Cat Eye Nails Are Having A Moment (Again) – Here’s How To Get The Look
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13 hours ago
A rundown of the nail salon’s biggest trend (for all you curious cats)
It’s back: cat eye nails are popping off (again) in the salon. Here’s everything you need to know about the mani revival, plus 10 ideas to take with you to your next nail appointment.
What Are Cat Eye Nails?
You might not know the name, but you’ve definitely seen them: cat eye nails are the trending manicure that combines glitter with a holographic finish. ‘They use a special magnetic polish that creates a reflective, shifting line across the nail, similar to the light-catching effect you see in a cat’s eye,’ adds Tinu Bello, celebrity manicurist and Mylee Senior Ambassador. ‘The look is striking, with a three-dimensional shimmer that moves as the nails catch the light.’
And, like most viral beauty trends, this one comes courtesy of Asian creatives. ‘Cat eye nails have been popular in parts of Asia for years,’ confirms Tinu. ‘They’ve only now become a global trend thanks to social media – especially TikTok. The effect first came from cat eye gemstones in jewellery, and nail artists began replicating the same streaks using magnetic pigments.’
It’s this signature shine that has caught the internet’s (cat) eye. (What can we say, we’re all magpies at heart.) But the virality goes beyond surface level; several years since their breakout online, this manicure is being revived for the new season.
‘Cat eye nails versatile, eye-catching and instantly elevate a manicure without being too bold,’ adds Tinu, speaking on the manicure’s enduring virality. ‘The reflective finish feels luxurious, and the design can be as out there or as subtle as you choose. People love the way cat eyes make your nails move and glow in the light, they are a completely bespoke mani.’
How They Mani Is Evolving This Season
Now it’s no secret that cat eye nails aren’t exactly a new trend – but this season, nail artists are giving the manicure a fresh look. Think hybrid styles, glossier finishes and luminescent shimmers that rival the night sky.
‘We’re seeing cat eye effects combined with ombré fades, French tips and negative space designs,’ notes Tinu. ‘Deep jewel tones, chrome overlays and layered magnetic swirls are super popular. I love when the cat eye effect is combined with translucent bases or sheer shades, it gives the nails a dreamy, cosmic look.’
How To Ask For Cat Eye Nails In The Salon
‘Ask for cat eye gel polish or magnetic polish and mention the colours you like,’ Tinu recommends. ‘Bringing a photo reference is always helpful, as the finish can be customised. No need for special prep, just arrive with clean nails like you would for any mani appointment.’
Can You Recreate The Look At Home?
You might not have all the tools – magnetic polish, magnets, endless patience – at home, but Tinu assures us their much easier to find outside the salon than in previous years. ‘A lot of places now sell magnetic polishes,’ she explains. ‘This means you can recreate the look at home with something like the Mylee Cat Eye Magnetic Polishes. They are also super durable and last as long as your regular gel manicure. It’s a great way to add a touch of luxury to your nails without extra embellishments.’
She also emphasises that: ‘Cat eye nails work best with gel polish, because the formula holds the magnetic particles in place.’ So keep that in mind when picking your polish.
For a quick step-by-step tutorial on getting the look, see our guide below:
- Prep: File the nail to your desire shape, gently push back the cuticle and apply a base coat. Leave to dry or cure.
- Base Coat: Apply a background colour of your choice (if your magnetic polish already has colour, this can be clear). Leave to dry or cure.
- Cat Eye: Apply a magnetic gel, then hold a magnet over the nail until you’ve achieved the desired shape/effect. Leave to dry or cure.
- Top Coat: Seal everything in with a top coat. Leave to dry or cure – and you’re done.
Keen to get the look? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite cat eye nail looks below.
Nail Inspiration
1. Matcha Mani
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2. Toffee Tones
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3. Cat Eye Chrome
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4. French Tips
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5. Confetti Stars
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6. Lilac Cat Eye
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7. Love Hearts
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8. Espresso Chrome
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9. Blue Lagoon
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10. Red Cat Eye
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