Cat eye nail designs have become one of the most visually appealing nail trend at the moment. They can make a nail look sparkling and have an effect that resembles the reaction of a magnetic material to the light as it changes the light direction that comes from them. This type of nail art gives a sense of being luxurious, stylish, and daring. There is a great demand for cat eye nail designs because people want nails that are salon-ready and can grab the attention without the use of complicated nail art.
This article explains the step by step procedure of making cat eye nail designs. Additionally, you will find color options, typical errors, and tricks that will allow your design to stay longer. If you are just starting or you are passionate about nails already, you can easily learn cat eye nail designs by reading this article.
Table of Contents
What Are Cat Eye Nail Designs
Cat eye nail feature the use of a magnetic nail polish. The nail polish has metal particles that are extremely small. When a magnet is placed near the polishing, the particles get rearranged and thus create a glowing line. The line created can be compared to that of the cat eye and for this reason, the nail art is named so.
Cat eye nail designs have the look and feel of being rich and dimensional. They look good on both short and long nails. Besides, these designs are compatible with any nail shape.
Why Cat Eye Nail Designs Are So Popular
Cat eye nail design’s create instant drama. You don’t need much like stickers or hand-painted art for that one magnet is enough for producing such an effect.
Here are a few reasons why people are mad about cat eye nail design’s:
- They have the appearance of being professionally done
- They brilliantly reflect light
- One can wear them as well as a party look
- They do gel polish lasts longer
On top of that, this design can easily be matched with the contemporary fashion trends.
Tools You Need for Cat Eye Nail Designs
It is better to prepare the tools before you start working on your nails.
Essential Items
- Cat eye magnetic gel polish
- Nail magnet
- Base coat
- Top coat
- UV or LED lamp
- Nail file and buffer
It will be much easier to apply neat cat eye nail design’s if you use the right tools.
Best Nail Shapes for Cat Eye Nail Designs
Cat eye nail design’s can be applied on almost any shape of nails and will come out neat.
Popular Shapes
- Almond
- Coffin
- Oval
- Square
Long nails can accentuate the magnetic effect better. However, short nails can still be very chic if you choose a subtle design.
How to Make Cat Eye Nail Designs: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Get rid of the previous layer of your nail polish. File your nails to get an even shape. Push the cuticles back slowly and without hurting them.
Buffing the nails surface gently is a good idea. It is one of the ways that can help the polish to stick better.
Step 2: Apply Base Coat
Put one thin coat of base and let it dry in a UV or LED light.
Your cat eye nail design’s will be very successful with the help of a smooth base.
Step 3: Apply the Base Color
For some cat eye polishes, nothing works better than the least color base. Most people use black.
Put on one thin coat of black gel polish and cure thoroughly.
Step 4: Apply Cat Eye Nail Polish
Put on a single thin coat of cat eye gel polish. Don’t cure it yet.
Focus on one nail at a time.
Step 5: Use the Magnet
Bring the magnet close to the nail, but don’t touch the polish.
See the tiny particles move and shape the cat eye effect. Keep it for 5 to 10 seconds.
Once you are pleased with the result, cure the nail right away.
Step 6: Seal With Top Coat
Put on a top coat to seal the pattern. Cure completely.
Your cat eye nail design’s are finished now.
Popular Cat Eye Nail Design Styles
Classic Line Cat Eye Nail Designs
This method results in a neat line of light once across the nail and is visually very appealing.
Diagonal Cat Eye Nail Designs
Lines at an angle add the illusion of movement and depth. This kind of design looks very good on long nails.
Velvet Cat Eye Nail Designs
Velvet cat eye nail design’s involve weak magnets. The people who wear this design get a soft and diffuse glow as a result.
Double Line Cat Eye Nail Designs
Add two magnetic streaks and the whole thing is more dramatic. If you want a bold look go for this style.
Best Colors for Cat Eye Nail Designs
The cut of the design changes with the change of color.
Popular Shades
- Emerald green
- Burgundy
- Navy blue
- Gold
- Purple
Dark colors are better at showing the magnetic effect. Lighter colors are more subtle.
Cat Eye Nail Designs for Short Nails
It is still possible for short nails to be glamorous.
Select neutral colors and put a fine magnetic line on top of that. Do not put too many things on the nails.
Minimal cat eye that goes with short nails actually looks very elegant.
Cat Eye Nail Designs for Long Nails
Long nails give you plenty of space to show your imagination.
Make your magnetic lines a bit curved or diagonal if you want. It is also up to you to put some glitter or not.
The designs on long cat eye nails always look exquisite and with a bit of drama in them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- You should know the right position of the magnet and how close it should be to the nail.
- It is necessary to cure the polish after your magnet moves the powder into the desired shape not before.
- Avoid thick layers of polish.
- Do not go fast.
Effectiveness of cat eye nail design’s depends on your patience really.
How to Make Cat Eye Nail Designs Last Longer
- Start with a professional quality gel polish
- Make sure you fully cure every step
- Put a top coat and make sure you go around the edges as well.
- Stay away from harsh chemicals
If your cat eye nail design’s are well taken care of, they will stay intact and glossy for a long time.
Maintenance Tips for Cat Eye Nail Designs
Always put on cuticle oil before going to bed. Put a top coat on every couple of days.
Pile your nails gently if they feel rough. Do not peel off your polish.
Keeping them safe with maintenance means longer wear.
How to Match Cat Eye Nail Designs With Outfits
Dark cat eye nails are a perfect match for an evening gown. Light and gentle tones are very well suited for everyday wear.
Garments made of shiny stuff are a good match for metallic nail wear. Workwear is perfectly combined with a neutral palette.
Actionable Tips for Perfect Cat Eye Nail Designs
- Nail at a time is the best procedure
- Magnet needs to be steady
- Thin polish layers are best
- Shape and cure right away
- Try out different magnet angles
You can have salon-quality results at home if you follow these tips.
Summary: Mastering Cat Eye Nail Designs
Cat eye nail design’s are trendy, chic, and you can make them easily at your home. A glowing effect that is cat eye-like can be yours with the right tools and skills. Nail prep, placing the magnet correctly, and curing are the main points you should focus on. Cat eye nail design’s are the perfect way to give your nails a facelift either a subtle glow or a full-on glitz and glam.
FAQs About Cat Eye Nail Designs
Q1. Do cat eye nail designs need gel polish?
Yes. Most cat eye designs use magnetic gel polish.
Q2. Can beginners try cat eye nail designs?
Yes. The technique is simple with practice.
Q3. How long do cat eye nail designs last?
They last up to two weeks with proper care.
Q4. Can I use cat eye polish without a magnet?
No. The magnet creates the effect.
Q5. Are cat eye nail designs good for short nails?
Yes. Subtle designs look great on short nails.