Sophia Delgado
Aura nails are inspired by the colourful spiritual energy fields that some believe surround us. The manicure typically involves numerous colours swirled into one, with gradients created by an airbrush or with blooming gel polish. While the aura nail look can be achieved with normal polish, it is recommended to opt for a gel polish and powder instead for a perfect blend. The best way to achieve aura nails at home is with a gel nail kit and lamp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Airbrush gun, blooming gel, nail file, cuticle pusher, small sponge, fluffy eyeshadow brush, UV/LED lamp |
| Process | File and buff nails, apply base coat, apply colour with sponge or airbrush, apply top coat, apply cuticle oil |
| Colours | Any single colour or combination of colours |
| Design | Inspired by colourful spiritual energy fields, the haze or cloud effect, gradients, ombré effect |
| Safety | Gel polish should not be put in an airbrush unless the client and technician are wearing respirators |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping and filing your nails
To begin your aura manicure, you'll need to prep and file your nails. Start by using a nail file to shape your nails. You can opt for a rounded edge or a square tip, depending on your preference. After shaping, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles.
Once your nails are shaped and your cuticles are pushed back, you can apply a base coat. This will help your manicure last longer and protect your nails from staining. Be sure to use a thin coat and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
If you're using gel polish, you'll need to cure your base coat under an LED lamp. Place your nails in the lamp and cure for 30 seconds. Ensure that your nails are positioned so that the light reaches all sides. For better reflection, you can place the lamp on a white surface.
After curing the base coat, you can apply your background colour. Again, use thin coats and cure each layer in the lamp for 30 seconds. Apply two to three coats of your chosen colour, allowing each layer to dry in between. Remember to position your nails correctly in the lamp to ensure even curing.
It's important to note that gel polish has a thicker consistency than regular nail polish. Temperature can affect the ease of use of gel products. In cold temperatures, the viscosity will be temporarily higher, while in hot weather, gel polish becomes more water-like. Be cautious of exposing your gel polish to sunlight, as it can result in a clumpy texture. Store and use gel polish away from sunlight or natural light.
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Applying a base coat
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any old polish, as acetone can degrade the acrylic. Then, clean your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any impurities, such as cuticle oil or dust particles, which can cause the polish to lift prematurely.
Next, shape your nails using a nail clipper and file. Use the nail clipper to trim your nails to the desired length, then use the file to shape the edges. You can opt for a rounded or square tip, depending on your preference.
Once your nails are shaped, gently buff the surface of your nails to create a slightly rough texture. This will help the base coat adhere better to your nails.
Now, you are ready to apply the base coat. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail, making sure to seal the open edges or "cap the free edge". This process ensures that your nails have a chip-resistant finish.
After applying the base coat to all your nails, cure them under a UV lamp or LED light. This step will vary depending on the product you are using, but generally, it involves curing for at least 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
It is normal for your nails to feel sticky after curing, and you should avoid wiping them until after the top coat has been applied. The sticky layer is called the inhibition layer, and it helps the next coat adhere better.
By following these steps, you will have successfully applied a base coat for your gel nails, providing a smooth surface for the gel polish to adhere to and creating long-lasting, flawless gel nails.
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Using a sponge to apply colour
Start by prepping your nails. Use a nail file to shape your nails and a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. You can also trim your nails to your desired length and smooth out any rough edges.
Next, apply a base coat. This will create a smooth surface for your nail polish to adhere to. You can use a clear base coat or choose a coloured base, such as white or a light nude shade, which will make the colours you're using for the ombre effect appear more vibrant. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now it's time to prepare your sponge. Choose a small, triangular makeup sponge. Apply your chosen colours to the sponge by placing two colours side by side in horizontal lines or by placing dots of each colour on opposite corners of the sponge. The area you paint should be roughly the same width as your nail.
Gently press the sponge onto your nail, starting at the centre. Continue pressing and lifting the sponge until you achieve the desired colour intensity and blending. Remember that the sponge will get polish on your skin, so have a corrector pen or polish remover-soaked Q-tip handy to clean up any mess.
Repeat the process for each nail, allowing the polish to dry between coats. You can also use a different colour for the centre of each nail to create an aura nail effect.
Finally, apply a top coat to lock in your design and prevent chipping. Allow the top coat to dry completely, and then apply cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Applying a top coat
Start by choosing the right type of top coat. For gel aura nails, it is recommended to use a gel top coat specifically designed for this purpose, such as Nailboo's No Wipe Top Coat or Fuzion HEMA-Free "Shiny" top coat. These top coats are formulated to work with gel polish and will provide the best shine and protection.
Before applying the top coat, ensure that your nail polish is completely dry. This is crucial because applying a top coat over wet polish can smudge your design and create an uneven finish. If you are using gel polish, make sure it is cured properly under a LED lamp. Follow the recommended curing time for your specific gel polish brand.
When your nail polish is dry, it's time to apply the top coat. Take your chosen top coat and apply a thin, even layer over each nail. Be careful not to flood the cuticles with the top coat and try to avoid getting it on your skin. A steady hand and a thin brush can help with precise application.
If you are using a gel top coat, you will need to cure it under the LED lamp again. Place your nails under the lamp for the recommended time, usually around 60 seconds. This will ensure the top coat is fully cured and hardened, providing a protective layer over your design.
After curing the top coat, it is important to let it cool down. Do not apply any cuticle oil, hand cream, or touch the top coat while it is still warm as this can dull the shine. Wait for it to cool off completely before proceeding.
Once the top coat is cooled, you can finish with cuticle oil. Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your cuticles and massage it into the skin. This step helps nourish and moisturize your cuticles, keeping your nails and the surrounding skin healthy and strong.
By following these steps for applying a top coat, you can achieve a long-lasting and glossy finish to your aura nails. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always follow the safety instructions when using gel polish and LED lamps.
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Using an airbrush
Aura nails, also known as airbrush or blush nails, are achieved by blending colours to create an ethereal effect. While you can use normal polish, gel polish is recommended for a perfect blend.
If you are using an airbrush, it is important to note that gel polish should not be put in an airbrush unless both the client and technician are wearing respirators. This is due to the health risks associated with inhaling gel polish.
- Prep and file your nails into the desired shape using a nail file and cuticle pusher. You can opt for a rounded edge or a square tip.
- Apply a base coat and a nude base colour. Remember to use thin coats and let them dry in between.
- Using your airbrush, start by applying colour to the centre of the nail. You can choose any colour you like, such as pink or red.
- Once the first coat is dry, repeat the process until the colour is opaque in the centre, but keep the edges blurred to achieve an ombre effect.
- With your second colour, repeat the process but focus on keeping the colour in the centre without crossing into the first colour too much.
- Remember to always make sure your previous coat is dry before applying the next one.
- Once your design is complete and dry, apply a top coat to lock in the design and prevent chipping.
- Finally, apply cuticle oil to the cuticles to keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Frequently asked questions
Aura nails are inspired by the colourful spiritual energy fields that some believe surround us. They are a type of nail art that involves numerous colours swirled into one, creating a misty, hazy, or cloudy effect.
In salons, nail technicians may use an airbrush device to create the perfect aura effect. However, if you are doing your nails at home, you can use a sponge or a little powder and a brush, which is also a common salon method.
Yes, you can do aura nails with gel. In fact, nail artist Izzy recommends using gel polish and powder to achieve the perfect blend. You can also use a product called blooming gel to create the hazy effect.
Blooming gel is a clear gel polish that you apply to the nail before adding a secondary colour. The secondary colour then "blooms" and fades, creating a misty effect.
First, prep and file your nails into your desired shape. Then, apply a base coat and your chosen base colour. Once your base colour is dry, use a small sponge to slowly stipple on your next colour in the centre of the nail. Repeat this process until you reach your desired effect. Finally, apply a top coat to lock in your design and prevent chipping.
