Dua Lipa’s Aura Nails Is the Trendiest Manicure of the Season

If there’s one place to turn for excellent nail art inspo, it has to be TikTok. Lately, #nailtok has been filled with a mystical-magical aesthetic referred to as “aura nails,” which features a halo-like glow across a spectrum of hues. It’s a super versatile nail trend that anyone can get in on, says beauty expert Marie Watkinson, founder of Spa Chicks On The Go. 

Dua Lipa was recently spotted with a vampy take on the trend. Created by celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri, the black and blue combo is inspired by the hazy look of energy-capturing photography.

“The concept is simple: It’s a base coat and then a single ‘aura’ shade—or multiple shades—for a pop of color [applied in the center]. The color block edges are meant to be soft and blend into each other, giving it an ethereal look,” Watkinson explains. “You can go for a subtle aura, a bold aura, or mix and match different shades on each nail.” 

Curious about the look? Keep reading for a tutorial on how to do aura nails and take a look at some of our favorite aura nail ideas to inspire your next mani. 

How to Create Aura Nails 

To create aura nails, simply prep your nails per usual and then apply your preferred base coat. For the “secret sauce” soft-edge effect, Watkinson says you’ll need a blooming clear gel polish, like the Gelish Gelish Mini Blooming Gel Polish or Madam Glam Art Blooming Gel. 

“This product is critical for aura colors to properly ‘bloom,’” she says. “Apply one coat of the blooming clear gel and do not cure it with a UV light. Our artists will then take a dotting tool and apply your chosen aura color(s) to the nail.” 

The blooming UV coat from the previous step will allow the aura color to slowly “bloom” and then fade into the base coat with soft edges. Once you have your desired look, lock it in with the UV light. If you don’t have a blooming gel polish, consider the sponging method or nail stickers to create a similar effect. 

12 Ethereal Aura Nails Ideas to Try 

Keen on trying this trend? Whether you head to the salon or DIY your own aura nails, take some inspiration from these gorgeous aura nail ideas. 

1. Monochromatic Purple Aura Nails

Keep your aura nail design soft and simple by staying in the same color family. This look starts with a pale periwinkle base, which blossoms into a brighter purple at the center for a striking effect.

2. Pink Glow Aura Nails with Daisies 

Feeling springish? Bring on the flowers with your aura nail design. Here, a milky pink base sets the stage for a bright pink, which is then topped with white flowers

3. Grayscale Aura Mani 

Consider subtracting all color from your aura nails via a full grayscale effect. Start with a pale gray base and top it with a darker gray on top. (You could also try the inverse!) For some pizzazz, add a silver starburst in the center and top it with a rhinestone.

4. Rainbow Aura Nails 

Travel to the opposite side of the aura nail design spectrum by embracing as many colors as possible. This design uses pink, purple, blues, green, and orange on a creamy nude base to create a rainbow effect, then goes the extra mile with celestial designs and tiny glittering crystals. 

5. Cherry Aura Nails

Pink and green may not seem like a great color match, but the high contrast effect is dazzling. This aura nail design leans into the color duo by adding some cherries to a few nails. 

6. Muted Aura Mani 

If you're not really feeling bright hues, take your aura nail inspiration from this muted mani. It features a shimmery black base with subdued pink on top, which melts into a creamy purple around the edges.

7. Studded Aura Nails

Nail accessories can quickly elevate your aura nails regardless of the color story you pick. Here, dotted rhinestones lend a bit of texture and sparkle for a real wow moment.

8. Minty Celestial Aura Nails  

This minty aura nail design hints a bit at an extraterrestrial theme with its green hue, pearlescent base, and gilded starbursts in the center. The star design was created with a chrome polish, which lends to the extra shiny and multi-dimensional effect.

9. Moody Purple and Black Aura Nails

We’re obsessed with this borderline witchy aura nails mani, which combines a deep black-purple base with a medium purple center. It’s proof that sometimes less is more. 

10. Celestial Meets Aura Nails 

Stars and auras go hand-in-hand, as proven in this striking design. The unexpected color combo of avocado green and mauve-y pink feels very retro, while white starbursts create the illusion of a sparkling mani.

11. Peachy Aura Mani

Peach fuzz is Pantone's color of the year, so why not get in on the colorful action? In this aura nail design, a pearlescent base is the perfect backdrop for a twist of juicy peach on top.

12. Aura Nails With Abstract Chrome

No doubt you'll turn heads with this remarkable mani. It starts with a near-translucent white base, which is then topped with a mint-blue center. On top, abstract veins of silver chrome lend some nice texture and dimension.