1. PREP YOUR NAILS

1. Shape & Buff
   File your nails to your desired shape (square, rounded, almond—whatever suits your style). Lightly buff each nail to remove any natural shine.

2. Cuticle Care
   Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This step helps your dip powder adhere properly and keeps the manicure looking neat.

3. Clean & Dehydrate
   Apply a Nail Prep solution (or cleanser) to remove any oils or residue. This ensures a smooth, long-lasting manicure.

Pro Tip: Taking the time to properly prep your nails now will help prevent lifting or chipping later on.

2. CREATE THE OMBRE BASE

1. Apply Base Coat
   Paint a thin, even layer of Base Coat onto your entire nail, avoiding the cuticle area.

2. First Layer of Color

   • Lavender Love Affair: Lightly sprinkle or dip your nail into Lavender Love Affair, covering the entire nail. Tap off the excess powder.
   • Set & Dust Off: Wait 10-15 seconds, then gently brush away any remaining powder with a soft brush.

3. Starting the Gradient

   • “Baby Got Blue” Sprinkle: To begin building the ombre effect, lightly sprinkle Baby Got Blue at the tip of your nail, gradually fading the color toward the center. (Use the lid of the jar or a small tray to catch any excess powder.)
   • Blend: Tap the side of your nail or use a small brush to gently blend the transition between Lavender Love Affair and Baby Got Blue.

3. INTENSIFY THE OMBRE

1. Reapply Base Coat
   Once you’re happy with the initial gradient, apply another thin coat of Base Coat over the entire nail.

2. Layer & Blend

   • Lavender Love Affair at the Cuticle Area: Lightly dip or sprinkle the powder close to your cuticle, fading toward the center.
   • Baby Got Blue at the Tip: Sprinkle more Baby Got Blue onto the tip of your nail, blending into the Lavender near the middle.
   • Dust Off: Wait 10 seconds, then remove excess powder with a soft brush.

3. Repeat if Needed
   For a bolder color gradient, repeat these steps until you achieve your desired intensity.

4. REFINE AND ACTIVATE

1. Shape & Smooth

   • File & Buff: Gently file and buff the surface to achieve a smooth finish and refine your nail shape.
   • Brush Away Residue: Use a soft brush or lint-free wipe to clear away any dust.
2. Activator
   Apply Activator generously to each nail, ensuring full coverage. Let it dry for at least 90 seconds—this hardens the powder layers.
   
   
3. Pro Tip
   Before applying the Top Coat, wipe your nails clean with a paper towel to ensure no Activator remains on the surface. This keeps it from mixing with the Top Coat and dulling the shine.

5. SEAL WITH TOP COAT

1. Top Coat Application
   Apply two layers of Top Coat, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly. This seals in your ombre design and creates a glossy, salon-quality finish.

2. Admire Your Ombre
   Give your nails a moment to dry. You’ll see how the two shades seamlessly blend into each other, creating an eye-catching gradient effect.

FINAL TOUCHES

• Cuticle Oil: Once your nails are completely dry, massage cuticle oil around the nail bed. This boosts hydration and gives your manicure a polished look.
• Photo Finish: Don’t forget to take a picture! Our Lavender and Blue color combo pops beautifully on camera.