19 Dark Aura Nail Ideas for a Unique and Unusual Manicure

a dark purple aura manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Aura nails have become one of the more enduring nail art trends, consistently popping up on celebrities and our feeds. While they're usually crafted in vibrant colors that mimic the hues of aura photography—think red, orange, and green—have you ever wondered what would happen if you toned down the brightness and opted for a deeper, richer palette?

As it turns out, dark aura nails possess a moody, mystical vibe perfect for the cooler months. Don't believe us? Scroll on for 19 dark aura nail ideas, from witchy black-and-silver sets to rich plum manis.

01 of 19

Dark Wash Denim Nails

a dark blue mismatched aura manicure — @heygreatnails / Instagram

First up, we have this stunning dark blue aura mani. With faded French tips, aura splotches, and 3D floral accents in shades of ash and navy blue, this intricate nail look is giving denim (in the chicest way possible).

02 of 19

Black and Silver Aura Mismatched Nails

a black, white, and gray aura manicure with silver accents — @nylove_nail / Instagram

Not ready to go full dark? Consider a stark black-and-white aura mani. Top it with silver swirls, stars, and gems for a touch of glamour.

03 of 19

Berry Aura Nails

a deep berry aura manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Looking for something you can easily DIY? This berry aura nail look is a breeze to recreate. Simply paint a beauty sponge with magenta polish in the center and plum around the edges; dab the sponge onto each nail and finish with a glossy top coat.

04 of 19

Autumn Aura Mismatched Nails

an mismatched manicure with blooming gel, builder gel, and french tips — @nylove_nail / Instagram

Not ready to go full-on winter with your manicure? Check out this autumn aura mismatched mani. With aura French tips, metallic accents, animal-inspired dots, gold starbursts, and 3D swirls, it checks all the biggest trend boxes.

05 of 19

Rich Plum Aura Nails

a black manicure with auras, french tips, and builder gel accents — @heygreatnails / Instagram

If jet-black nails aren't your style, try an ultra-dark plum polish instead. We love how it looks in an aura fade topped with clear builder gel accents.

06 of 19

Autumn Ember Aura Nails

a red-orange aura manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Most dark aura nails are cool-toned. But as this manicure demonstrates, cozy, dark, warm fades are just as lovely. To recreate the look, paint a rectangular beauty sponge with a peachy-amber center bordered by mahogany brown. Dab it onto each nail and finish with a glossy top coat.

07 of 19

Black and Silver Mismatch (Part II)

a dark aura manicure topped with silver chrome builder gel accents — @overglowedit / Instagram

Black and silver are a popular color combo for dark aura nails. Here, we love how opaque, jelly, and metallic finishes come together for a modern, multidimensional mani.

08 of 19

Jelly Pomegranate Aura Nails

a deep red aura manicure topped with builder gel accents to look like a pomegranate — @heygreatnails / Instagram

Speaking of jelly finishes, how stunning is this juicy jelly pomegranate aura manicure? You can recreate the look using cranberry and burgundy jelly polishes paired with builder gel for the seedy 3D accents.

09 of 19

Black and White Mismatched Aura Mani

a mismatched manicure in black, brown, and white — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Another black-and-white aura mani that caught our attention? This sheer, cyber-esque beauty. The gem accents give the otherwise futuristic nail look a rather girly touch.

10 of 19

Moody Blood Red Aura Nails

a moody blood-red aura manicure with heavy chrome accents — @nails_of_la / Instagram

This moody blood-red aura mani is perfect for November and December. The rich color reminds us of cranberry, cozy sweaters, and the holidays.

11 of 19

Midnight Aura Nails

a black and dark blue aura manicure — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Here we have another dark aura mani that's a cinch to DIY. You'll need a rectangular makeup sponge, black or ultra-dark navy blue polish for the edges, and an ashy denim blue polish for the center. Don't forget a glossy or matte top coat to complete the look and extend your wear time.

12 of 19

Black Stiletto Cyber Aura Nails

a black stiletto manicure with silver chrome designs on top — @nuka.nails / Instagram

Cyber nails are on trend, and this stiletto aura mani provides a fine-line take on the look. You can DIY it by topping off a classic black and white aura base with thin arches of silver polish. Then, for extra sparkle, add a few gemstones to the mix.

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Olive Aura Nails

an olive aura manicure topped with gold and brown accents — @heygreatnails / Instagram

How pretty is this olive aura mani? It's the perfect fall nail look—especially with the shimmery 3D foliage accents.

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Fun Cyber Aura Nails

a manicure with dark aura nails and nude milky chrome nails — @afreshset / Instagram

Can't decide on a single design? Pick a few for a fun mismatched mani. Here, cyber swirls, stars, abstract bows, and aura accent nails come together in a joyful set.

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Edgy Gray Cyber Aura Nails

a black and white to gray aura manicure with silver chrome accents — @myprettyset / Instagram

This cyber aura mani takes on a tattoo-like appearance with its barbed hearts and spiky swirls. You can recreate the design using a dotting tool and fine-lining nail art brush paired with metallic silver polish.

16 of 19

Navy Aura Nails

a navy blue aura manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

If you loved the denim aura mani from the beginning of this round-up but don't have the patience for such an intricate design, here's how a simpler take on the look can turn out. Gorgeous, no?

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Dewdrop Aura Nails

a black and white and nude and black aura manicure topped with builder gel dewdrops — @afreshset / Instagram

An easy way to elevate any aura mani? Add a few (or several) clear dewdrop accents on top.

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Plum Shimmer Aura Nails

a dark plum aura manicure topped with hearts and sparkles — @heygreatnails / Instagram

Dark aura manicures often look super moody. If your preference is more feminine nail looks, add some sparkles to the mix. Take it over the top by incorporating teeny hearts.

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