Aura nails are the gradient design that’s slowly but surely overpowering the tried-and-true ombré. “Aura nails focus on a central glow effect, while ombré nails focus on a smooth color transition,” says nail content creator Dayanna Issey Sapiens. It’s a refreshing and modern design that adds soft, yet statement-making interest to any manicure.

“Aura nails mimic the appearance of an aura or energy field, usually featuring a radiant glow or halo effect around the center of the nail,” says Sapiens. “This can resemble the way light diffuses outward from a central point. Incorporating auras into my nails looks is super fun, the combinations are endless!”

Considering the look? Browse the 20 stunning aura manicures below to try at home or in the salon.

Pink French Tips

Add interest to a colorful French tip design with an aura that sits just below the nail’s smile line. “I love doing an aura in the center of the nail with a light color and then a bright French tip to add a little something,” says Sapiens, who created this look.

Pink Auras

Bright neon pink pops in the center of a nude, semi-sheer polish. It’s topped with silver stars and sparkly gem accents for a celestial vibe.

Aura Accents

Instead of making your entire mani aura-themed, opt for aura accents. This 3D flower nail design is enhanced by hints of blown-out pink blobs.

Pastels

This opaque aura nail look features shades of pink, green, orange, and blue. They’re topped with clear 3D gel to add texture and movement to the look.

Orange Accent

This mix-and-match mani features one orange aura accent nail, adding a whimsical touch to the design.

Seeing Double

This look is aura 2.0—featuring two shades in the aura design instead of the usual one. It’s topped off with a shimmery silver top coat for added dimension.

Chrome Pink

This design draws in the eye with its hot pink aura on a milky white finish that’s topped with pink chrome.

Neon

This aura design makes use of bold neon shades for a vibrant manicure. It’s topped with gold chrome accents.

Rainbow Glow

A rainbow mix of chrome auras makes this manicure especially stunning. It’s topped with white stars to enhance the look’s otherworldly vibes.

Abstract

Aura nails are the perfect accent to ground an intricate nail design. On the nails that don’t feature an abstract blend of shapes, lines, and dots, aura nails serve as a breath of fresh air.