Aurora nails are blowing up on TikTok and Instagram right now – and no, it’s not just your feed glitching. This manicure trend is all about iridescent shimmer, translucent layers, and a finish so glossy it looks like a light filter in real life. If you’re into anything holographic, glazed, or just plain pretty, this is the mani to screenshot.
What Are Aurora Nails (and Why Is Gen Z Obsessed?)
Aurora nails are shiny, color-shifting manicures that reflect like mini Northern Lights. Built on layers of translucent gel, iridescent pigment, and reflective foil, they deliver a glossy glow that changes with every move. First seen in Seoul (nicknamed “uruuru nails”), the trend spread through Japan and blew up globally thanks to K-beauty and TikTok.
By 2024, the hashtag had over 160K Instagram posts, and now in 2025, it’s one of the most screenshotted looks on Pinterest, TikTok, and IG. Gen Z loves it because it’s maximalist and customizable. From translucent jelly styles to magnetic cat-eye shifts, aurora nails are the it-girl mani of the year.
The Variations That Are Trending Now
Not all aurora nails are built the same. Here are the versions Gen Z is loving right now:
Jelly manis (a.k.a. ice nails): A sheer pink or clear base, layered holographic foil, and that signature 3D glow. These are usually done in salons and look like dewy candy.
Chrome nails: A smooth, metallic color shift without visible pieces. It gives a bubble-like finish in pastel or pearl tones, done using special chrome powders.
Encapsulated glitter aurora: Sparkles sealed under layers of clear gel. This one’s extra twinkly and feels like frozen glitter.
Magnetic cat-eye: This version uses magnetic polish to create light-reflecting stripes that move when your hands do. Often seen in purples, greens, and bold blues.
Nail artists also combine styles – like chrome over cat-eye – for maximum shine. The one thing they all have in common? A hypnotizing iridescent finish.
How to Get the Look (Salon vs. DIY)
At a salon, aurora nails can take 1-2 hours and involve layering foil, gel, powder, or magnetic polish. The base is usually clear, sheer pink, milky or pastel. It’s cured between each step, topped with a glassy gel finish, and often shaped into almond or coffin for max reflect.
- At home, your easiest options:
- Iridescent top coats with opal flakes (try OPI or Sally Hansen)
- DIY chrome powder kits (you’ll need gel polish and a UV lamp)
- Holographic foils you sandwich between polish layers
- Magnetic polish kits with the wand included
Pro tip: It’s easier to get that slick look on longer nails or tips, but shorter squoval styles also work great for everyday glam.
Color Combos That Are Owning 2025
- Glazed pinks & pearls: Milky pink or baby lilac with a pearlescent sheen. Still huge and wearable with anything.
- Holographic cool tones: Lavender, seafoam green, and icy blue that flash like mood rings in the sun.
- Sunset brights: Neon orange and hot pink aurora finishes = festival season in a bottle.
- Multi-color mixes: Each nail a different pastel, unified by the same chrome topper.
The trend is super customizable and lets you pick your color palette, finish (jelly or chrome), and even mix in glitter, decals, or 3D art.
Shapes That Show It Off
- Almond & oval: A K-beauty fave. The curves highlight the shifting light.
- Coffin: Wider tips mean more surface for foil and color layers. Great for bold looks.
- Stiletto: Sharp points make the shimmer look like literal laser beams. Not chill, but high fashion.
- Square/squoval: Works perfectly for shorter nails or professional settings. Add a soft chrome and it’s low-key stunning.
Celebs and Influencers On Board
Lindsay Lohan wore pastel pink cat-eye aurora nails on the red carpet. Cardi B showed up courtside with teal-blue magnetic aurora nails. Jennifer Lopez had “iced chai” nails – aka neutral beige chrome with a golden glow. K-pop idols, nail artists and TikTok creators are pushing the trend with everything from snow globe art to Sailor Moon-inspired sets.
When to Wear Aurora Nails
- Casual days: A sheer pink chrome looks good with sweats or florals.
- Work: Try a neutral base with subtle opal shimmer.
- Dates/parties: Go darker or bolder, match your dress, or coordinate with your eye makeup.
- Festivals: Neon + chrome = instant rave nails.
- Formal events: French tip aurora nails or soft blue chrome give luxe bridal or prom vibes.
Aurora nails are seasonal too – pastels in spring, mermaid shades in summer, moody galaxy tones in fall, and snowflake-glazed winter manis.
TL;DR: Why Everyone’s Obsessed
They’re shiny, customizable, and look way pricier than they are. Aurora nails hit every vibe – fairycore, glam, soft girl, or full sci-fi. Whether you DIY or book a pro, the glow is unreal. Gen Z’s hooked, and honestly? Same. Follow us for more nail inspo, and tag us in your aurora sets – we want to see the shine. ✨
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