How-To: Mexican Talavera Nail Design With Velvet Effect

Nail artist Miish Quiroz created press-on nails with a Mexican Talavera nail design for Iskra Lawrence and is sharing a tutorial for how to bring this look to life!

The British model and entrepreneur wore the nails for her Saltair Campaign for her new Lip Oil Balms. 

Quiroz (@ohchamomilenails) shares she was inspired by the beautiful art of her country, Mexico, and the artisanal technique of Talavera.

"Traditionally, this art is crafted with clay and decorated in blue and white tones. Iskra gave me creative freedom for these sets but wanted me to capture the type of art that characterizes me as a nail artist. Therefore, I decided to create this set in lighter tones, like white, so it could match any outfit she wore," Quiroz shares. 

Below, Quiroz shares her process for creating this stunning set. Follow along to recreate the look!

How-To: 

1. Prepare your Tips: Once you have the tips (with the measures and shape your client wants) buff all of them to remove the shine. Apply mounting putty on your stand and press the tips to the bases. Apply one coat of primer or bonder to better adhesion.
2. Apply one thin layer of base coat. This will make your press-ons last more than once use!
3. Apply 1 or 2 coats of your favorite color. On this set, I applied 2 coats of an ivory polish. Cure each layer for 30 seconds.
4. Apply 1 coat of matte top coat. Cure for 60 seconds. After curing, clean with nail cleanser or 90% alcohol. 
5. Start to make your design with one color that is different from the first one you choose. In this case, Quiroz chose white. For these kind of Talavera designs, Quiroz uses gel paint because its thicker gel that helps you to not run to the sides and have more control on the designs. 
6. Before curing the design, apply clear acrylic to all of the design. Do this in a gentle way so as to not ruin the design. The combination of the acrylic and gel will create the velvet effect. Cure for 30 seconds. 
7. Clean all the nails with a plastic dust brush and 90% alcohol to remove the rest of the acrylic.
8. Remove the nails from the stand, and clean them in the back with alcohol. 
9. Place them in packaging, and they are ready to go to your client!