Aurora Nails: 10 Winter Nail Arts Inspired by Norway’s Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is one of nature’s wonders that makes travelers and dreamers alike swoon.
Seeing the zippy greens, purples and pinks swirl across the sky is a magical experience (as in, the air literally glows), and now, you can snag a little of that beauty for your nails.
“Aurora nails” are the latest winter nail art trend — the look takes its cue from Norway’s Northern Lights, drawing on its magic colors and glow.
This guide will take a closer look at the best Aurora-inspired nail art designs, combinations of colors to mimic this majestic lights show, along with tips for achieving that celestial glow right from home.
Whether you’re off to the Arctic Circle or simply desire a little of the Northern Lights at your fingertips, these designs make for the perfect winter accessory.
1. Classic Aurora Borealis Gradient
The easiest but also the most visually stunning method of getting Aurora-inspired nails is using a gradient method where you fade the iconic colors of the Northern Lights.
How to Get the Look: Use a black or dark blue base. Using a sponge, layer on various colors, such as neon green, electric blue and violet, and blend across the nail.
Pro Tip: Apply holographic or glittery top coat on top to mimic the lights sparkle.
Why It Works: The gradient captures the ethereal nature of the Northern Lights, making for a celestial look that lights up your nails.
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Aurora Nails
Take all your Aurora nail art to the next realm with glow-in-the-dark polish.
This literally gives the same effect as the soft Northern light glow during the night, with an added surprise to your nail art.
How to Get the Look: Once you have on your Aurora hues, top them with a glow-in-the-dark formula to create a subtle glow on your nails under low lighting.
Additions: Layer with a matte top coat if you like a soft, velvety glow.
Why It Works: Glow-in-the-dark polish lets the design shine in the dark, like the Northern Lights zipping through the Arctic sky.
3. Starry Night Over the Aurora
Use an array behind the Aurora effect for a starry night effect. This design adds depth to your nails and depicts the magic of the Aurora between a sky full of stars.
How to Achieve the Look: Create a dark base and paint on subtle gradients of greens, blues and purples to mimic the Aurora. Then, place small silver or white dots for stars and some small star decals for shimmer.
OPTIONAL: Paint a few comet-like streaks across the sky with a narrow brush.
Why It Works: This design adds another layer of magic because it makes it seem like you are staring up the Northern Lights from Norway’s snowy landscape.
4. Holographic Aurora Nails
For a modern take on Aurora Nails, use holographic polish, which creates a shimmering, multi-hued effect inspired by the Northern Lights.
How to Get the Look: Use a holographic powder or polish on top of a dark base color for a reflective, color-shifting effect that changes as the light hits it.
Blend in some Aurora Colors: Paint on a few accent nails with the traditional Aurora gradient to match the holographic shimmer.
Why It Works: Holographic polish mirrors the otherworldly hues and sheen of the Northern Lights, for a dynamic, eye-popping touch.
5. Abstract Aurora Streaks
The design features soft, abstract streaks of Aurora colors spread across the Arctic sky in undulating waves.
How to Get the Look: Paint a dark background, then use a brush to apply sweeping strokes of green, purple and blue.
Blending Tips: For a softer look, slightly blend each color with a sponge before applying the next.
How It Works: This design is an illustration that captures the movement and fluidity of the Aurora, giving it a truly unique and Artefact feel.
6. Aurora with Mountains Silhouettes
Scenic winter nail art combines Norway’s iconic mountain ranges with the beauty of the Northern Lights.
How to Get the Look: Paint small mountain silhouettes on the tip of each nail using black polish, after you’ve made an Aurora gradient.
Add Stars: A few wee stars in the “sky” above the mountains will do the trick.
Why It Works: Combining Norway’s natural landscapes with the Northern Lights, this design is perfect for Nature Lovers who seek an immersive experience.
7. Icy Shimmer and Snowflakes
Think deep colors reminiscent of the Aurora intertwined with gentle snowflakes to capture the feeling of a cold Arctic night.
How to Achieve the Look: Begin with layers of cool greens, blues and purples. Apply a fine glitter top coat for a frosty effect, then use white polish or decals to create snowflakes on a couple of accent nails.
Add rhinestones: Add tiny rhinestones in the center of the snowflakes for a little added sparkle.
Why It Works: This icy design is seasonal and enchanted, ideal for the wintry holidays.
8. Northern Lights Reflections
Take a unique spin by painting the Aurora as if it were reflected on icy water to give your nails a mirror effect.
How to Get the Look: Apply a dark blue base for the “water,” then create a soft gradient of Aurora colors toward the tips of the nails for a reflection.
Glossy Top: A high-shine top coat also intensifies the reflective effect.
Why It Works: This design brings elegance and artistry and is a new take on traditional Aurora nail art.
9. Aurora with Frozen Fog Effect
Create an icy, frosted effect on your Aurora nails by using a matte “frozen” finish atop of your Aurora hues.
How to Get the Look: Paint an aurora gradient, then apply a frost matte top coat. For an extra touch of “fog,” add a thin white veil at your nail tips.
A mixture of matte and gloss: Leave a few accent nails glossy to create contrast.
Why It Works: This touch can give your nails a frosty, frozen sensation that somehow feels unique and seasonally appropriate.
10. Northern Lights Galaxy Nails
If you desire a more universal design, marry the Aurora with a galaxy motif by incorporating planetary details into the nail art.
How to Get the Look: Apply a dark base color, then swirl Aurora colors in a galaxy-like texture. Use a nail art pen to add tiny white dots and star shapes.
Glitter Accent A touch of holographic or glitter polish gives it a cosmic feel.
And why it works: The design represents both the awe of the Northern Lights and the beauty of space, which makes it a striking option for winter.
So next time you ask how do I get that prismatic, glowy filter on my nails, answer – READ ON! We are sharing what it takes to create aurora nails yourself!
A few tips to help make the process easier and give you professional-looking results.
Use Quality Brushes: Precision brushes can help create the little details, from stars to mountain silhouettes.
Use a Makeup Sponge to Blend: No unsightly lines between colors with a makeup sponge; just pounce and they melt into one another.
Play around with Glitter and Holographic Polish: The Aurora Borealis is all about shimmer and shine, so don’t be afraid to add some extra sparkle!
Choose Gel if You Want them to Stick Around: If you are looking for something that will last all season long, I’d recommend choosing gel polish for the effect. It gives you a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish.
Conclusion
Aurora nails are the ideal way to slap a touch of Norway’s enchanting winter terrain on your fingertips.
Each nail art idea captures the ethereal quality of the Northern Lights, from glowing gradients to galaxy-inspired designs.
Whether you’re a devotee of nail art or just looking for a fun, new wintry look, these Aurora-inspired designs will give you a little piece of the Arctic that you can take with you wherever you go.
Give them a whirl, and let the sparkles shine as bright as the Aurora Borealis on your nails!
