One of the hottest trends in nail art is the gradient glitter manicure and it is apt for this festive season.

Here is a simple DIY that takes you through the steps to create this look.

• Apply the colours Before you begin, prep your nails.
•  Then, take a disposable wedge sponge and cut a small piece out of it in the shape and size of your nail.
•  Apply both the colours  red and pink  on the sponge generously and then dab gently on the nail to transfer the colours on them.
• Now, add the glitter After the colours dry, take a little glitter polish and apply on the tip of the nail.
• To create gradation, remove the excess glitter from the brush and drag it in the direction of the nail bed from the tip.
•  Add the top coat
• Once all the coats of the paint have dried, seal it all in with a top coat.

How to prep your nails before you begin

• Clean your nails thoroughly
• This first step is crucial. Take a cotton ball soaked in remover and press it on your nails for a few seconds.
• Apply slight pressure while rubbing the surface to completely remove colours from previous manicures. File them.
• When shaping and filing your nails, make sure to not use the regular to and fro motion; rather, move the file in just one direction to get a better result. Massage a few drops of cuticle oil over the surface and tips to hydrate your nail. Buff and apply a base coat.
• Use a buffer to smoothen the nail bed. This also helps your colour last long. A base coat is essential to make your manicure stronger and preps the nail to hold on to the colour.