Burnt Look - Zoya Gradient

I really truly want to redo my nails every hour or so right now. It's like this blogging thing is taking over again and wants to be my top priority! All right, I'll let it have it's way for the time being! =)

As I said before, doing all things nail art is as if I'm relearning the technique. Turns out, nail art isn't quite like riding a bicycle! I tried some water marble, and ooooh boy. I have NO idea what I could have done so wrong! Nothing was working! The polish wouldn't 'bullseye' properly, too much falling to the bottom of the cup, and if I did manage to get a few drops right, they dried long before I could design it! I've been incredibly successful with marbling before, so I suppose practice practice practice.

Having said all that, gradients have been a challenge, too. However, this one at least turned out nice!
Here is some 'first try in years' gradients!

Outside natural light. With flash.

Outside natural light. With flash.

Flash indoors.

I don't like that middle finger, the gradient line is a bit harsh. That ring finger though!
This is Zoya Aurora, a beautiful purple holo. Not holo like some holos with tiny fine glitters, These glitters and bigger but ooooh so pretty. The black is Zoya Storm. I wanted to blame the lack of good gradient on the polishes, and that the glitters 'rise' when the sponge is sponged. But it's not their fault, and I know it.
I think this kind of looks a little burnt! It especially looked so in the darker light that I did them in. I think it may even make it a day or two!

Of course, the top coat is my go to top Seche Vite. Is there a fancy new topcoat out there now that I need to know about?

I feel that I have remembered everything about editing my photos. I think. I still have never mastered lighting. Outside daylight is best but it's much more difficult considering I only ever do my nails at night! I'm practicing that, too.

What is the next style, design, or technique I should relearn or try? I'm thinking stamping. Oh boy. ^^;

♥Jo