When aura nails first appeared late last year, I knew they would be perfect for summer. We predicted they would be one of the biggest nail trends this year, and it turns out we were right (hair flick).
Unlike anything we have seen before and quite the opposite of quiet luxury nails, aura nails are one of the best nail art ideas right now. Think bright pinks, oranges and blues, with a spiritual and celestial twist.
According to Pinterest search data, orange aura nails have risen in search by 3445% from April last year. Over on TikTok, aura nails are taking off with over 96 million views on #auranails.
And as if we weren't already sold, Vanessa Hudgens just put aura nails at the top of our nail wishlist (AKA, a very full nail folder on Instagram). Ever since I laid eyes on Vanessa Hudgens's met gala nails earlier this year, I’ve been religiously following her nail artist's Instagram.
Zola Ganzorigt is the genius behind Hailey Bieber's glazed doughnut nails and a number of Vanessa's look, so when Zola does a set, you take notes—and this aura set on Vanessa Hudgens has me sold.
What are aura nails?
Aura nails take inspiration from the colourful aura that is said to surround one and all in the spiritual world.
Usually done with an airbrush to create the blown-out look, if you are recreating the look at home, you can use a sponge to dab out the colour. Having said that, TikTok hacks have come through and shown us that all you need to do to make aura nails super easy is dab on a bit of colourful eyeshadow onto clear nails—just pick a colour that's suits your aura. Which colour are you drawn too? Check out the top summer nail colours if you need some inspiration, and keep scrolling to see all the best aura nails to try.
7 aura nail designs to take to your next nail appointment
1. Retro aura nails
We love the added white lines and bling on these pink aura nails. Trade in the white lines for some chrome ones for even more sparkle.
2. Clean-girl aura nails
These pink aura nails are very similar to blush nails, and what you can expect when you use blush or eyeshadow to create an aura nail look.
3. Pastel aura nails
Opting for pastel tones for your aura nails really does create an unbelievably pretty result—and proved by this look.
4. Celestial aura nails
Orange aura nails with golden accents—is there anything more perfect? Adding star details onto aura nails creates the most divine celestial finish.
5. Clashing aura nails
Can't decide on the colour of your aura? Why not go for two colours. You can either mix and match each finger or keep switch it up between your hands.
6. Metallic aura nails
Another mixed aura nail set of dreams—although our eyes are drawn to that super-pretty metallic purple hue.
7. Eyeshadow aura nails
The nail artist used the eyeshadow hack for this dreamy white and pink aura-nails look. I'm in love.
Here's how to try aura nails at home:
Above is the TikTok eyeshadow hack I mentioned earlier, how simple is this!?
Pink and yellow aura nails and with a glazed finish, what more could you dream of? Well it gets better, because all you need to do to achieve these aura nails is stick them on and go. No need to do all the hard work yourself. There are 24 nails in a pack and they can be used time and time again.
Ready to try aura nails with a eyeshadow? This Lottie London eyeshadow palette has the most gorgeous colours to choose from, and we we think they will look even better on nails.
Get the yellow aura nail look like Vanessa's with this super-bright yellow nail polish. Her nail artist Zola always seems to use OPI.
Orange aura nails your vibe? This polish will give a bright neon hue without all the strong stuff, made with over 80% plant-based ingredients.
