Darrel HunterDarrel Hunter
“Good vibes” is more than just a saying. For some, it’s an entire practice. It’s not uncommon to hear the words “vibes” and “aura” used interchangeably, but the latter actually has its own meaning. An aura is an energetic force that all human beings radiate, and this energy is understood through different colors, according to Healthline.
There are a few ways to “see” your aura. The most common method has been going to professional readers and having a picture taken. Another has been to soften and slightly squint your eyes while looking in a mirror. One of our favorite ways? Painting them on your nails.
To note, aura nails don’t have to feature your actual accurate reading, but the trend that mimics the look has skyrocketed in popularity recently. “Aura nails recreate the colors of the body’s chakras and energy color fields,” Rita Pinto, founder of Vanity Projects nail salon, tells PS. “It’s very New Age meets Gen Z because the colors of the manicures are way more interpretive and expansive than the usual aura-chart colors. I’ve also heard them be referred to as ‘color trips’ in the salon by clients.”
Aura nails started popping up in 2021 and have since been seen everywhere from Instagram to Coachella, but Pinto believes there is a reason they’re so popular now. “Aura nails are really bright and colorful, so they give off a great energy and match almost everything in your closet,” she says. With the recent rise in dopamine dressing — where wearers opt for bright, eye-catching clothing — it only makes sense that manicures would follow.
To get the trend at home, Pinto has a few tips. “Get a dotting tool and various colors of polish. Gently apply the colors to the surface of a prepared nail, which should include base coat and one sheer color,” she says. “Then build your preferred design from there using a clear topcoat to dilute the potency of the color and add that blended effect.”
If you want to give aura nails a try for yourself, we rounded up some of the best designs on Instagram to give you some inspiration.
Orange Aura Nails
Because aura nails tend to see a spike in popularity around springtime, opt for bold color combinations, like orange and white.
3D Aura Nails
3D nail art doesn’t have to be relegated to a single-color manicure. Jazz up your aura nails by adding simple 3D motifs like water droplets.
Multi-Color Aura Nails
Aura nails don’t have to be just two colors. This gorgeous design features four different shades of polish on each finger for a mesmerizing take.
Brown Aura Nails
Brown aura designs on black nails will never not look chic.
Aura Border Nails
While aura nails typically look like drops of color dispersed into water, this version uses chrome borders and a pearlescent shade in the middle of the finger to create the illusion of an aura nail.
Purple Aura Nails
Another aura nail combination that never fails? Purple against a black base.
Pink Aura Nails
Still in your Barbie era? Pink aura nails will make it look like you came straight from Barbieland.
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Short Aura Nails
Short nails can also get the aura treatment, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bright, eye-catching colors.
Shimmer Aura Nails
Not only can your aura nails be multi-colored, but you can also play with the finishes in your manicure. Add a shimmery polish as a base to make it seem as if the nail art is jumping from your hands.
Rainbow Aura Nails
On top of bright polish, make each nail a different color scheme. Be warned: the compliments will be nonstop.
Red Aura Nails
Given that the color red is having a moment, it only makes sense that red aura nails should be on your mood boards.
Pearl Aura Nails
Pearly finishes and aura art? A match made in heaven.
Lava Lamp Aura Nails
These aura nails are reminiscent of the lava lamps that were popular in the ’70s. If you’re feeling groovy, opt for these.
Stiletto Aura Nails
The stiletto nail shapes and aura designs complement each other well.
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Contrasting Aura Nails
A guaranteed way to keep all eyes on your nails? Use contrasting neon colors.
Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
