Sophia Delgado
Aurora nails are a mesmerising nail trend that creates a magical, iridescent effect reminiscent of the Northern Lights. The look is achieved using special aurora paper or aurora film that changes colour depending on the lighting and the angle it is viewed from. The trend, which originated in South Korea, has gone viral on Instagram, with over 100,000 posts showcasing the hashtag #AuroraNails. Creating the look at home is possible but challenging, and it requires investing in professional nail products such as chromes, foils, and gels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aurora Nails Origin | South Korea |
| Aurora Nails Effect | Iridescent, Holographic, Opalescent |
| Aurora Nails Description | Dimensional Gem Stone Look |
| Aurora Nails Paper | Changes Colour Depending on Angle, Light, and Underlying Colour |
| Aurora Nails Paper Pre-Cut Shades | 11 |
| Aurora Nails Application | No Shaping Required, No Bubbles |
| Aurora Nails Technique | Use Builder/Hard Gel, Apply Sheer Colour Layer, Add Iridescent Pigment Powder, Submerge Paper in Platinum Bond Duo, Apply Paper to Nails, Cure, Seal Perimeter of Paper, Apply Top Coat |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by filing and applying a gel base coat
Aurora nails are a mesmerising nail trend that creates a dramatic, gemstone look. The preparation of your nails is a crucial step in achieving the perfect aurora manicure.
Start by filing your nails to create a smooth and even surface. Filing your nails will also help remove any ridges or imperfections, ensuring a flawless finish. It is important to use a gentle touch when filing to avoid thinning or damaging your nails. Move the file in one direction only, lifting it slightly at the end of each stroke to avoid sawing your nails.
Once your nails are filed, you will need to apply a gel base coat. The base coat acts as a primer, providing a smooth canvas for the rest of the manicure. It also helps the nail polish adhere better to your nails, ensuring a longer-lasting manicure. Choose a high-quality gel base coat that is suitable for your nail type. Apply a thin, even layer to each nail, making sure to cover the entire nail surface. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Some people also like to apply a layer of gel polish in a white or pastel colour and cure it before proceeding with the rest of the manicure. This can help the aurora effect show up more vividly.
Preparing your nails properly through filing and applying a gel base coat is essential for achieving the best results with aurora nails. It ensures that your manicure will not only look better but also last longer.
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Apply two coats of gel polish in white or pastel colours
Aurora nails are a mesmerising nail trend that creates a dramatic, gem-stone look. The process involves applying a special type of film or paper, known as aurora paper, which changes colour depending on the lighting and angle. This gives the nails an iridescent, holographic, or opalescent effect, similar to the natural light display of the Northern Lights.
To achieve the aurora nail look, it is recommended to start by filing and prepping your nails. This creates a smooth base for the upcoming steps. Once your nails are prepared, the next step is to apply a gel base coat. This provides a foundation for the nail colour and helps the polish adhere better.
After the base coat, you will apply two coats of gel polish in white or pastel colours. Gel polish is a long-lasting and durable option, which is essential for a design like aurora nails. The white or pastel colours serve as a base for the aurora effect, enhancing its iridescent appearance. Allow each coat of polish to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
It is important to note that you should work with one nail at a time when applying the gel polish. This helps prevent the polish from drying too quickly or becoming tacky, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish across all your nails. Take your time and apply the polish carefully and evenly to achieve the best results.
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Cure the polish with a lamp
Creating aurora nails is an advanced technique, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve a professional finish at home. Aurora nails are a bold statement piece, resembling dimensional gemstone and holographic effects. The process involves several steps, and one of the most important is curing the polish with a lamp.
Curing the polish is essential to ensure the longevity and durability of your aurora nails. It involves using a UV or LED lamp to harden the gel polish, creating a long-lasting manicure. The curing process differs depending on the type of gel polish used. For example, when curing the Ultra Glossy Top Gel for the aurora pigment, it is crucial to only cure for 10 seconds to allow the pigment to adhere properly. This shorter curing time ensures the pigment sticks to the nail and prevents chipping.
When curing the top coat, a lamp with a higher wattage can be used for faster curing. However, it is important to follow the recommended curing time for the specific gel polish brand you are using. Over-curing can cause the gel to become brittle and more prone to lifting or peeling.
For the initial gel base coat and gel colour coats, a standard UV or LED lamp can be used. These coats typically require curing for 30 seconds to a minute. It is important to ensure that the lamp covers the entire hand, including the thumbs, to cure all nails evenly.
Additionally, when curing with a lamp, it is crucial to protect your hands and eyes from the UV rays. Some lamps come with built-in timers, which can help you keep track of curing times for each layer. Using eyeshadow applicators or silicone tools can also help with the application process.
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Apply a gel top coat and cure again
Aurora nails are a bold and beautiful nail trend that creates a dramatic, gem-like effect. The process of creating this look involves several steps, and one of the final steps is applying a gel top coat. This step is important as it helps protect the nail art and ensure its longevity.
After you have applied the gel top coat, you will need to cure your nails again. Curing hardens the gel polish using UV or LED light, and this process sets the manicure in place. For this step, it is recommended to cure your nails for 30 seconds. You can use a lamp specifically designed for nail curing, which you can purchase online or at beauty supply stores.
It is important to note that the curing process may vary slightly depending on the brand of gel polish you are using, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Additionally, make sure your hands are properly positioned under the lamp to ensure even curing.
Once the curing process is complete, your aurora nails will be fully dry and ready to show off! This final step of applying a gel top coat and curing helps to seal in the colourful, iridescent magic of aurora nails, giving them a glossy finish and making them shine like the Northern Lights that inspired them.
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Rub on iridescent chrome powder
Aurora nails are a nail design statement piece, featuring a gemstone look. The aurora paper changes colours depending on the lighting, the angle, and the colour underneath it. The effect is mesmerising, holographic, opalescent, and iridescent.
To create this look, you will need an iridescent chrome powder. One such product is Pretty Diva Aurora Chrome Nail Powder, which is available on Amazon. This product comes in a variety of colours, including opal, sunset chrome, and mermaid pink. The powder is ultra-fine, meaning a little goes a long way.
To apply the powder, first prep your nails and apply a base coat and your desired gel colour. Then, apply a layer of non-wipe top coat and cure for 30 seconds. Next, gently rub the iridescent chrome powder over your nail. You can use a silicone tool or eyeshadow applicator for this step. Brush off any excess powder using a soft-haired brush. Cure your nails for another 30 seconds, then file the edges and brush off the dust. Finally, apply a top gel coat, making sure to cap the edge of the nail. Cure your nails for 60 seconds.
If you want a professional finish, you can visit a nail salon to get aurora nails. However, creating this look at home is possible if you are a nail art enthusiast.
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Frequently asked questions
Aurora nails are a nail design statement piece that creates a gem stone look. The aurora paper changes colours depending on the lighting and the angle you view it from.
You will need chromes and foils, a gel base coat, gel nail polish in white or pastel colours, a gel top coat, and white chrome powder. You will also need tweezers, a silicone tool or eyeshadow applicator, and Platinum Bond Duo.
First, file and prep your nails and apply a gel base coat. Then, add two coats of gel nail polish in white or pastel colours and cure. Next, apply a gel top coat and cure for 30 seconds. Rub your white chrome powder on top using a silicone tool or eyeshadow applicator. Finally, grab your aurora film paper of choice and submerge it in Platinum Bond Duo. Lay the aurora piece over your nail and cure.
Mix Sugar & Cream “In The Nude” with their no-wipe top coat to make the colour super sheer. Paint on a thin layer and cure. Rub on Magpie iridescent pressed pigment powders in Josie and Berry, then top coat and cure twice. Place a blob of Extreme in the centre of the nail - do not cure. Cut Daily Charme iridescent glass paper/film into ovals and place over your nail.
Aurora nails started going viral on Instagram, but the trend originated in South Korea.
