While chrome nails have been mainstream for a while now, searches for cat eye nails have increased 5,000% in the past month and are expected to be the leading nail trend for fall 2024. Also known as velvet nails, cat eye nails are created with a magnetic gel polish that is manipulated by magnets. The result is a glass-like, almost three-dimensional effect when caught in the light, similar to cat eye jewels, and it's super pretty. While chrome and glass nail effects were mainstream during the summer, cat eye manicures are making a big comeback for fall.
How to do cat eye nails
Cat eye nails are made using gel nail polish with magnetic pigments and can use magnets to create different effects. In most cases, you will need gel polish and a UV lamp to set the effect, which is why they are so popular in salons. However, there are also magnetic nail polishes available that can give you a similar effect, as well as press-on nails that allow you to achieve the look without a gel kit or a trip to the salon. Different magnet shapes can also be used to achieve different effects. A circular magnet creates a mesmerizing halo effect in the center of the nail, while an elongated magnet creates a defined line like a cat's eye.
Cat Eye Nail Ideas to Try
Ready for some cat eye nail inspiration? From pink cat eye nails to aura cat eye manicures, keep scrolling to see the coolest cat eye effect manicures we found.
1. Sheer pink cat eye nails
How beautiful are these sheer pink cat eye nails?
2. Gold cat eye nails
I'll be saving this for party season nail inspiration.
3. Turquoise cat eye nails
How glassy does a turquoise cat eye look?
4. Pink and green cat eye nails
Pink and green make a really beautiful cat eye color.
5. Red cat eye nails
I'll be saving up for a fall manicure soon.
6. Blue and black aura cat eye nails
Combining two trends in one, this cat eye manicure also has an aura effect that enhances its effect even more.
7. Cat Eye French Tip
You can also create a French tip effect by using cat eye polish.
8. Long Lilac Cat Eye Nails
Longer nails are the perfect complement to the cat-eye effect, and Vanessa Hudgens' recent manicure is a perfect example.
9. Black and blue ombre cat eye nails
I love the idea of experimenting with the placement of the cat eye polish – this gradient effect is so pretty.
10. Navy cat eye nails
Deep navy is a classic nail color, and when you create a cat eye finish it looks even more lustrous.
11. Pink Chrome Aura Cat Eye Nail
If your salon doesn't stock cat-eye polish, you can achieve a similar look by using an airbrush to create a light color in the center of your nail and finishing it off with chrome.
12. Bright Blue Cat Eye Nails
There's something about this electric blue cat eye nail polish that just fascinates me.
13. Pink oval cat eye nails
Pink is a classic color for cat eye manicures.
14. Green cat eye nail art
If you don't want to go all-over cat eye manicure, adding nail art accents with that effect will give you a more minimalist look.
15. Multicolored Chrome Cat Eye Nails
Cat eye and chrome powder create a dream combination.
16. Dark Red Cat Eye Nails
This deep red is very sophisticated.
17. Silver cat eye nails
Your New Year's Eve manicure is now ready.
18. Purple cat eye nails
Depending on the shape of the magnet, you can manipulate the magnetic pigments in the nail polish to create different effects on your nails.
19. Long pink cat eye nails
These are really beautiful.
20. Heart Cat Eye Nails
You can make a cat's eye heart with a heart-shaped magnet. So cute!
21. Butterfly cat eye nails
Cat eye polish looks great when paired with nail art or used as an accent nail.
Shop the look
Cat Eye Press On Nails
Ccstr Studio
Pink Cat Eye Gel Press-On Nails
Can't make it to the salon or don't have a home gel kit? You can easily achieve cat eye nails at home with press-on nails. These can be custom made to fit your nails and come in a variety of shapes and lengths.
Ccstr Studio
Emerald Green Cat Eye Nail Art Press On Nails
How beautiful is this glassy green cat eye press-on?
OPI
Press On Nails – Swipe Night
OPI's press on nails are amazing (they lasted 10 days when I tried them) and they have a perfect cat eye design for fall.
Cat Eye Magnetic Nail Polish
Nails Inc.
Nail polish with a magnetic effect that attracts what you want
No need to book a salon appointment? You can achieve this look at home with magnetic nail polish. This nail polish from Nails Inc has a magnet in the lid that transforms the magnetic pigment to create a cat eye effect.
Cat Eye Gel Polish
Blue Sky
Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
If you're not going to a salon, you'll need cat eye gel polish and a curing lamp to set the effect.
Blue Sky
Blue Sky Gel Nail Polish, Cat Eye Coat, Red, Ka864, 10ml Gel Polish (To get the effect shown in the picture, you need to cure it under UV/LED lamp and use a dark base)
Save this chic crimson cat eye effect gel nail polish to your basket immediately.
Miley
Cat Eye Polish Magnet Duo
Mylee's nail magnets feature a variety of shapes to create endless cat eye effects when used with gel polish.
