How to Do Cat Eye Nails: Step-by-Sep Tutorial

Have you ever looked into a cat’s eyes when the light reflects from its pupils at night? It's a neat effect that you can mimic with magnetic nail polish.

A cat eye manicure can mimic the shape of the animal's eyes. It can also take on other patterns, including stripes, flowers, or a galaxy of stars.

If you're eager to try it, read on to learn how to do cat eye nails.

Can You Do Cat Eye Nails at Home?

Yes, you can definitely do cat eye nails at home as long as you have a few supplies.

Most cat eye polishes are gels, so you’ll need a base and a top coat, plus a nail lamp to cure everything.

Most importantly, you’ll need magnetic nail polish and a magnet. Most magnetic polishes come with a magnet in the lid, but you can use other magnets for unique designs.

Unfortunately, the typical fridge magnet isn’t powerful enough. Instead, you’ll need something like these tools:

How Do You Use a Magnet on a Cat's Eye Nail?

This brief video will show you the basics of using a magnet for cat eye nails. Moreover, there are many more tutorials available online. They cover how to create various designs with magnetic polish. In a moment, we'll discuss how to do cat eye nails in depth.

In the meantime, we want to show your favorite cat eye polishes.

What Is the Best Magnetic Cat Eye Polish?

Our store carries both Lavis and LDS magnetic polish in a wide variety of finishes and colors. Both brands are designed for salon use yet are effortless for nail enthusiasts to apply at home.

Here are a few of the most stunning cat eye polishes to try:

LDS Pearl Ce Set - Pearl Veil Cat Eye Collection

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This gel polish collection features a rainbow of iridescent, shimmery shades. You've never seen anything like them unless you're into mermaidcore or shell nails.

Each pastel hue looks different depending on the base color. In other words, you’ll get varying results depending on whether you use a light or clear base or a dark one.

Furthermore, they are super easy to use. We have instructions for you in the next section of the article.

LDS Nude CE Set 12 Colors - Nude Cat Eyes Collection

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Did you know you can get magnetic polish in sheer, nude shades? These neutrals all have sparkles that you can manipulate with a magnet.

Moreover, this polish offers anti-fade Chip Defiant technology for long-lasting wear. It applies smoothly and stays looking like new for weeks.

LAVIS Cat Eyes Gel Polish Fairy Tale Collection

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If you love bold colors, check out the Fairy Tale Collection. The rich shades have extra-flashy glitter with special effects depending on the lighting.

LAVIS Cat Eyes Gel Polish LOVE POTION Collection

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We are infatuated with the Love Potion Collection. It has a dozen shades of shell nail polish with an opalescent sheen. Moreover, it provides three options for one-of-a-kind designs.

Option one is to use a magnet to create cat eye nails. The second alternative is to create a thread shell design with a hypnotic pattern. And the third method is to leave the polish as is and enjoy a beautiful pearl finish.

No matter your choice, this polish is a pleasure to work with. It's odorless and non-toxic, with excellent coverage and durability.

How Does Cat Eye Polish Work?

Cat eye or magnetic polish has tiny bits of iron in it. Do you remember that toy with a magnetic pencil where you could put a mustache on a face with iron filings? It works just like that.

The iron particles are small but heavy, so they sink to the bottom of the polish after it’s applied. When you pass the magnet over the nail, it draws up the particles near the surface. You can rearrange their location with the magnet. Then you can see them reflecting the light and sparkling after the polish sets.

How to Do Cat Eye Nails

Let’s do a cat’s eye manicure. Before you begin, gather up the magnetic polish and a magnet if there's not one in the bottle lid. You'll also need a base and top coat and a nail lamp.

1. Nail prep is crucial. Trim and shape the nails and push back the cuticles. Lightly buff the surface to remove the shine. Then use a nail wipe with rubbing alcohol to cleanse debris and excess oil.
2. Apply the base coat and cure it in the nail lamp.
3. Mix the bottle of magnetic polish. Please don't shake it, or you'll have bubbles. Instead, roll it back and forth between your hands.
4. Apply the magnetic polish one nail at a time for best results. Immediately after brushing it on, hold the magnet close to the nail without touching it. Watch as the particles shift – you may need a brighter light to help you see them. Hold the magnet steady for a few seconds to align the particles where you want them. Otherwise, move the magnet and play with the effect for a different type of design.
   Side note: you may notice that some magnets push the particles and others pull them. Use this to your advantage to shape your cat’s eye. Remember, you're using gels, so you have all the time you need to work with the polish. It won't dry until you cure it in the lamp. If you dislike the design, wipe off the polish before curing it and try again. Also, you can add layers to build up the result you want to create.
5. Remember to mix the polish bottle every so often so that the iron particles are evenly distributed. Otherwise, they settle to the bottom.
6. After you’ve done all your nails, apply a glossy top coat for added depth to your design and protection for your manicure.

Now, go show off your hard work!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy doing cat eye nails. Magnetic polish is so fun to use because of its mesmerizing effects.

We’re glad you stopped by. Check out our new arrivals page and get a sneak peek at the hottest trends in the nail world. Also, please take advantage of our deals and enjoy free delivery on orders over $100!