There are some nail trends—like French manicures and chrome finishes—that shouldn’t even be classified as trends at this point given their longevity. These looks are constantly in rotation, no matter the season or color combination. And as of right now, I’m adding aura nails to this list of permanent nail design trends.

Aura nails may have risen to popularity a few years ago, but the glowy gradient is showing no signs of slowing down. You can choose any two of your favorite polishes to create the dreamy finish, whether it’s a light-to-dark monochromatic look or a colorful array of shades.

Ahead, exactly how to achieve aura nails, plus colorful inspiration to try for your next manicure.

How to achieve aura nails:

A great manicure starts with a great base, so first file, shape, and buff your nails to the length and shape of your liking. Once your nails are all groomed, go in with a protective base coat. Next, choose your base polish, aka the shade that will be on the edges of your aura.

Once you’ve painted on two coats of your base aura color, there are two different methods to get the glowy effect. The first option is using a sponge. Paint a dot of color onto a sponge, and start dabbing it in the center of the nail, then begin to tap outward toward the edge of each nail to diffuse it. The other option is using dip powder or an eyeshadow. Use a small brush (it can be dense if you’re using eyeshadow, or fluffier if you’re using powder) and use the same method of starting in the middle of the nail, then blending out.

Now comes the best part—choosing your aura color combination. Keep scrolling for all the dreamy inspiration you’ll need for your next manicure.

Aura nail ideas:

Well-manicured hands with long pink nails and a gold ring, displayed against a soft-focus background.
@glossy.studios
Colorful manicured nails in shades of pink, purple, and orange held together.
@glossy.studios
Hands with blue ombre nails and rings, set against a background of nail polish bottles.
@glossy.studios
Stylish hands displaying long, glossy burgundy nails with a gradient effect.
@nailsby_hal
Colorful manicure featuring pink and orange gradient designs on long almond-shaped nails.
@nailsby_hal
Two hands displaying almond-shaped nails painted in a gradient of mint green to pale blue.
@glossy.studios
Hands displaying manicured pink ombre nails in different shades.
@nailsby_hal
Two hands displaying elegant, light pink ombre nails with a glossy finish and delicate jewelry.
@glossy.studios

Why Trust Cosmopolitan?

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the latest color trends to new polish launches.

Google
Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.
Use your Google account to add this to your settings.
Headshot of Jasmine Hyman
Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.