Get Summer-Ready Nails with a Soft, Subtle Gradient Manicure

Nothing cures a case of the Monday blues like some great mani inspiration, right? Right. Enter this pretty gradient manicure in blush and neutral hues. Gradient nails are the ‘It’ mani of the season: They feature two or more polish colors to create a spectrum that gradually changes from one finger to the next. One major plus to the multi-colored nails trend (aside from looking chic and unexpected): It solves the issue of having to decide on just one nail polish color–because who wants to be limited anyway?

If you’re wondering how you can wear a multi-color manicure in a sophisticated way–say, to the office or an elegant party–the answer is fairly simple: Try out the mix-and-match look with soft neutrals to create a gorgeous, understated palette of shades. For this look, we chose three light pinks with grey undertones, and two ‘nude’ shades with grey undertones to complement each other. (Thumb: NCLA Barbie Pastel Dreams, Index Finger: Butter London Starkers, Middle Finger: Nails Inc Anti Social Climber, Ring Finger: Butter London Royal Blush, Pinky: Butter London Violet Pastilles)

This low-key look is the perfect gradient manicure to mix up any work or wedding outfit for summer, without going too wild. To master the gradient manicure look, follow the easy steps below.

1. Prep each nail and add two coats of each color from your chosen palette.
2. Allow time to dry, then seal your nail art with a clear top coat.

Did you try the multi-colored nails trend? Show us your gradient manicure on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!

Cassandre Banel is a Seattle-based nail artist and beauty photographer. 

(Images via Cassandre Banel)