5 minute ombre nails: how-to

These nails are so simple to do and, with a quick drying top coat, you will be ready to go in 5 minutes! Each layer doesn't take very long to dry and I've managed to do these while waiting for a taxi to arrive.

Ombre is a trend that has been around East London for a few years now but it isn't going anywhere fast, it is instead migrating from hair to clothes and now nails!

I used these three peach to pink shades, but it can be done with two or three similar shades of any colour. Just use whatever you have in the house! Blue and grey shades are great too.

The colours I used in the picture: Barry M Peach Melba 318, Models Own Fuzzy Peach NP015, Models Own Raspberry Crush NP057

What you will need:

• Two or three similar shades of nail polish to create an ombre hue effect
• Make up sponges (can be bought in Primark or Poundland for a pound, or dollar stores and cheap drug stores in America)

Step 1: apply your base colour and wait to dry.
I used the lightest shade but it can also be done using the darkest shade as the base and getting lighter for a reverse effect.

Step 2: dab a little of your second colour on to a piece of paper, card or plastic (anything you can throw away.

Step 3: Dip a make-up sponge corner in the polish and begin to apply it to the nail.
Begin at the top of the nail and work your way down 2/3rds of the nail.
Only touch the top of the nail with the freshly dipped sponge to make sure the colour fades into the base colour seamlessly.
Allow to dry.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 but with the third colour, covering the top 1/3 or 1/2 depending on how seamless you want the ombre effect to be.
Allow to dry and apply top coat.

There you have it! Simple, quick nails that look impressive but require very little effort.

Lots of love,

Cat Claws.