How to Do Cat Eye Nails At Home (2025)

Cat eye nails are stealing the spotlight of nail trends. This mesmerizing manicure technique mimics the reflective shimmer of a cat’s eye, creating a multidimensional, hypnotic effect that’s both chic and edgy. Cat eye nails can be customized to suit any style, whether you’re a fan of subtle sophistication or bold, dramatic nails. This trend is taking the beauty world by storm, from runway shows to social media feeds. But what exactly are cat eye nails and how can you achieve this look at home? For all you need to know about cat eye nails, keep scrolling.

What are cat eye nails?

Cat eye nails are a magnetic nail art technique that creates a unique, shifting effect, similar to the gleam in a cat’s eye. The effect is achieved using a special magnetic gel polish infused with tiny metallic particles. When a magnet is held over the wet polish, it pulls the metallic pigments into a pattern, creating a striking, light-reflecting effect.

This nail trend is incredibly flattering because it adds depth and dimension to any manicure. The shimmer creates a widening illusion, making nails look sleek and elegant. Plus, the versatility of cat eye nails allows for endless creativity—whether you prefer a classic single-stripe effect, galaxy-inspired swirls or even a multicolored ombré glow.

“Cat eye nails can be worn for any occasion,” comments Lauren Ortega, DND Gel Nail Artist. “The beauty of these types of polishes is that they come in so many subtle shades. You can go with a neutral or something bold like DND’s Galactic Sapphire.”

Additionally, cat eye nails offer a salon-quality finish without requiring intricate designs or nail art skills. It’s a high-impact look with minimal effort, making it a favorite among professional nail artists and DIY beauty lovers.

How to do cat eye nails at home: A step-by-step guide

Achieving salon-worthy cat eye nails at home is easier than you might think. With the right tools and a little practice, you can create a dazzling manicure without stepping foot in a nail salon.

What you’ll need:

• A base coat
• A black or dark-colored gel polish (optional, but enhances the cat eye effect)
• Magnetic cat eye gel polish
• A magnet wand (often included with cat eye polish)
• A top coat
• A UV or LED lamp for curing

Step 1: Prep your nails

Start with clean, dry nails. Shape and buff them to your desired length and style. Push back or trim your cuticles for a neat finish.

Step 2: Apply base coat

Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure it under a UV or LED lamp according to the product instructions (usually 30-60 seconds).

Step 3: Apply a dark base color (optional)

For a more intense cat eye effect, apply a coat of black or dark-colored gel polish. Cure it under the lamp before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Apply cat eye gel polish

Paint a layer of magnetic cat eye gel polish over your nails. Do not cure it yet!

Step 5: Use the magnet

Hold the magnet wand over each nail for about 5-10 seconds. Experiment with different angles to create unique patterns like diagonal lines, waves or a galaxy effect. Once you achieve your desired look, cure the polish under the UV or LED lamp.

Ortega advises, “I always recommend holding the magnet at an angle and playing around with it until you’re happy with the look. Never put the magnet directly under the finger; this usually gets rid of the cat the effect.”

@_artisun

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♬ Cute – Aurel Surya Lie

Step 6: Repeat for more depth (optional)

Apply a second coat of cat eye polish for a more dramatic effect and use the magnet again before curing.

Step 7: Seal with a top coat

Finish with a glossy top coat to lock in the design and add shine. Cure it under the lamp for long-lasting wear.

Examples of cat eye nails

Take inspiration from these cat eye nail varieties—there are endless possibilities!

@varnail_official

Part 1: How to Get The French Cat Eye Shine? 😍I’m so obsessed with this Jelly Color Cat Eye Gel! And u? #cateyegel #glittergel #summernails #nailgel #nailsalon #nails #nailhack #varnail #nailtrends #fyp #foryou #jellygelpolish #cateyenails #frenchnails

♬ Cupid – conan

@bornprettyofficial

Give off major stare power with Sea Glass cat eye that changes in different effects!☺️🌌🌊👏 Using #bornpretty 💙Sea Blue Cat Magnetic Gel (59612) Tap the bio and search the product id to find more colors🥰 #nailtips #nailart #allshinonme #nailsdesign #gelnails #naillover #cateyenails #bluenails #nailinspo #nails2inspire #nailartist #nailswag #almondnails #fypシ゚

♬ original sound – Gio + Lily 🫶🏼

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@nailee.ph

Heart cateye tutorial ❤️ kailangan natin magawa to before mag valentines 😌 if you have questions, comment niyo lang hereee! 📍Santolan, Pasig City (near Marikina) dm me on instagram (@nailee.ph) for more details! #nailee #nails #nailart #nailextensions #nailartist #softgel #softgelnails #softgelnailextension #structuredmani #structuredmanicure #fyp #heart #heartcateye #heartcateyenails #valentinesday

♬ Calm background music with acoustic guitar and saxophone(1288148) – ame

Whether you opt for a classic single-stripe effect or experiment with swirls and ombré hues, this trend is easy to achieve and undeniably stunning. Best of all, you don’t need to be a professional to master cat eye nails at home. You can create salon-worthy nails in minutes with the right polish, a magnet wand and some practice.