Tahitian sunset gradient + watercolor spotted = I NEED SUMMER!

So I FINALLY just spent the money to get a pack of cosmetic sponges to try a gradient with instead of continuing to cheap out and use the dollar store eye shadow applicators. The difference is STUNNING. For one it's easier to do despite the clean up. For two it's nearly flawless. So I just had to add the watercolor spotted effect to it and I seriously just want to head to the beach now:

Look at the way it glows! Ok so I'm probably obsessing over Essence Cherry Cherry Girl (bottom) and Essence It's A Peach Not A Cherry (center) a bit (fades up into Zoya Kimber at the tip). I did use Zoya Snow White at the base so this probably makes the colors brighter then normal.

Here's the gradient on it's own:

I LOVE this combination! It's not my usual fare in that it's pretty pink but it's so vibrant and wonderful <3

So I leave you with this: be daring! Try mixing techniques and colors you wouldn't normally do. You never know what amazing manicure awaits you. If you end up with a fail that's awesome too - you'll be learning and pushing the limits and that's always a plus. Have fun!

A different spotted technique: watercolor spotted!

*EDIT - Here is a video on how to do this technique. I don't have a way to record a video right now so use these to guide you on how to do this: Professional DQ does Unicorn Drool.*

So I saw a video posted where a gal actually used watercolor pots to create a spotted look so I looked up the watercolors she used and they were a UK brand. On a hunch that watercolor is probably watercolor (pretty good deduction skills right!) I bought the cheapie 3.99 Pearlescent watercolor set from the Fred Meyer art section. I grabbed a regular brush I had laying around, got it a touch wet and went for it.

The more wet you get the paint the more it spreads out (like on the pointer) but the less wet and more pasty it is the more it looks like the ring finger. It's a technique that definitely takes a bit of practice but the look was so phenomenal! Check out all the colors I get to play with:

I am going to have soooo much fun with this! To clean up the excess watercolor just dip your clean up tool in water - acetone doesn't work - and just swipe till it comes away from the skin. Just ask how I know acetone doesn't work to clean up watercolor *facepalm*.

The colors were inspired by my accessories. I've been really getting into rings and bracelets lately:

The colors are Essence It's Peach Not Cherry, So Laque Bleu Model, and Essence Cherry Cherry Girl. The bracelet is a clearanced steal from Fred Meyer (same trip as the watercolors!) and the ring is Love Knot from Premier Designs Jewelry.

These colors are just gorgeous! Pose is stolen from I Heart Pretty Polish. I just love her pose so much <3

In closing I have to say I found this way to be easier, less messy, and less time consuming then the water method with far more vibrant results. You do need to top off with top coat once it's completely dry as the watercolor will just reactivate with water and come right off. There you have it - watercolor spotted.

Basically grab a set and go for it - it's cheap and gives splendid results that you'll love showing off. I know I did ;)