Aztec nail art has been around for a while, and this trend doesn’t show signs of dying down anytime soon. Do you like Aztec and tribal prints? It’s time to take tribal nail art to the next level. Check out our step by step tutorial now!

Aztec Nail Art Tutorial | Aztec Print Over Purple Gradient

Aztec Print Over Purple Gradient

There’s something so graceful about the flow of the linear pattern, especially when it’s paired with a gradient nail art. The intricate details really pop against the base color of your mani.

Read on to see the how-to of this eye-catching nail art design by Anne Li.

Aztec Nail Art Tutorial

You’ll need:

• Essie: “go ginza“, “chills and thrills”, “sittin‘ pretty” and “good to go”
• OPI: “matte topcoat”
• Isadora: “peel off basecoat”
• Makeup sponge
• Nail polish remover and a flat brush for cleanup
• Black acrylic paint
• Nail art brush

Here’s how!

Step 1:

First, apply a base coat and paint your nails either white or nude. Let them dry. Apply some peel off base coat around your nails for easier cleanup. Let it dry before moving on.

Tip: You can also use tape or liquid palisade or liquid latex.

Make sure there’s no dust on the sponge. Paint your colors onto the sponge.

Step 2:

Dab the sponge on your nail. Roll it over your nail first, and then dab it to make the colors blend.

Repeat until you’re satisfied with the gradient. You’ll usually need 2-3 layers if the polishes are opaque. Make sure to let the polish dry between each layer.

Step 3:

Clean up around your nails, and apply a fast drying top coat. This will smoothen out the surface and make it easier to paint on the design. It will also blend the colors even more.

Step 4:

Take some black acrylic paint and thin it out with a tiny amount of water. Start making the design.

Step 5:

Let it dry for a couple of minutes, then apply a fast drying top coat.

VOILA!

We love the dreamy gradient nails with the tribal designs that truly stand out on your nails!

This is the way to wear tribal nail art off-season.

The intricate details really pop against that nude polish.

You can watch the video tutorial below:

Want more Aztec nail designs? Follow this link for more inspirational ideas.

We would like to thank Blingfinger and Wyznania-Lakieroholiczki for two amazing Aztec nail designs which we use for the featured image.

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