Activator to dry completely
Step 7
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/71e2b2b92dbb90ae99f1d9f968e445766c645c30-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/71e2b2b92dbb90ae99f1d9f968e445766c645c30-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/2042bc72f2e8ab6bc172b498210e424e5b910d5b-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- When the blend of powder and liquid has hardened, file nails to the desired shape
- Use our coarse grit buffer to even out the preferred thickness of the nails, then use the 240 grit buffer to smooth the nail surface
Step 8
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/d15169554d86bc83ed0b57be64b3e3a19b1a1564-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Wash hands and nails thoroughly or wipe with alcohol
Step 9
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/24d5bca596b123bdb7c81275a5d58f6d1e06fd92-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Apply a coat of Activator to harden the blend of powder & liquid
- Apply another coat of Activator and allow 3-4 minutes for Activator to completely dry
Step 10
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/a42634eec98272df36fbf5527876f27445702404-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Apply a coat of Sealer in quick thin strokes
- Allow 3 minutes for nails to dry
Step 11
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bih0fc4m/production/f6501b3ca3e6eef5a1ca99bf06b283767b5101cb-500x333.jpg?w=700&q=100)
- Apply a coat of Sealer in quick thin strokes
- Allow 3 minutes for nails to dry
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