If you don’t have a sponge on hand and this kit was all you had, I think the instructions allow anyone to achieve the gradation look quite easily. It doesn’t take very long, just a few minutes and the polishes are of good quality. I understand that there can’t be TOO many instructions on the back or else people would think the whole process is too complicated, but if kits can include a tiny nail file maybe a tiny sponge could be included as well? Other than that, this kit does work and depending on whether you have champagne taste in polishes, is a decent price for three polishes that compliment each other perfectly and of course can be worn on their own!