Cat Eye Nail Polish Ideas
The cat's eye effect on nails is achieved by first applying magnetic nail polish. We then use a special magnet that creates a luminous reflection similar to that of a gemstone or, as you may have guessed, the eyes of a cat. This design can be combined with dark or metallic colors to give striking contrasts. If you are looking for a shiny and magnetic finish to your nails, the cat eye nails trend is for you. However, there are many ways to skin a cat and just as many ways to apply cat eye nail polish.
At oneHOWTO, we share the best cat eye nail polish ideas. Not only do we share these ideas, but we provide the instructions you need to achieve this effect at home. This nail trend provides a shimmering and elegant manicure which gives a luminescent 3D effect.
What are cat eye nails?
Cat's eye manicure is a nail trend you can't miss. It is an effect that has a magnetic finish, as it tries to imitate the shine and depth of a cat's eye. If we look closely into the eyes of a cat, it can appear as if we are looking into the cosmos. A similar effect is achieved with the cat's eye nail polish. Who wouldn't want the universe at their fingertips?
To create the cat's eye effect on your nails, you need a nail polish which contains magnetic particles, these are responsible for giving the sensation of depth and movement. You can do your own cat eye nails at home
- Prepare your nails: clean and remove any residue from your current manicure, push back your cuticles and file the surface so that the polish adheres properly.
- Apply the base: apply a layer of base coat to protect your nails and make your manicure last much longer.
- Magnetic polish: apply the cat eye nail polish, a special product containing metallic particles to achieve the desired feline eye effect.
- Cat-eye nail magnet: before the nail polish dries completely, bring the special cat-eye manicure magnet close to the nail polish, but without touching it directly. Hold it on the nail and move minutely for a few seconds to achieve the desired result.
- Finish with top coat: seal the design with a layer of top coat polish. This will also give the manicure greater durability.
If you decide that cat's eye nail polish is not for you, you can take a look at our related article on the best ombre nail ideas for 2024.
Cat eye nails with galactic effect
One of the best designs to show off a beautiful cat-eye manicure is to combine the polish in dark tones, such as navy blue or purple. We then use a bright color such as white or silver to apply a galactic effect. Details such as stars or planets on some nails will give you an original and fun result. In addition, the three-dimensional effect of the magnetic polish will allow you to further enhance the design to give it a mysterious and cosmic appearance.
Cat nails with rhinestones
If you want to enhance your cat's eye manicure, you can add small crystals or rhinestones to your design for a more daring result. The natural shine of the cat's eye effect polish will be enhanced by the reflection of the stones, making your manicure much more striking. It is a perfect option for special events, parties or formal occasions.
Cat nails with ombre effect
Another option to achieve a cat-eye effect on your nails is to combine the gradient design of your nails using the cat-eye with different shades of magnetic nail polish. For example, you can start with a light color at the base of the nail and gradually increase the shade to finish with a dark shade towards the tip. With this design you will be able to unite two trends and create an elegant and sophisticated look.
Discover how to do ombre nails with a sponge if you decide this is the cat's eye nail look for you.
Cat eye nails with a matte finish
Although a glossy effect can add a touch of sparkle to your cat's eye nails, a matte finish can be just as stunning. In fact, it's a much more discreet finish, so it may be the better option if you are looking for something more subtly, but maintain elegance. All you have to do is combine the cat's eye polish with a matte top coat to achieve the desired effect. The result is a perfect contrast between the shiny magnetic effect and the matte finish to provide a sophisticated and different design.
French cat eye
How about giving your classic French manicure a twist? We suggest using magnetic nail polish to achieve your cat-eye effect on the tips of your nails. To achieve your French-style cat's eye nails, you should opt for a nude base and create the cat-eye on the tips using dark or metallic tones. If you want a modern take on this timeless manicure, this design is ideal for you.
Check out these fancy nail design ideas if you want to see more options.
Multicolor cat eye nails
We finish our suggestions with a multicolored nail polish idea. Apply different colors of magnetic nail polish on each nail to create a rainbow cat eye nail polish effect. You can also choose one color as the base and make different shades of it, to create a similar effect on each nail. Try emerald, blue, purple, red or gold tones to achieve a vibrant and energetic manicure.
Now that you know how to do cat's eye nail polish and have some ideas to get started, you may want to read our related article on the difference between gel and acrylic nails.
If you want to read similar articles to Cat Eye Nail Polish Ideas, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.
