Let's be real (and my gradient tips)...

I've agonized over not posting regularly. I'm so busy and when I'm off work I'm trying accomplish all the things I can't do while working. But above all else: I'm being a mom to four, sweet, growing kids. Plus I dig into freight boxes on a near daily basis. My once gorgeous nails are a little battle worn. It's, for reals, sad. You have been warned.

For some reason gradients are a go to for me. They feel easy and look amazing even if your clean up isn't 100% on point (which mine is not). My biggest pet peeve is having to clean so far from the cuticle to get clean lines but, eh, life moves on.

My gradient tips:

• I use a standard makeup sponge triangle. I cut it in half and then in half again to get a surface about the size of my nail. It's easiest to line up this way.
• I start with my middle color in the center and work out with my colors for even application of color. For this look I have (from base to tip) Orly Liquid Vinyl, China Glaze City Siren, Julep Jackie, Sinful Colors Anemone, and China Glaze Peachy Keen. I HIGHLY recommend when starting out on gradients to use 2-3 colors. It's a challenge even for me to get 5-6 colors on one nail.
• For brighter colors use a base of white. I used OPI Alpine as it's a squishy white so it doesn't play with some of the sheerer colors like Julep Jackie.
• I will usually go over my gradient twice. So I load up my colors, sponge (sponge on straight and then daub up and down slightly to mix the colors), then I load and repeat. I use one sponge for each hand. 
• I don't ever wet my sponge first. I've read this as tip, but I find it messes with color intensity and dry time so I don't do it. Ever. 
• Finally I finished my look here with China Glaze Fairy Dust. I don't always finish with a glitter topper and this is NOT what mixes the colors together. The daub up and down with the sponge is what does it. But it's a nice touch don't you think? ;)

There you have it. Gradients are my absolute favorite. I don't know if I'll be regularly posting again anytime soon. But my blog is never far from mind, as are all of you. I love my nails and my polish still, but life is just so chaotic right now. I wish you all the very best. Until next time (whenever that may be)!