We are only a few days into the new year, yet we already have a new nail trend at our fingertips. While most of us are still creating Pinterest moodboards for our nails, TikTok is already ten steps ahead with flooding our feed with a new must-try nail design called cat eye nails. From glazed doughnut, lipgloss, and now cat eye, TikTok never seems to run out of names for a glossy and shimmery nail look.
What are cat eye nails?
Cat eye nails create a unique, multidimensional look resembling the effect of a cat’s eye. Resulting in a shiny, reflective look that changes with the angle of the light, this buzzing nail trend combines glitter and metallics while maintaining a minimalistic look. Cat eye nails are purr-fect for those looking for something simple but different.
How to achieve cat eye nails
Cat eye nails are achieved by simply getting a magnetic polish and creating your preferred design. Magnetic polish, also called cat eye polish, contains iron particles that come up to the surface when a magnet tool is held over it. This leaves the particles sitting at the top and creating that cat eye effect.
To achieve the look, a base coat is applied, followed by one or more layers of the magnetic gel polish. A magnet is then used to create the cat-eye line, and the nails are cured under a UV light. The technique is typically done by a professional nail technician, but can still be done at home home for those who want to try it themselves.
TikTok creator @selfcareinpajamas provides a step by step tutorial to achieving this manicure trend.
@selfcareinpajamas How to create cat eye nails 💅 Products linked in my bio 🫶 #cateyenails #magneticgelnails #nailtutorial #gelxnails #velvetnails ♬ original sound - Selfcare In Pajamas
Here are a few cat eye nails designs to spark some inspo for your next nail appointment.
