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Different-Colour Gradient Nail-Art Polish Combinations

4 Different-Colour Gradient Nail-Art Looks and the Exact Polishes You'll Need to Re-Create Them

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We'll never tire of fun nail-art trends, whether they're nostalgic, hyperrealistic, or incredibly intricate. However, there's something equally beautiful about the more simplistic designs. Plus, they're way easier to re-create at home.

This is why we absolutely love the gradient nail-art trend (sometimes referred to as the "paint chip" look). Not to be mistaken with an ombré design on each finger, this manicure is made up of five different colours on each nail that are all a slightly different shade but still part of the same colour family. Once carefully chosen, the colours are painted in an order that resembles a gradient effect across the hands.

The best part about this nail-art trend is that you can actually try it at home, without any fancy tools or needing the patience of a saint. The hardest part is choosing the ideal combination of five nail polish shades that are part of the same colour group. It can be both confusing and time-consuming. That's exactly why we've done the hard work for you. We've chosen four of our favourite gradient nail-art shade groups (blue, purple, neutral-pink, and orange) and paired each design with five nail polishes, so you can easily re-create the look at home.

Read on to see our favourite manicures and the corresponding polishes to shop for.

For this beautiful denim-inspired gradient, the nail artist — who goes by Meg — used polishes from popular brand The Gel Bottle, which has hundreds of varied and beautiful shades. But if you don't have access to a gel manicure kit, we've listed our nail polish suggestions ahead.

Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Mrs Tony Montana (£7)

Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Mrs Tony Montana
£7
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in Forget Me Not (£8)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in Forget Me Not
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass (£10)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

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Zoya Nail Polish in Dory (£10)

Zoya Nail Polish in Dory
£10
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow (£8)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow
£8
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

If you want to try out the trend but still want to keep your polish on the subtler side, this neutral-pink shade combination is ideal. For this particular manicure pictured, the nail artist sealed off the shades with a matte topcoat to give it a pristine, porcelain-like finish.

Zoya Nail Polish in Farah (£10)

Zoya Nail Polish in Farah
£10
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

Nailberry Nail Polish in Honesty (£15)

Image Source: nailberry.co.uk
Nailberry Nail Polish in Honesty
£15
from nailberry.co.uk
Buy Now

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street (£15)

Image Source: nailsinc.com
Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street
£15
from nailsinc.com
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao (£10)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead (£8)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead
£8
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

If you want to add extra detail to your gradient mani, try adding a tiny bit of sparkle. After creating a purple gradient, nail artist Jodie painted cuff detailing (that little strip next to the cuticle) in a beautiful metallic silver hue.

Rimmel Nail Polish in White Hot Love (£3)

Image Source: superdrug.com
Rimmel Nail Polish in White Hot Love
£3
from superdrug.com
Buy Now

Revolution Nail Polish in Powder (£3)

Image Source: superdrug.com
Revolution Nail Polish in Powder
£3
from superdrug.com
Buy Now

Barry M Nail Paint in Native Purple (£4)

Image Source: boots.com
Barry M Nail Paint in Native Purple
£4
from boots.com
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in April (£10)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in April
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Video Violet (£8)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Video Violet
£8
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

If this manicure doesn't scream Summer, we don't know what does. This sunrise-themed colour combination uses a variety of hues starting at pastel yellow and ending in a deep neon-orange shade.

OPI Nail Polish in Meet a Boy Cute as Can Be (£9)

OPI Nail Polish in Meet a Boy Cute as Can Be
£9
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic (£15)

Image Source: jhannahjewelry.com
J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic
£15
from jhannahjewelry.com
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in Flame (£10)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in Flame
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

Peacći Nail Polish in Peach (£10)

Image Source: peacci.com
Peacći Nail Polish in Peach
£10
from peacci.com
Buy Now

China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice (£5)

China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice
£5
from nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Buy Now

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