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Cat-Eye Nails Have Taken Over: This Is How to Get the Look

Cat-Eye Nails Have Taken Over: This Is How to Get the Look featured image
Holo Taco / GAOY
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When we want to know what’s about to be hot in beauty, what’s trending in Korea is a great forecast. From blurred lips, Igari makeup and glass skin to killer coquette manicures, K-Beauty has rocked the trend world time and time again. That’s absolutely about to be the case with the latest hot signature nail look taking hold: cat-eye nails. This multi-dimensional mani takes shimmer and glitter to an elegant, delicate place that makes this look a stunner for any occasion, and it’s quickly taking off in the U.S.

What Are Cat-Eye Nails?

Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye
Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye showing the kitty in question.
A closeup of a woman's fingers with green colored nails touching a bottle of Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye nail polish
Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye demonstrating the line effect that defines the cat-eye trend.

At first glance, this nail trend could be mistaken for a few things: a basic shimmer or even a holographic polish. Once you look closer, though, you notice depth and subtly chromatic effects.

According to nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna, cat-eye nails rely on magnetism to achieve their look. “Cat-eye nails are a type of nail art created using magnetic polish, which results in a reflective line that runs across the nail, resembling the eye of a cat,” Hanna explains. “The line shifts when viewed from different angles, giving the nails a dynamic, almost holographic effect.”

It’s that shimmery movement that has helped catapult this trend to the top of our mani inspo boards. “Cat-eye nails have gained popularity for the subtle depth they bring to any manicure,” Hanna explains. “They add a delicate touch to your manicure that is just bold enough to be eye-catching. Magnetic polishes have become more popular within the past few years which has made achieving cats eye nails more accessible. There are plenty of magnetic polishes available now in both regular and gel polish.”

How to Get the Look

ILNP Poison Blood Red Magnetic Nail Polish demonstrating multiple finish options, including the cat-eye stripe created via a magnetic wand.

Magnetic nail polishes are available in regular and gel formulas, and as you can see above, they still look beautiful even when they’re not activated. These polishes are also shaken before application to help evenly distribute the magnetic pigments.

“First, apply a base coat of your choice,” Hanna advises. “Then apply the magnetic polish in the same way you would apply any other polish. Use a magnet (often provided with the polish) near your nails to create a cat-eye effect. If you’re using gel, you would use the magnet before curing the gel. Once you’ve achieved the cat-eye effect with the magnet, apply a topcoat of your choice.”

There are a ton of different finishes to magnetic polish that you can experiment with. The “velvet” finish shown above is what happens when the pigments are activated all over the nail, and the line that creates the signature cat eye is created by holding the magnetic wand diagonally over or under the nail. You can also create 3D and French tip effects by using the magnet on only part of the nail.

Our Favorite Cat-Eye Nail Polishes

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Gelcare Oyster Velvet ($22)

This polish is Hanna’s go-to to create the gorgeous cat-eye nail trend for it’s delicate shimmer and soft nude color.

A drop of gelcare Oyster Velvet nail polish
2 / 12

Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye ($15)

Inspired by Holo Taco creator and Youtuber, Cristine Rotenberg’s actual cat, this cat-eye nail polish perfectly captures the green and gold of Menchie’s eyes.

A closeup of a woman's fingers with green colored nails touching a bottle of Holo Taco Menchie Cat Eye nail polish
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GAOY Pink Ocean Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish ($20)

This pack of six magnetic gel polishes is a one-way ticket to long-lasting cat-eye nails in any delicate shade you can think of.

A woman's hand with pink, nails that glitter while holding a bottle of GAOY Pink Ocean Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish
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ILNP Poison Blood Red Magnetic Nail Polish ($13)

Discover your darker side with this deep blood red polish, highlighted with red and orange magnetic particles for a shimmering finish.

A bottle of ILNP Poison Blood Red Magnetic Nail Polish without its lid
5 / 12

ILNP Pink Suede Delicate Pink Magnetic Holographic Nail Polish ($13)

Another INLP masterpiece, this magnetic polish also includes a hypnotizing holographic finish for an even more eye-catching look.

A woman's hand with pink nails holding a bottle of ILNP Pink Suede Delicate Pink Magnetic Holographic Nail Polish
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Cirque Colors Nail Polish Dream Within A Dream ($14.50)

This duo-chrome magnetic polish dances between deep purple and blue with tinges of green and gold for a truly mesmerizing mani.

A bottle of Cirque Colors nail polish in a color called Dream Within A Dream
7 / 12

Madam Glam Gel Polish Citrine Obsession ($27)

A deep brown magnetic gel polish, gorgeous flecks of amber elevate this chocolate color into a caramel-drizzled dream.

A brown press on nail next to a bottle of Madam Glam Citrine Obsession polish
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Mooncat You’re Heart’s a Black Hole ($16)

Ignite your passion with this gorgeous fire engine red magnetic polish.

A woman's hand with long nails painted red with a color called Mooncat You're Heart's a Black Hole
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Mooncat Smokescreen ($16)

From pastel blue to light pink, this duo-chrome magnetic polish is the ideal delicate look, very demure.

A woman's hand with painted nails using the brand mooncat, and the color called smokescreen. Her nails are gray with a pink dot at the center of each nail
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Cirque Colors Fandango Coral Pink Shimmer Nail Polish ($14.50)

A summer sunset on your nails, this golden hour polish creates endless depth.

Cirque Colors Fandango Coral Pink Shimmer Nail Polish
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Parrot Polish Liberty Belle Magnetic Nail Polish ($14)

This polish is dark chocolate meets milk chocolate in a gorgeous shimmer.

A woman's hand with painted nails holding a bottle of Parrot Polish Liberty Belle Magnetic Nail Polish in brown
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Red Carpet Manicure Cosmic Cat-Eye Two-Toned Magnet Gel Polish ($11)

This classic duo-chrome plays with pink and orange to create a dazzling cat-eye effect.

Red Carpet Manicure Cosmic Cat-Eye Two-Toned Magnet Gel Polish

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