<div data-testid="article-0:default:blocks"><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:0:paragraph">Let's chat about the nail fad that's been dominating our feeds recently: cat eye nails. These shiny manicures are created with a slanted gleam that resembles (you guessed it!) a cat’s eye when captured in the light. Using magnetic nail varnish (yes, that's actually a thing), this method produces a mesmerizing result that shifts as your hands move. And although they appear high-maintenance, we’re can verify the trend doesn’t require a PhD in nail craftsmanship. We tapped nail artist Lauren Ortega</a> to guide us through how to DIY cat eye nails.</p><h2 id="how-do-cat-eye-nails-work" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:2:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">How do cat eye nails function?</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:3:paragraph">Ortega clarifies that cat eye nail design is achieved with a distinct type of polish that contains metallic particles in it. "Initially, it appears like common glitter, but when paired with a magnet, the particles shift in various directions to produce a distinctive look.” Ortega suggests the Smoothie Cat Eye Gels</a> ($13) from DND since they're highly pigmented and the metallic particles move skillfully. "Any high-quality gel and a magnet are all you need to craft an enjoyable look," she explains.</p><h2 id="how-do-you-design-cat-eye-nails" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:5:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">How do you craft cat eye nails?</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:6:paragraph">First things first, start with a transparent gel base layer, then cure it under a UV or LED light</a>. Next you’ll want to select your base shade, then a cat eye gel polish to overlay it. Ortega notes, “When working with cat eye gels, I prefer to layer them over a cured layer of black varnish, this makes the hue truly stand out.” If you don’t want to choose black, we recommend opting for more opulent and luxurious shades to enhance the gleam effect of the cat eye gel polish.</p><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:7:paragraph">After you’ve applied your base gel layer and your cat eye gel layer, it’s essential to <em>not</em> set your tips just yet. Why? Because this is where the style comes in. Hold a magnet (like this nine-piece set</a> from Amazon, $10) over the unset polish for a few moments. Move the magnet around to create your desired design, anything from straightforward lines, tiny hearts, or an all-over shine. Ortega adds, “There aren’t any regulations. I suggest starting with an unset layer of the gel and holding your magnet along the edge of the nail, nearly parallel. You’ll see the particles begin to shift and you can experiment with the angles until you’re pleased.”</p><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:8:paragraph">Once you’ve achieved the style you’re aiming for (you can repeat the above step one more time for a stronger look), cure the polish under a UV or LED light and then swipe with a top coat to secure the style.</p><h2 id="cat-eye-nail-inspiration" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:9:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">Cat eye nail inspiration</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:10:paragraph">What we adore most about this trend is how it complements various styles. Minimalists can stick to traditional nude shades with slight magnetic lines, while maximalists might layer multiple magnetic effects for something more intense. Whether you're doing it yourself at home or visiting your preferred nail technician, check out these inspo photos (including some from our nail specialist) to assist you along in your nail art journey.</p><h2 id="1-galactic-blues" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:11:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">1. Galactic blues</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:13:paragraph">This dark look boasts a ton of depth, almost like gazing into the night sky. It was crafted by layering and repeating the cat eye process before ultimately curing the entire look. For deep, vivid shades like this, we recommend Olive and June's Magnetic Polish Set</a> ($40) to achieve magnetic nails of your own.</p><aside class="flex flex-col recirc-composition-sm lg:recirc-composition-lg [&_.rc-heading]:lg:recirc-text-heading-lg [&_.rc-cards-container]:lg:flex-row [&_.rc-divider]:lg:!hidden [&_.rc-card]:lg:grid-cols-[none] [&_.rc-card]:lg:grid-rows-[auto_1fr] [&_.rc-card]:lg:basis-0 [&_.rc-card]:lg:grow" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:14:relatedContent"><p>Related Content</p></aside><h2 id="2-glimmering-green" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:15:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">2. Glimmering green</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:17:paragraph">This vivid green is a splendid hue for reflecting the light with each flick of the finger. We adore ILPN's Frankie</a> ($13), a deep green that emits serious Elphaba vibes.</p><aside class="flex flex-col recirc-composition-sm lg:recirc-composition-lg lg:hidden [&_.rc-heading]:lg:recirc-text-heading-lg [&_.rc-cards-container]:lg:flex-row [&_.rc-divider]:lg:!hidden [&_.rc-card]:lg:grid-cols-[none] [&_.rc-card]:lg:grid-rows-[auto_1fr] [&_.rc-card]:lg:basis-0 [&_.rc-card]:lg:grow" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:20:relatedContent"><p>Related Content</p></aside><h2 id="3-sapphire-tips" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:21:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">3. Sapphire tips</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:23:paragraph">This distinctive look was crafted by positioning the magnet at the tips to guide the metallic particles in place similar to a French manicure. Ortega used DND's DC Smoothie Cat Eye Get in Galactic Sapphire</a> ($9) to create this style, and topped her tips with 3D lines, which you can recreate using this 3D sculpting gel</a> ($10).</p><h2 id="4-jelly-like-frenchies" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:24:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">4. Jelly-like frenchies</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:26:paragraph">We are completely captivated by this style Ortega created. She takes the classic French manicure and gives it a cosmic edge with the cat eye method. Ortega advises working in thin layers to avoid any bulk, but you can watch her full tutorial here</a> to perfect this DIY look.</p><h2 id="5-negative-space-details" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:27:heading:2" class="scroll-mt-20 articleText-color-heading-onLight [&_a]:underline [&_a]:cursor-pointer hover:[&_a]:no-underline [&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-text-onLight hover:[&_a]:articleText-color-hyperlink-hover-background-onLight articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-sm md:articleText-space-heading-h2-marginBottom-lg [&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-sm md:[&_strong]:articleText-text-heading-h2-lg">5. Negative space details</h2><p class="base paragraph" data-testid="article-0:default:blockRenderer:29:paragraph">Make your tips stand out by creating peculiar designs on just one or two fingers. Whether it's inverted French tips or asymmetrical lines, adding details to negative space grant your mani an artistic touch. Have some amusement experimenting with designs using this cat eye magnetic set</a> ($10).</p><div class="emailSignup-borderRadius emailSignup-color-background-onDark emailSignup-space-padding-vertical-sm emailSignup-space-padding-horizontal-sm" data-testid="article-0:default:emailSignup" data-testprops="{"gtmModuleType":"Article Body"}"><h3 class="emailSignup-space-subhead-marginBottom emailSignup-color-text-subhead-onDark emailSignup-text-subhead-sm" data-testid="article-0:default:emailSignup:subheader">Receive all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered straight to your inbox.</h3><div class="grid grid-cols-[minmax(0,_1fr)]" WPAuto_Base_Readability="6.5"><div class="row-span-full col-span-full invisible" WPAuto_Base_Readability="8"><p class="emailSignup-text-success-sm emailSignup-color-text-success-onDark" data-testid="article-0:default:emailSignup:successMessage">Got it, you've been included in our email list.</p></div></div></div></div>
