Failed Half Moon Gradient

I have done a half moon manicure before and it was reasonably ok.  I tried again and it is a massive fail.  I liked the way Sammy over at The Nailasaurus did hers and thought I would give it a go with a different colour combination.  Massive fail!!!   The gradient was ok but my half moons did not look like half moons at all.
So in the morning I tried to freehand rectify the half moons, did not look any better.  Much practice needed, but overall I was happy with the colours if nothing else. Oh well.......

Items Used:
Nail Envy
Seche Vite Top Coat
China Glaze - Oh How Street It Is - Orange
Nails Inc - Walton Street - Pink/purple middle gradient
Sponge