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

We'll never tire of fun nail-art trends [1], whether they're nostalgic [2], hyperrealistic [3], or incredibly intricate [4]. 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 [5]). 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.

Denim-Coloured Nail Gradient

For this beautiful denim-inspired gradient, the nail artist — who goes by Meg — used polishes from popular brand The Gel Bottle [7], 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

Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Mrs Tony Montana [8] (£7)

Peacći Nail Polish in Forget Me Not

Peacći Nail Polish in Forget Me Not [9] (£8)

Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass

Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass [10] (£10)

Zoya Nail Polish in Dory

Zoya Nail Polish in Dory [11] (£10)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow [12] (£8)

Neutral-Pink-Coloured Nail Gradient

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

Zoya Nail Polish in Farah [13] (£10)

Nailberry Nail Polish in Honesty

Nailberry Nail Polish in Honesty [14] (£15)

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street [15] (£15)

Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao

Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao [16] (£10)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead [17] (£8)

Purple-Coloured Nail Gradient

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

Rimmel Nail Polish in White Hot Love [18] (£3)

Revolution Nail Polish in Powder

Revolution Nail Polish in Powder [19] (£3)

Barry M Nail Paint in Native Purple

Barry M Nail Paint in Native Purple [20] (£4)

Peacći Nail Polish in April

Peacći Nail Polish in April [21] (£10)

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Video Violet

CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Video Violet [22] (£8)

Sunrise-Coloured Nail Gradient

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

OPI Nail Polish in Meet a Boy Cute as Can Be [23] (£9)

J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic

J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic [24] (£15)

Peacći Nail Polish in Flame

Peacći Nail Polish in Flame [25] (£10)

Peacći Nail Polish in Peach

Peacći Nail Polish in Peach [26] (£10)

China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice

China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice [27] (£5)

POPSUGAR UK