Cat eye nails have that special something that makes people stop and stare. That sleek, dimensional stripe of light seems to move across your nails like actual magic. The best part? Creating this mesmerizing effect is way more achievable than it looks. All you need is the right magnetic gel polish, a small magnet tool, and a little practice or nail technicians that know what they’re doing. Whether you want a classic single stripe or something more dramatic with multiple colors and patterns, cat eye nails give you that luxe, dimensional finish that regular polish just cannot deliver.
Honestly once you go cat eye, it’s hard to go back. Since using magnetic gels for the first time a couple years ago I literally want to get cat nails every single time I get my nails done. The special effects and crazy glitter gels are unlike any other color gels. Just be prepared to have people stop you in your tracks and ask to see your nails.
Cat Eye Nails
Simple Cat Eye Effect Nails
Simple cat eye nails or velvet nails are a great place to start if you’ve never tried this gel type before or if you are a minimalist nail girl that is looking to switch things up and try something new. A single stripe cat eye whether it be diagonal or vertical gives you that clean, sophisticated line of light. The metallic particles create the maximum impact with minimal fuss.
If you’re looking to DIY cat-eye nails I recommend trying this simple effect. Apply your magnetic gel polish in a thin, even coat. Before curing under your LED or UV lamp, hold the magnetic the same distance and angle for each nail so all ten nails have matching stripes, or trying different angles for a cooler three-dimensional design, just make sure not to touch the wet polish. Most magnetic polishes come with their own magnet, but if yours doesn’t make sure you have the right tools before starting.
Multi Colored Cat Eye Ombre
If you’re like me and love a bold manicure, then try blending two or three magnetic polishes for a multi colored cat eye ombre. You can split the colors on your nails horizontally for a French tip look or vertically. You can choose colors that are similar for a more subtle look, or opposites for a bolder manicure. Some of the top gels even create cat-eye polishes now that are multi dimensional and have multi colored metallic particles built right into the overlay gels.
Magnetic Cat Eye French Tips
A cat eye French tip is a great way to make a classic French manicure even better. Pair an ultra glittery, bright colored cat eye nail polish with a neutral base for a fun variation on a colored French tip look. Go with a more subtle cat eye shade like a silver magnetic polish and nude base for something more subtle, these would be gorgeous for a wedding. Or arguably one of the coolest ways to do a cat eye French tips is by using the same color magnetic polish for both the base and tip, but using different magnetic techniques for each layer.
Chrome Cat Eye Finish
The only thing cooler than cat-eye finish nails are chrome AND cat eye nails. I didn’t even know this was a thing, but combining chrome powder and magnetic gel creates an ultra reflective, sparkly finish. This technique takes cat eye nails to their most dramatic, eye catching extreme.
Take your chrome cat eye nails up a notch with the addition of builder gels or texture gels. I’ve done striped 3D designs with chrome cat eye finish this year and they are easily 2 of my favorite manicures I’ve ever done.
Cat Eye Accent Nails
Not ready to commit to magnetic polish on every finger? Using cat eye on just your ring fingers or thumbs create visual interest and let’s you experiment with a bolder look. If you’re like me and use hard gels on my nails then your nail appointments are already on the longer side so by only doing a cat eye finish on a few nails your appointment will be shorter.
Pink Cat Eye Nails
Pink is arguable the most popular and best selling nail polish color so it absolutely needed it’s own category here.
Pro Tip: The thickness of the polish affects how dramatic your stripe appears. A thicker application gives more magnetic particles to work with, creating a bolder stripe.
Iced Coffee Glass Nails
Ice coffee glass nails may be my new obsession. I tried a more abstract version of them with this pink set I did, but I need to recreate these exact looks asap!
Cat Eye Nails with Polka Dots
Polka dots have been so on trend and adding polka dots on top of a cat-eye finish takes this design from cute, to cool girl.
Aura Cat-Eye Nails
I LOVE an aura nail design, but haven’t had a chance to try aura cat-eye nails yet. The cat eye technique adds so much complexity and visual interest to the aura design and makes it even cooler than the same design with regular gel polish.
Galaxy Nails
Night sky galaxy nails will always be a favorite. While galaxy nails look great on any base color, in my opinion they show up the most dramatically over black or dark bases. I also suggest trying a holographic cat eye polish that shifts through multiple colors to make your mani and this idea really pop.
Halloween Cat Eye Nails
Halloween nails are my favorite type of nails and the only thing that makes an amazing Halloween nail art design better is when cat eye polish is incorporated! I think the photos below prove it pretty easily that these designs are made infinitely better with the use of cat eye polish!
Christmas Cat Eye Nails
Like Halloween cat eye nails, Christmas nails with a cat eye finish are truly perfection. A little bit of extra sparkle during the holidays is always necessary.
Subtle Cat Eye on Nude Base
Not every cat eye needs to scream for attention. A barely there stripe on a nude or pale base creates understated elegance. Choose a magnetic polish in a soft, muted shade like champagne, rose gold or pale silver over a nude base that matches your skin.
Cat Eye with Hand Painted Details
Using magnetic polish as your base and adding hand painted details on top creates custom nail art that is truly unique. Use a thin nail art brush and regular gel polish to paint designs over a cured cat eye base. Popular designs include tiny flowers, lines, constellations, abstract swirls and more!
PIN these Nail Designs for LATER:
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