If you’ve been following manicure trends, you know that minimalist looks have been at the top of the list. It’s no surprise, given the bare and fresh faced makeup looks that are also trending. But with summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to try something bold and bright. Enter aura nails, the colorful nail trend that’s creative and eye-catching. Aura nails feature a globe-like blob of color in the center of the nail that softly diffuses into another color. Like ombré nails, the effect produces a blurred design and blended color palette. However, the center placement gives the manicure an alluring and dazed look. Creators have taken the trend to new levels, using a rainbow of hues and even pairing it with chrome or decorative elements. Ahead, we’ve gathered the top looks to try.
Blueberry
Blueberry milk nails took the internet by storm in 2023. It turns out the soft, creamy blue polishes work just as well with the aura nail trend. This set uses several shades to create a dreamy tonal look. Even better? The simple color palette looks great on natural or short nails.
Neon
Nothing says summer manicure like freshly painted neon fingernails. They’re bold, bright and have energy that matches the season like no other color. A simple solid-color manicure is nice, but why not shake things up with a rainbow neon aura manicure? With a different hue on each nail, it oozes summertime fun.
Dark romance
Rose-colored aura nails prove to be the perfect backdrop for this moody manicure. The deep fuchsia center blends seamlessly into baby pink to create a soft look. The aura base is captivating enough on its own, but it gets an edgy upgrade with an oxblood design.
Sunrise
Sunset blush may be the trend of the season, but these sunrise aura nails are a strong runner-up. Like the makeup trend, it features a blend of sunny colors and a soft gradient. The key to nailing this manicure is choosing the right shades. Instead of fiery reds and bold oranges, try mixing pink, peach and lemon polishes for a softer look.
Mix & match
A good rule of thumb when it comes to nail trends? Mixing and matching is always expert-approved. When you can’t settle on just one aura nail look, opt for two, then up the ante with contrasting colors. The final manicure is sure to draw attention in the best way.
Cotton candy
Aura nails are a great base for nail art and other designs. Take a cue from this manicure, which uses bright pink aura colors as the backdrop for crisp white designs. The contrast of shades provides a bold look, but the mix of hand-painted designs is just as captivating.
Chrome effect
The internet has spoken, and chrome, in all its forms, is here to stay. In this aura manicure, metallic elements add an edgy feel that’s undeniably cool. Pro tip: opt for a wild mix of colors to make the final look pop.
