Aura nails are the newest trend in gradient design that’s gradually taking over ombré styles. This new design, unlike the traditional ombré that works top down, starts from the center and moves outward. “Aura nails focus on a central glow effect while ombre nails focus on a smooth color transition,” said Dayanna Issey Sapiens, a nail content creator. It is more refreshing than traditional designs and soft, yet makes a statement on any manicure. Plus, if you lean towards the metaphysical realm, you’ll definitely appreciate aura nails.
“As Sapiens explains, ‘Aura nails mimic the appearance of an aura or energy field and usually incorporates radiant glow or halo effect around the center of the nail’. This effect can resemble light diffusion as it radiates outwards from a single focal point. I love incorporating auras into my nail designs because there are so many ways to combine them!’” Aura nails make use of light crafting techniques making them very simple to recreate for beginners at home with supplies you already have lying around.
If you’re still here then continue scrolling as I am exposing 21 stunning aura manicures for you to try at home or at your next salon visit.
Purple and Pink
To start off this list let us first remember that purple and pink form lavender pink together producing complementing dreamy auras so feel free choose two colors of your desire to replicate our custom aura design.
Pink French Tips
Enhance the interest of the colorful French tip design by adding an aura just below the smile line. Sapiens shares, “I love doing an aura in the center of the nail with a light color and then a bright French tip to add a little something.” To make it even more eye-catching, use two contrasting colors.
Rainbow Glow
This is proof that aura nails are not restricted to two colors. The rainbow blend of chrome auras makes this manicure exceptionally beautiful, while white stars add to its otherworldly appearance.
Subtle Burst
Although only some of these nails incorporate an aura fully, the accent french tips have a slice of orange at the tip that mirrors the effect throughout this style.
Pink Auras
The focal point is bright neon pink against a nude base with sheer polish which draws attention like silver stars and sparkly gem accents. Celestial inspired designs nicely complement longer nail shapes such as almond shaped nails shown in the image above.
Aura Accents
If you don’t want to commit to a full mane, aura accents is the perfect solution. This blown-out pink design with 3D petals and flower additions creates an accent aura look. You can achieve this design by using blooming gel.
Ocean Pastels
Dive into a mesmerizing nail design inspired by the depths of the ocean! This stunning look combines vibrant shades of pink, green, orange, and blue, all beautifully accented by a clear 3D gel that enhances texture and brings an enchanting sense of movement to your nails.
Sunset
This design showcases how beautiful using three shades can be. For this look, some of the nails feature a coral center that transitions into an orange ring which then seamlessly blends into a yellow base.
Orange Accent
To add an accent to this colorfully designed mix-n-match manicure, an orange aura accent nail is used as addition, enhancing the whimsy in the artwork. A clean makeup sponge and nail polish is all you will need to achieve this effortless design. Gently dab the polish on the nail for a more diffused gradient effect.
Seeing Double
Two toned looks are always amazing with just a shimmery silver coat. Shimmer chrome would look stunning doing the same too! Otherwise known as “Aura 2.0,” this design features two colored auras instead of the regular single auro.
Purple Cat-Eye
Subtle but beautiful features are lavender cat eye bases paired with grape colored ones to create soft colorful halos over them and yield a understated look overall.
Stars
The magic number for pops of colors is white as your base: This inspires blue star detailing with blue-to-white gradient layers under shimmering stars.
Chrome Pink
When chrome and aura nails meet, this stunning nail design is born. It features bright pink on the edges topped with pink chrome, drawing in the eye further accentuated by a creamy white base. The shine of the shimmer combined with the design really feels unmatched.
Neons
This design uses a bold neon color palette for an energetic manicure. It is finished off with gold chrome accents. For variety, try using different shades of neon like the example shown.
Blushing
This style features defined blushing at the center of the nail. It gives a soft blush appearance to each nail. If you prefer neutral nails, this design will appeal to you.
Abstract and Accents
A design evolved from udarkormon an abstract blend of shapes, lines, and dots incorporates unique aura nails serves as a lovely break away from complexity that could balance other bold designs.
Subdued Auras
Scaled down versions can be done using skin based colors for the base which will make bright colored auras really stand out like the blue in this example. Lovey with long wear time due to its gentle grow out process.
On The Other Hand
If unable to decide on colors, consider double sided options featuring pink one side and yellow on the other while intertwining them with funky white line art that binds the two together.
Negative Space
This aura accent nail focuses on the outline of the aura rather than the aura itself. By using an airbrush and heart stencil, the empty space becomes the focal point of the design.
XXL Aura
Auras can be super beneficial while attempting to fill in space on overly long nails. In this particular design, they add some softness that contrasts with the sharp square edges of the nails.
Lover
Barbie pink works wonders as a base for a vibrant pink and orange aura. Airbrushed hearts detail a few of the nails, bringing additional charm to the design. Your friends will compliment you endlessly for sporting such an adorable creation.
Shimmer Aura
Brown and ivory shades add a twist with pearl accents through an aura design and construction highlights with 3D gel, metallic gold decals, and gold chrome glitter transforms these into regal looking glam creations. If you’re looking for ideas for glamored jeweled strategic theme, these are perfect!
Creamsicle
All about orange, every nail either sporting a nude base or french tip sport an orange aura. This one is really striking due to heavy silver chrome embellishments.
White Aura
Usually auras are used as ways to add color interest or highlight features of the shape or structure of the nail enhancements but they may also be neutral colors like shown in this example featuring white auras that brightens each nail. Oppositely black auras would add drama and edgy contrast enhancing every nail’s feature counterclockwise devoid from all normal coloration.
Blues
Auras can beautifully enhance a monochromatic aesthetic. Take, for example, this design showcasing a sky-blue foundation adorned with a cerulean aura. Remember, the more blue shades you incorporate, the more striking the effect!
