31 Day Challenge (modified): Day 2-Color ORANGE Nails

Day 2 is ORANGE nails. So I was planning on only changing nails twice a week or so but I got so excited and my red nails had already fallen apart (the little balls fell off in the am-note for next time to use nail glue instead of top coat?). I guess that is to be expected when I nanny and wash my hands 50,000 times a day and then work at a pool...hmm....  :)

Anyway, onto the orange nails. Originally I had this plan to do some kind of pumpkin theme for Halloween and then I went back and forth thinking about using a stamp that I have with Halloween themes on it. I ended up starting with an orange gradient and liked it so much by itself that I stopped there.

I think the middle picture shows the best angle of the color change. Love them! Last time I tried a gradient it did not turn out as well. I think the likeness of the colors helps. 

For this manicure I started off with a base coat of China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base and then a base layer of China Glaze Papaya Punch - a light orange, not quite neon. I then layered with Seche Vite to dry quickly (1st time using and I like it already!). I then sponged on a gradient of Essie Geranium (the darker reddish orange near the base of my nail), Zoya Jancyn (very similar to Papaya Punch but more a tad darker) and China Glaze Papaya Punch. I painted directly onto the sponge and then put that directly onto my nail. Small amounts of polish work best and I sponged two layers on each nail. I topped it off with a little Seche Vite to help smooth out the sponge texture and dry quicker. 

I truly love this look and am impressed and surprised with how it turned out. Next one will be yellow-gotta find another good idea! Any suggestions??