Is Eyeshadow *Really* the Key to Gorgeous Ombré Nails? - NewBeauty (2025)

The ombré effect has become a staple in nail designs for one reason—regardless of the colors chosen, it creates a beautifully diffused look that’s as perfect for designs as it is on its own. Beyond that, it’s adaptable and works well with both minimalist and maximalist manicures—think soft, ballet colors for bubble bath nails, and metallic shades for ombré chrome designs. There are several different techniques to create the look, but the latest, eyeshadow nails, is one of the easiest. “Using eyeshadows for nail designs has become a popular trend in nail art, largely because of its simplicity,” says professional nail artist in Miami, Siranush Ambartsumian. The idea is simple, but before you start getting creative with your favorite palette, you might want to know the basics for using eyeshadow as nail art. Below, two nail experts break down the trend and share their tips for getting the look right.

Featured experts

• Siranush Ambartsumian is a nail artist
• Anastasia Julia is a nail artist and the owner of NashlyNails Studio in Colorado

What are eyeshadow nails?

While some nail trends describe a design or technique, eyeshadow nails refers to both. According to Ambartsumian, eyeshadow nails are a nail art technique where designs are created using eyeshadow pigments. Like actual nail polishes, eyeshadow palettes come in an array of tempting shades. The eyeshadow nail trend is more about creating a seamless gradient than simply coloring the nails. “Eyeshadows blend smoothly on the nail plate, making it possible to achieve complex ombré designs,” says Ambartsumian. She explains that the method allows for various combinations and even makes creating the ombré effect fast and easy.

How to do eyeshadow nails?

Eyeshadow has a much different consistency than your standard nail lacquer, so creating an eyeshadow nail look presents a small learning curve. To begin, Anastasia Julia, owner of NashlyNails Studio suggests dipping an applicator into the eyeshadow of your choosing and then lightly applying the product to the nail. Repeating the technique with different colors and gently blending the shades together will give you the ombré look. “You can cover the entire nail or use multiple colors across the nail before finishing with a top coat to seal the look,” Julia says.

The key to getting eyeshadow nails right is using the right kind of products. “After completing the design, it must be sealed with a top coat; otherwise, the effect will quickly fade during wear,” says Ambartsumian. She adds that not all eyeshadows are suitable for nail use since some contain silicates or other water-repellent components that don’t work well with top coat polishes. “It’s best to choose dry eyeshadows or purchase pressed pigments,” she says.

Products for creating eyeshadow nails