As much as we love a colorful French manicure or a detailed accent nail, there’s no nail trend as mesmerizing as cat-eye nails. Named after its reflective cat-eye effect, this manicure is achieved by waving a magnet over gel nails, creating a metallic finish that shifts with the light. “By holding a magnet over uncured gel nails, it pulls the magnetic particles in the polish and makes a unique shimmering pattern,” says nail artist Kesang Gurung. Depending on how you manipulate the magnet over your nails, she adds, each cat-eye manicure is one-of-a-kind.
And unlike other nail trends, the dazzling look doesn’t necessarily require a steady hand or detailing tools, making it surprisingly easy to replicate at home. With the right cat-eye polish, you’ll be feline yourself in no time.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Cat-Eye Nails at Home
1. Gather Your Tools
For a smooth manicure process, round up all the tools you’ll need ahead of time. Gurung recommends having a file and a double-sided magnet on hand, as well as your preferred cat-eye polish shade. You’ll also need a UV or LED lamp to cure your gel nails, while a clear base coat and top coat will help your look last longer.
2. Prep Your Nails
Remember, a cat-eye manicure is just like any other gel manicure, just with the added step of using the magnet. As such, you’ll want to start out with a clean base: Prep your nails by shaping them and applying a base coat, then cure your polish under a UV or LED lamp. If you’re looking to add more dimension to your mani, Gurgung recommends applying a base color that complements the cat-eye shade you’ve chosen as well. “You can change the color of your manicure by putting a base shade below the cat-eye polish,” she explains.
3. Apply Your Cat-Eye Gel Polish
After you’ve painted on your base coat and base color, it’s time to apply your cat-eye gel polish. Don’t cure it immediately though—you’ve got to create your magnetic pattern first.
4. Manipulate Your Magnet
Next, you’ll want to hold your dual-ended magnet over the uncured cat-eye polish. “Wave the magnet over your nails, holding it in different positions for a few seconds before moving onto the next,” advises Gurung. How you hold your magnet will determine what design you end up with—whether that’s bold lines or diffused metallic waves.
5. Cure Your Nails
Once you’ve achieved your desired effect, cure your polish under a UV or LED lamp. This will lock in the pattern you’ve created with the magnet, so only cure your nails once you’re satisfied with the design. For a more intense metallic finish, add another layer of cat-eye polish onto your cured nails, repeat the magnet step, and cure again.
6. Seal Your Manicure
Finish off your manicure with a clear top coat to enhance and protect your cat-eye nails. Then, take as many photos of your manicure as your heart desires.
Our Favorite Cat-Eye Nail Looks for Your Next Mani
1. Amber Cat-Eye Mani
Amber might not be your go-to nail color, but the jewel tone really pops when shimmer is involved. This orange-y cat-eye manicure will give the neutral look a playful pop of glitter without doing too much.
2. Shimmering Navy Nails
Lean into the celestial vibes of the cat-eye manicure with this deep navy color. We love the bold shape of this set, but any nail shape can rock this midnight shade—just don’t get lost in its starry abyss.
3. Vampy Red Manicure
Burgundy nails always evoke a vampy feeling, but adding a cat-eye effect into the mix makes the look so much more magical. For an extra mystical manicure, consider adding a base layer of dark red polish to your nails prior to swiping on your cat-eye polish.
4. Mystical Cat-Eye French Manicure
Give the classic French manicure a fun twist with just a hint of cat-eye polish. We love how this aquamarine shade shifts with the light, moving between green, blue, and even purple tones.
5. Pastel Green Cat-Eye Nails
Get lost in the pastel green color of these cat-eye nails. Perfect for spring and summer, this shade reminds us of tropical waters—especially with that dimensional look. Plus, this mani proves you don’t need long nails to leave a memorable impression.
6. Half and Half Manicure
Want to literally dip a finger (or ten) into this trend? To achieve this look, Gurung first prepped nails by painting a blue base polish to the top half of her client’s nails. Then, she layered a sparkling sheer cat-eye polish atop the whole nail. Replicate with the same inky blue color or switch it out for a brighter alternative.
7. Glass Ribbon Nails
Cat-eye polish makes a statement on its own, but it's especially cute with some added nail art. First, pick out your preferred polish shade and cure your cat-eye pattern into place, then use a detailing brush to paint a bow onto an accent nail (or two). You’ll end up with a glistening manicure and lots of compliments.
