Gradient Nails

I posted not to long ago that I disliked the OPI Its Hippo to be Square, 

but I think I cracked the code of how to use it 

in an enjoyable way.  

Now by this point, that polish has gotten pretty thick, and even though I polish thinner

it's a hassle to still deal with (plus I'm low on my thinner anyways)

But, I remembered that Cherish, from the youtube channel PrettyPistol86

had amazing gradient nails and referred me to Mary, or ALoveTart's

gradient nail tutorial. 

I figured, that if the polish is too thick to use on its own, 

I can try to sponge it onto my nails and slowly use it up that way. 

I was a little concerned that the sponge would soak up way too much, and could

potentially create a lot of waste, BUT

it really didn't.  

I probably used about the same or little less than what I would have used in a mani.  

My other polishes I used included: 

- Rimmel 60 Seconds Polish in 120 Hot Chilli Pepper

-Lovely Summer Trend Nr. 8

- Sephora by OPI It's Hippo to be Square

-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hardener Top Coat

I used a triangle makeup sponge, and overall I really like the look. 

Some tips I would add though:

-Once you finish one hand, cut the used portion and start new because the polish builds up and leaves bumps due to previous dried polish.  A fresh sponge will make it smoother. 

-If using three colors, make the middle portion bigger than the upper and lower, as you wiggle the sponge the colors will mix and the middle color will start to disappear.  

I can't wait to try to use this method on other older polishes that are too thick even after polish thinner.  

What color combos will you try?

OPI It's Hippo to be Square

Now I love this polish when I am pale, 

it's bright, and a hint of summer in a bland period of time.
It seems to hint a neon-pastel brightness with a hint of pink.

But as I was doing my nails today, with a tan,
I noticed that I just don't love it as much as I previously had.

The formula is fine,
a proper two coater and it doesn't chip or peel for a few days.

This is so strange for me, as there are very few polishes I dislike right off the bat.
I mean I love the darker shades come fall, and brighter in summer, but
I still change things up.

I am honestly stumped when it comes to this color right now.
Have you come across a polish that you love at one point but just hate at another time?