Try Pink Gradient Nails for a Valentine’s Day Mani You’ll *Love*

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the perfect way to get into the spirit is with a fun manicure. Valentine’s Day nail ideas don’t have to be super literal, either: If hearts aren’t quite your thing, try these pink gradient nails for a more subtle take on the holiday’s theme. Bonus: You can wear this ombre mani any time of year!

The gradient has a soft and dreamy effect–totally romantic and incredibly easy to achieve at home as the only tool you need is a wedge makeup sponge for a seamless finish that you can wear to date night or Galentine’s Day! Here’s what you’ll need:

Pink Gradient Nails for Valentine’s Day

Supplies:

• Base coat
• Sheer pink nail polish (I used Nails Inc Knightsbridge Nights Out)
• Candy pink nail polish (I used Ciate Bubblegum Bellini)
• Wedge makeup sponge
• Glossy top coat

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep and file your nails to your desired shape.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of base coat.

Step 3: For the gradient step you’ll use the wedge makeup sponge. Depending on the size of your nail, you can use the wide edge of the sponge for this step, or for smaller nails just tear off a smaller piece to sponge the color on.

Step 4: Brush the candy pink nail polish generously on the sponge.

Step 5: Starting at the top of your nail, start sponging on the color gently, lessening pressure as you move towards the center of your nail to create the gradient.

Step 6: You’ll want to continue the previous step, layering on until the top of your nail is opaque, and fades toward the center. Make sure to let each layer dry in between sponging to prevent texture, and lifting of the previous polish layers.

Step 7: Once the candy pink polish is dry, apply the sheer pink nail polish over the whole nail. This will help blend the gradient and give it a softer effect. I applied three coats.

Step 8: Top with a top coat and cap the edge!

Did you try this Valentine’s Day nail idea? Show us your ombre on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus–and explore our Valentine’s Shop for more romantic looks!

Melanie Graves is a self-taught nail art enthusiast who loves to create colorful, and easy to DIY designs for the fellow home manicurist.

This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with new content.