Tutorial: Fade – the never-ending brushing!

Hey! I’m so happy you found your way here!  In my last blog post, I wrote about the difference between constructive criticism and negative comments. This time, my blog post will be about something completely different, how I make nails with fade and hand-painted palm trees. In the latest photos I have published on my instagram, I have received many questions about which brushes, paints and tricks I use to get “a perfect fade”. Honestly, I can say that I do not use anything special. It really is easier than you might think!

1. The first thing I do is choose which colors I want to use. Then I paint them on the nail. Try to use colors that are similar in viscosity and pigmentation, it can help.
2. This is where it begins, the never-ending brushing! Just as it says, it is a never-ending brushing process back and forth until it becomes a nice fade. For this I use a regular brush that I normally use to apply paint with on my clients. If you want a brush that is perfect for this and that is also very useable for many other techniques, get the Block brush from Celina’s Nail Art Brush Kit.
3. I create the fade in two layers, ie cure and repeat step one again. This is to avoid any color shifts that may shine through. Usually there are more color shifts if you create a fade on decoration tips because it kind of shines through from underneath.
4. When I am happy with my fade, I apply the top coat. I have chosen to put “Flat Matte” on the nail so that the palm is highlighted in the next step, but it is just as easy to apply a glossy top.
5. To paint palm trees (and of course other decorations) I always use Stripy and Swirly from Celina’s Nail Art Brush Kit. Again, two additional brushes that will not disappoint you either. It is really worth investing in good brushes. They maintain the quality, do what they promise and also make it so much easier for you.
6. When I’m done, I do not apply a top coat as the palms are highlighted a little more without, but you can of course apply a top coat now. Then just skip  step 4.

Good luck with your fading and palm tees. Do not forget to tag me if you do a similar design, it’s so fun to see! Have a nice summer!

Emelie

Instagram @beautiful_in_light