Isla Bennett
Aura nails are one of the easiest nail art manicures to do yourself at home. There are several methods to achieve the look, including using a gel nail kit and lamp, a product called ''blooming gel', or the viral eyeshadow method. One of the simplest ways is to use a gel nail kit and lamp. Start by prepping and filing your nails into your desired shape, then apply a base coat and a nude shade. Using a small sponge, slowly add your chosen colour to the centre of the nail, stippling until the colour is opaque but keeping the edges blurred to create an ombre effect. Repeat this process with a second colour of your choice.
Characteristics and Values Table for Creating Aura Nails with Gel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Preparation | Prep and file nails into a rounded or square shape using a nail file and cuticle pusher |
| Base Coat | Apply a thin base coat and a pinky nude shade, allowing it to dry between coats |
| Colour Application | Use a small sponge to slowly stipple the colour in the centre of the nail, creating an ombre effect by keeping the edges blurred |
| Colour Choice | Choose colours with a good consistency, such as a pinky-red shade for the first coat and a sweet orange shade for the second |
| Blooming Gel | Apply a product called "blooming gel" over the base shade to transform and spread the polish applied on top |
| Gel Polish | Use gel polish with a lamp for best results, applying it with a short and densely packed fluffy eyeshadow brush or a sponge |
| Syrup Gel | Use syrup gel to help blend colours by mixing clear gel with the desired colour |
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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 square tip, depending on your preference. After shaping, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. This step is important as it creates a neat base for your nail polish.
Once your nails are shaped and your cuticles are pushed back, it's time to apply a base coat. This will help your nail polish adhere better and protect your nails from staining. Choose a base coat that matches your natural nail colour or go for a pinky nude shade as recommended by Beauty Bay. Remember to apply thin coats and allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
If you're using regular nail polish, you can simply apply your chosen colour on top of the base coat. However, if you're using gel polish, you'll need to cure your base coat under a lamp before applying colour. This will ensure that your manicure lasts longer and has a glossy finish.
It's important to note that the aura nail art technique involves creating a blurred ombre effect. To achieve this, you'll want to start with a light hand when applying your nail polish. Using a small sponge, slowly stipple the colour onto the centre of your nail, gradually building up the intensity. This technique will help you create the desired blurred effect around the edges.
After you've applied your first coat, let it dry completely. If you're using gel polish, you'll need to cure it under a lamp. Repeat the stippling process with the same colour until the centre of your nail is opaque, maintaining the blurred edges. This technique is key to achieving the aura effect.
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Applying a base coat
To start, you will need to prep and file your nails into your desired shape using a nail file and cuticle pusher. You can opt for a rounded edge or a square tip. Once you have achieved your desired nail shape, you are ready to apply a base coat.
For the base coat, you will need a gel nail kit and lamp. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to your nails, making sure to cover the entire nail bed. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This is important to ensure that your aura nails will last longer and not chip easily.
If you are using regular nail polish, you will need to wait for the base coat to air-dry. However, if you are using gel polish, you can cure the base coat under a lamp. The curing process will differ depending on the type of lamp you are using, so make sure to follow the instructions that came with your lamp. Typically, you will need to place your nails under the lamp for a specified amount of time, which could range from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Once the base coat is completely dry or cured, you can move on to the next step of creating your aura nails. Remember that you can always apply a second layer of the base coat if you feel like you need a thicker base or if there are any areas that you may have missed.
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Using a small sponge to apply colour
First, prep and file your nails into the desired shape using a nail file and cuticle pusher. Apply a base coat and a nude-coloured base polish, and let them dry. Using a small makeup sponge, slowly start stippling your colour of choice onto the centre of your nail. Repeat this step until the colour is opaque in the centre, but keep the edges blurred to achieve an ombre effect.
You can also use a different method with a product called "blooming gel". Apply this gel over your base colour, and it will transform any polish applied on top, causing it to spread and bleed. However, this method may result in a lumpy or raised finish.
If you're using gel polish, you can try the flash cure method. First, apply a matte topcoat to your base colour. Then, sponge on the aura colour and flash cure it. Don't worry if it doesn't look right at this stage! Repeat the process, focusing the colour on the centre of your nail. Keep repeating until you achieve the desired opacity, with the centre being the most opaque part. Finally, apply a glossy topcoat to smooth out any texture created by the sponge.
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Creating an ombre effect
Firstly, prepare your nails by filing them into your desired shape and pushing back your cuticles. You can go for a rounded edge or a square tip, whichever you prefer. Next, apply a thin base coat and a pinky nude shade as your base colour. Allow this to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now, it's time to create the ombre effect. Using a small sponge, slowly start stippling your chosen colour onto the centre of your nail. A pinky-red shade is a great option for this. Remember to use thin coats and let them dry in between applications. Repeat this process until the colour is opaque in the centre, but keep the edges blurred to achieve that seamless ombre look.
Once you're happy with the opacity, it's time to add your second colour. Choose a shade that complements your first colour; for example, a sweet orange shade will create a beautiful gradient effect. Using another small sponge, stipple this colour onto the centre of your nail, blending it with the first colour. Again, remember to work in thin coats, drying each layer before applying the next, until you achieve your desired opacity.
Finally, seal in your design with a glossy top coat, which will also help to smooth out any texture created by the sponge application. And there you have it—gorgeous, ombre aura nails!
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Using a gel nail kit and lamp
To create aura nails using gel nail polish and a lamp, you will need a gel nail kit, which includes a base coat, colour polishes, a top coat, and an LED lamp. You will also need a nail file and cuticle pusher to prepare your nails.
Firstly, prep and file your nails into your desired shape. Next, apply a thin layer of the base coat to your nails, using a rubbing motion for better adhesion. Cure this base layer in the lamp for 30 seconds, ensuring your nails are positioned so that the light reaches all sides. For better reflection, place the lamp on a white surface.
After curing the base layer, apply two to three coats of your chosen background colour, curing each layer in between. The aura gradient will show up best on a bright background colour. Remember to apply several thin coats, rather than one thick coat, as this will ensure that all layers cure properly.
Once you are happy with the opacity of the background colour, apply a medium but even coat of the base coat again, leaving it uncured. Choose another colour and, using the brush from the bottle, place a small dot of the gel in the middle of your nail. Wait 30-60 seconds for the colour to bloom and create a seamless aura gradient. Work on one nail at a time, curing each nail under the lamp for 10 seconds to set the design in place. Repeat this process for each nail.
Finally, apply an even layer of the top coat and cure for a full 60 seconds. Ensure your nails are positioned correctly inside the lamp. Once cured, wait for the top coat to cool before applying any cuticle oil or hand cream.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few different methods to achieve aura nails with gel. One method is to use a gel nail kit and lamp, along with a densely packed, fluffy eyeshadow brush and pigment powder. Another method is to use a product called \"blooming gel\", which when applied over a base shade, transforms any polish that is then applied on top, causing it to spread and bleed.
The eyeshadow method involves using a fluffy eyeshadow brush and pigment powder to create the aura effect. Start by applying the darkest part of the aura and then circle it with the remaining pigment to create blended edges.
When using blooming gel, it's important to note that it may take some practice to figure out different sizes and densities. Additionally, it can give a lumpy or raised finish, so it's important to work carefully and in thin layers.
