We'll never tire of fun nail-art trends [1], whether they're nostalgic [2], hyperrealistic [3], or incredibly intricate [4]. Still, 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 polish colors [6] on each nail that are all a slightly different shade but still part of the same color family. Once carefully chosen, the colors 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 [7] 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 color group. It can be both confusing and time-consuming. That's exactly why we've done the hard work for you. We've chosen three of our favorite gradient nail art shade groups (blue, 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 favorite manicures and the corresponding polishes to shop.
Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Mrs Tony Montana
Floss Gloss Nail Polish in Mrs Tony Montana [9] ($9)
Orly Nail Lacquer in Forget Me Not
Orly Nail Lacquer in Forget Me Not [10] ($5)
Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass
Peacći Nail Polish in Blue Grass [11] ($13)
Zoya Nail Polish in Dory
Zoya Nail Polish in Dory [12] ($10)
CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow
CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Blue Eyeshadow [13] ($7)
Zoya Nail Polish in Farah
Zoya Nail Polish in Farah [14] ($10)
J. Hannah Nail Lacquer in Chanterelle Polish
J. Hannah Nail Lacquer in Chanterelle Polish [15] ($19)
Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street
Nails Inc Nail Polish in Beaumont Street [16] ($15, temporarily out of stock)
Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao
Peacći Nail Polish in Cacao [17] ($13)
CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead
CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Arrowhead [18] ($11)
OPI Nail Polish in Meet a Boy Cute as Can Be
OPI Nail Polish in Meet a Boy Cute as Can Be [20] ($11)
J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic
J. Hannah Nail Polish in Relic [21] ($19)
Peacći Nail Polish in Flame
Peacći Nail Polish in Flame [22] ($13)
Peacći Nail Polish in Peach
Peacći Nail Polish in Peach [23] ($13)
China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice
China Glaze Nail Polish in Sultry Solstice [24] ($7)