Aura nails are blowing up all over everyone’s feed right now, and if you haven’t been tempted to try them already, consider this your sign.
They’re the ultimate mix of soft, dreamy, and effortlessly cool. The best part? The technique we’re about to share will make them way easier to achieve!
No airbrush, no expensive equipment, no crying over uneven blends. Just you, some pigment powder, and a few game-changing techniques that’ll have you looking like a pro (even if your hand-eye coordination says otherwise).
If you’re looking for the ultimate aura nails tutorial that covers exactly how to do aura nails without an airbrush, you’re in the right place!
What Are Aura Nails?
Aura nails are the nail art version of a soft-focus filter—dreamy, glowy, and a little bit magical.
Think of them as the manicure equivalent of a really good aura reading, except instead of some mystical energy reader deciding your vibe, you get to pick your own aesthetic. Whether you want bold neon halos or soft, barely-there pastels, the key is a seamless, blended effect that makes it look like your nails are radiating color.
And the best part? You don’t need an airbrush to get the look. We’re doing it the smarter, cleaner, less-likely-to-end-in-an-airbrush-disaster way.
What You’ll Need for This Aura Nails Tutorial
Before we get into it, grab these tools:
- Base Color: Boardroom Shimmer Gel "Nic"
- Matte Topcoat: Ceramic Matte Topcoat
- Pigments: Aura Melt "Passion" Pressed Pigment Palette
- Brushes: Angled Pigment Brush + Puff Pigment Brush
- Primer: Stay Put Primer
- Topcoat: Hi-Def Topcoat
- Optional: Sponge eyeshadow applicators (for a more intense color deposit)
Got everything? Let’s do this!
How to Do Aura Nails Without an Airbrush: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
As always, start with a clean base. Prep your natural nails or extensions as usual—file, buff, remove oils—you know the drill.
Step 2: Apply Your Base Color
Paint on your desired base color. In this tutorial, we’re using Boardroom Shimmer Gel in "Nic." Cure for 30-60 seconds.
Optional: Apply a second coat of your desired base color for more impact!

Step 3: Remove the Tacky Layer
Once your color is cured, quickly swipe a gel cleanser-soaked lint-free wipe over the nails. This prevents pigment transfer when applying the topcoat.
Step 4: Apply a Matte Topcoat
For the best pigment blend, you need a matte surface. Apply a velvet finish matte topcoat like Ceramic Matte. Cure for 60 seconds.


Step 5: Apply Your Aura Melt Pigment
Dip your Angled Pigment Brush into your desired Aura Melt Pressed Pigment.
Pro Tip: A little goes a very long way with these pigments! So start off with less than you think you will need. You can always apply more to help increase the opacity later on.

-
Use light tapping and swiping motions to apply the pigment to the center of the cured matte-topcoated surface
-
Use a light hand and drag the brush to blend any harsh edges.

Step 6: Intensify the Aura Effect (Optional)
Go back into your desired pigment color and pick up some pigment on a sponge eyeshadow applicator. The sponge applicator helps with a more concentrated deposit of pigment onto the nail.
Apply to the nail using light pressure and swiping around the edges to blend.

Step 7: Perfect the Blend
Switch back to your Angled Pigment brush to further blend the color onto the center of the nail. You can go back into the pressed pigment and grab a bit more to blend out the edges left by the sponge applicator.

Step 8: Remove Excess Pigment
Use a fluffy brush like Puff Pigment brush to dust off any excess pigment on the nail.

Step 9: Seal the Free Edge
-
Lightly file the free edge of the nail at a 45° angle with a fine or medium grit file.
-
This roughs up the surface slightly so your topcoat grips better.
-
Using a fluffy brush, dust off any debris before moving on.

Step 10: Apply Stay Put Primer
This step is key for longevity. Apply a thin layer of acid-free primer, like Stay Put Primer, to the free edge for extra durability.

Step 11: Seal It with Hi-Def Topcoat
-
Apply a medium viscosity topcoat (Hi-Def Topcoat is perfect for this).
-
Start by capping the free edge, then float a generous layer across the nail.
-
Use light to medium pressure to avoid moving or shifting any loose pigment on the nail.
Cure for 60 seconds.


Step 12: Admire Your Aura Nails!
You did it! Together, we just created flawless aura nails without an airbrush, and with way less mess.
FAQ: Your Aura Nails Questions, Answered
Are aura nails difficult?
Not even a little. If you can hold a brush and tap a sponge, you’ve totally got this.
Do you need an airbrush to do aura nails?
Nope! We love a good shortcut, and this one is just as effective without the fuss. Pigment powder + the right brushes = flawless aura nails, no bulky equipment necessary.
How do you blend colors for aura nails?
Think of it like blending eyeshadow—light tapping motions, soft circular strokes, and a little patience. You’re building up that dreamy gradient, not slathering on lip gloss like it’s the early 2000s.
How long do aura nails last?
With the right prep and sealing, your aura nails will hold up for 2-4 weeks, the same as your regular gel manicure. (AKA: long enough for you to get tired of them and start planning your next set!)
Can you do aura nails with regular nail polish?
Technically yes, but it’s going to take patience, a steady hand, and a little creativity. Since regular polish doesn’t blend as easily as gel, you’ll need to work fast while the polish is still wet. Try using a makeup sponge to dab on the aura effect, or go for a dry brush technique to softly diffuse the colors.
Get the Look with F(VEX) Products
If you want pro-level aura nails, you need pro-level products! Stock up on Aura Melt pigments, matte topcoats, and precision brushes from F(VEX) to make your blend seamless and your nails last.
Shop our Best Selling Nail Essentials here.
For more nail inspo and tutorials, follow us on Instagram @FunctionofVex.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments—we love hearing from you!