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Image credit: @nails_salmina/InstagramCat eye nails combine the best aspects of several current nail trends. With a touch of sparkle, metallic shine, and a sophisticated minimalist aesthetic, this style is versatile and complements all nail shapes, skin tones, and personal styles.
“Also known as velvet nails, cat eye nails derive their name from their eye-catching, dimensional effect, similar to the look of a cat’s iris,” explains Mazz Hanna, celebrity manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “There are countless ways to get creative with this design, incorporating jelly topcoats, chrome finishes, and more.”
We’ve got the scoop on cat eye nails and a step-by-step guide to achieve the look. Hint: You’ll need a special polish, and the technique feels pretty futuristic!
What Are Cat Eye Nails?
Cat eye nails are inspired by the mesmerizing iris of a cat, giving them their unique name.
“At first glance, it may not be obvious, but cat eye nails mimic the reflective, kaleidoscopic look of a cat’s eye,” explains Michelle Nguyen, nail expert and CEO of PLA Nails. “The effect is achieved by using a magnet to move small iron particles within the gel polish.”
To create this look, you’ll need a specific type of polish, a magnetic tool, and a bit of creativity. Don’t let that discourage you—it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll enjoy the beautiful result when you’re done!
How to Create Cat Eye Nails
Follow these simple steps to achieve stunning cat eye nails.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To create your own cat eye nails at home, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Base Coat
- Magnetic Gel Polish (which comes with the magnet)
- Glossy Top Coat
Step 2: Prepare Your Nails
“Begin by cleaning your nails and applying a base coat to protect them, ensuring a smooth surface for the polish,” advises Nguyen. Allow the base to fully cure before proceeding.
Step 3: Apply Magnetic Polish
Once the base coat is dry, Nguyen recommends applying a coat of magnetic cat eye nail polish to each nail individually. “Be sure to move quickly during the next steps while the polish is still wet,” she notes.
Step 4: Achieve the Cat Eye Effect
Right after applying the magnetic polish to one nail, hold the magnet just above the nail, without touching it directly. Nguyen explains, “Move the magnet in a circular motion around the nail, being careful not to touch the polish. The magnetic particles in the polish will react to the magnet, creating the signature cat-eye effect.”
Pro tip: Most magnetic polishes come with their own magnet, often attached to the cap of the bottle.
Step 5: Repeat for Every Nail
Repeat the process for each nail, working one at a time to ensure you can achieve the cat-eye effect while the polish remains wet. Each nail should take about 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 6: Apply Top Coat and Cure
Finish your cat eye nails by applying a clear top coat, allowing it to dry or curing it under a light if using a gel top coat. “This will also help preserve your nail art and extend its wear,” says Nguyen.
Top Cat Eye Nail Polishes
Keep in mind, you’ll need a special polish to recreate this look.
“While some brands offer cat eye polish with traditional lacquer, the most straightforward way to achieve this effect is with gel,” says Hanna. “When shopping for gel polish, look for labels that say ‘velvet’ or ‘cat eye’ gel.” Some of her favorites are Oyster Velvet by Gelcare and Kinetic by Cirque Colors.
As for choosing a color, you can create this design in almost any shade. However, for a more authentic look, Nguyen recommends drawing inspiration from actual cat eye coloring. “They come in shades like blue, green, yellow, brown, and many more,” she says. “Simply pick your favorite color to create a stunning cat eye look.”
