Channel your inner astrologist with this black ombré sponge design

While a sunset has its merits, watching night turn into day is a deeply gratifying experience. The pitch-black sky transitions slowly, and the silver stars glisten against a temporary deep blue background. Ombré designs often capture variations in color, and this black ombré is breathtaking.

Since it’s difficult to develop gradient color changes when layering light over dark, begin this manicure by painting the blue base coat. A disposable sponge eye shadow applicator gives you added control when you're applying the black overlay. Sweep black paint halfway over the blue, and then darken the tip with another layer. Add a silver sparkle glaze and some holographic stars to complete this stellar look.

Materials
- Blue gel paint in (Canni, 617)
- Flat brush
- UV or LED lamp (Lumcrissy, not shown)
- Waterproof sticky note pad
- Black gel paint (Young Nails Mission Control and Over Drive)
- Disposable sponge eye shadow applicator
- Silver glitter polish (Gelish Mini and Water Field)
- Holographic star glitter
- Dotting tool
- Sealer nail gel (Gelish Top It Off)

Instructions
1. Apply two coats of blue gel paint to your nails with a flat brush, and cure the gel between coats with the UV or LED lamp.

2. Use a waterproof sticky notepad as a palette. Apply a small amount of black gel paint to the notepad, and then press a disposable sponge eye shadow applicator into the paint. Gently dab the black paint against half the nail, and then cure the wet paint with the lamp.

3. Darken the tip of the nail by dabbing on more black paint to make the ombré more visible. Cure the paint once more.

4. Apply silver glitter polish to the entire nail, but don’t cure the polish yet.

5. Add a holographic star to the wet polish with the dotting tool, and then cure the polish with the lamp.

6. Protect your manicure by applying sealer nail gel to the finished design and curing it with the lamp.

Stay pretty!