Everything You Need To Know About Cat Eye Nails
Cat eye nails are taking over nail salons and Insta feeds like they own the place — and it’s very easy to see why. With that hypnotic shimmer and magnetic streak, they’re soft glam meets cosmic baddie. Whether you’re a nail tech ready to level up your set game or a mani-obsessed girlie searching for nail art inspo, this guide spills how cat eye nails work and all the juicy tips to keep your mani last longer.
What are cat eye nails?
Cat eye nails mimic that glow you see in a cat’s eye when the light hits just right — shiny, mysterious and magical. The look is created using special magnetic polishes that contain tiny metallic pigments. When a magnet is held over the nail, those pigments shift into a diagonal line that catches and reflects the light.
The best part about cat eye nail designs? You can switch them up to match literally any mood. Go lowkey with a soft girl shade or full extra with a bold, rich colour — the possibilities are endless. You can even layer them with decals, beads or delicate line art for that extra slay.
How to do cat eye nails
Now that we’ve answered the question “What is a cat eye nail design?” it’s time to try it at home. Here’s how to make the magic happen:
What you’ll need:
- Base coat
- Magnetic gel polish (usually comes with a magnet in the cap)
- Shiny top coat
- UV/LED lamp (if you're using gel)
Step 1: Prep like a pro
Start with clean, shaped nails. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and create a smooth surface. Then, cure under a UV/LED lamp as directed.
Step 2: Paint one nail at a time
Apply a layer of cat eye polish to just one nail. While the polish is still wet, hover the magnet above the nail, but be careful not to touch it! Watch the twinkle shift into place and that signature flash appears. You can tilt the magnet to create different effects like diagonal, swirl or side swipe.
Step 3: Seal the deal
Finish with a layer of top coat and cure under the UV lamp. This locks in the look, adds that glossy finish and keeps your mani looking fresh for longer.
Cat eye nail trends you’ll want to copy
From soft ombre fades to bold 3D glam, here’s some nail art with cat eye effects you can do:
1. Spring bliss
This dreamy set blends floral decals with a subtle cat eye glitz, adding depth and dimension without overpowering the design. The florals give major cottagecore princess vibes, while the glossy cat eye finish makes it feel polished and luxe.
2. Sea siren
This bold set gives underwater glam with a twist. Shimmery emerald polish shifts with the light like ripples on ocean water, while shell accents and gold studs serve under-the-sea fantasy. It’s perfect for the girls who love a mani that makes a statement and tells a story.
3. Ombre magic
This set is icy, minimalist and lowkey luxe. A sheer nude base fades into icy white tips, topped with a subtle cat eye that adds a glowy, reflective finish. It’s giving clean girl with a wintery twist, perfect for brides, baddies or anyone in their glazed era.
Achieve Insta-worthy cat eye nail designs with NSI Australia
DIY cat eye nails are the glossiest upgrade to your usual manicure. Whether you're just getting started or a DIY nail pro, NSI Australia has everything you need to create the look at home. From classic gel polishes and chrome powders to glitters and nail art supplies, we've got your toolkit sorted. Ready to slay your cat eye era? Shop our collection today!