Cat eye gel polish is a colored transparent or translucent base and shiny metal particles that can be used to create iridescent patterns, highlights, straight and curved lines. A voluminous effect and deep shades are achieved by using magnets in the form of plates, balls, pens or a multi-magnet over the nails with undried product.
“Cats” are used to perform French, ombre, Galaxy, moon manicure, applied without additional decor or with stamping, matte top, rhinestones, and designs. Such gel polishes are produced by Irisk, Blue Sky, Kodi, Gellaktik Illussion, TNL, Patrisa Nail, Dance Legend. Their cost is from 160 rubles. up to 500-800 rub. It depends not only on the brand, but also on the quality of the varnish, because there are products with 3D, 5D, 9D, 12D effects.
What is cat eye gel polish?
Cat eye gel polish differs from standard ones in that it contains metallic inclusions. Their presence makes it possible to obtain a coating with deep color and stripes, curved lines, irregular geometric shapes, stars, and splashes flickering within the main shade.
The patterns are made using a magnet used in manicure techniques. You need to hold it over the smeared nail plate to collect or push aside the metallic glitter.
The varnish comes in different colors and shades, but they all look like the ornamental chrysoberyl stone, in which a shimmering stripe is clearly visible through the dense base tone. Cats' eyes have the same effect, hence the name.
We recommend reading the article on how to do a manicure with red gel polish. From it you will learn about manicure design options for short and long nails, and techniques for their design. And here is more information about how to remove shellac at home.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cat's eye quickly became popular due to the many advantages of this coating:
- there is an abundance of shades, including bright blue, emerald, purple, deep red, burgundy, but there are also delicate pink, beige, peach, milky;
- the manicure will be elegant without any other decor, but it can also be complemented with rhinestones, sparkles, patterns, and combined with different techniques (gradient, “broken glass”, etc.);
- it looks equally good with different shapes of nails, with short and long, at any age, in a business setting and a festive one;
- even the same shade can be “laid” in completely different ways;
- The texture of this type of product is comfortable to apply, does not spread and does not bunch up.
Magnetic gel polishes have one drawback - they require strong and healthy nails. The condition of coatings that are thin and weak from use may worsen, since they need to be removed with a milling cutter. And mechanical impact with such a plate structure is undesirable. Cat's eye can also cause allergies.
Types of magnets
Today there are the following types of magnets:
- Regular gel polishes , which come in different shades, but give the effect of a starry sky with one lighter stripe. They last no longer than a week and are removed by soaking.
- Products with 3D effect . Their light highlights have greater variety and depth than in the previous version. Therefore, the coating looks voluminous.
- 5D tools . They consist of a base color and shimmer of different shades, such as green, white and brown. This makes the three-dimensional effect more pronounced than that of 3D.
- Chameleon . The multi-colored particles of this product change tones and intensity depending on the viewing angle and lighting.
“Starry Sky” 5D 3D Chameleon
Magnet is not only a common name for gel polish with metal particles, but also a mandatory tool for this design.
He can be:
- round,
- rectangular,
- with a dot at the tip,
- with several points,
- in the form of a thick pancake.
Rectangular magnet
Round magnet
Multi-Point Magnet
With a variety of tools, you can make straight or curved lines, wider and narrower lines, circles, spheres, patterns, etc.
Top
You can use a regular glossy or matte top coat for cats, but in the first case the effect will be more noticeable. There is also a special cat eye top coat - a clear liquid with metallic shimmer, gold or silver. There are application features here - when the top is already distributed over the nail plate, a magnet is needed to create a pattern. It is held over each coated nail for 5-10 seconds, only then dried in a lamp.
Watch the video about the top coating - cat eye effect:
Light and dark background
The same coating can be applied to a base of different shades, in each case the overall effect will be different:
- Varnish on a white base looks better if it itself is a delicate pastel color: pink, beige, light gray, peach, baked milk, bluish. With it, nails acquire a bright pearlescent shine and a healthy natural shade. However, the magnetic tracks on them are very noticeable.
- Gel on a dark base looks beautiful when the base tone is purple, or different variations of blue, black, brown, green, red, burgundy. The magnetic highlights in this case are much brighter than on white.
The sparkles and lines that add volume to the manicure are always lighter than the main color of the coating. Sometimes the latter is so bright that no substrate is needed at all, just a transparent or translucent base is enough.
Little tricks
- Different magnetic plates create different patterns;
- The pattern must be formed immediately after applying the final layer of gel polish; it is important not to let it dry out; each nail should be decorated separately;
- The magnet must be kept at a distance of 3-5 mm from the nail;
- The time of exposure of the varnish to the magnet is 10 seconds.
- By applying a magnet horizontally, vertically or diagonally, you can create a wide variety of patterns;
- Magnetic gel polish can serve as a background for subsequent nail designs; in this case, you can add rhinestones or sparkles.
Types of cat eye nail polish
Cat eye nail polish is produced by several companies, the most popular:
- Irisk,
- Blue Sky,
- Kodi,
- Gellaktik Illussion,
- TNL,
- Patrisa Nail,
- Dance Legend.
Irisk Blue Sky Kodi TNL Patrisa Nail Dance Legend
They have the best price-quality ratio. There are also more expensive brands:
- Lianail,
- UNO,
- Luxio.
And also cheap, but also of acceptable quality, Grattol and In Garden.
Garden Grattol
Each brand has a variety of magnets - balls, beads, pens, square, rectangular. They are sold separately or in sets with varnishes.
Irisk
“Cats” from Irisk have become very popular recently, thanks to:
- Abundance of flowers. There are 12 light shades ranging from cool white to latte, as well as 17 dark shades. Among the latter are red, orange, coffee, dense pink, brown, emerald, sea wave, green, blue, black.
- Easy to apply texture. These are products of medium thickness, they do not flow onto the skin and are easily distributed over the nail plate in a layer of optimal thickness.
- Nice brush. It is quite long, of medium width. This allows you to have good control over the working field and avoid smudging on the skin.
- Persistence. When worn correctly, the coating lasts up to 3 weeks. You need to remove it with a cutter.
- Quite a modest price. A 10 ml bottle can be bought for 250-280 rubles, and with a promotion it’s even cheaper.
Blue Sky
Blue Sky “cats” also have an abundance of shades, but they are lighter than those of the previous brand. They are best applied with a dark base. The varnishes can also be used on thin nails, as they contain vitamins. Blue Sky has a medium-thick consistency, meaning there will be no streaks or lumps. Price 200-260 rub. for 10 ml.
Kodi
Kodi is distinguished by a rich palette of tones and high durability. The products are hypoallergenic and do not have a strong odor. Even after 3 weeks of wearing, the gel polish does not chip or fade. But it’s not cheap either – from 500 rubles. for 8 ml.
Gellaktik Illussion
Gel polishes from Gellaktik Illussion do not have a variety of colors, there are only 6 of them, but these are 3D products. Therefore, with them you can create dozens of manicure options that will last a long time. It would be better to make the lining black. You can buy a 10 ml bottle for 450 rubles.
TNL
TNL is one of the most affordable brands of “cats”, distinguished by the density of colors. There are not so many shades, but the products are high-quality and inexpensive - 270 rubles. for 10 ml. The varnish can be painted in one layer, and it will last up to 3 weeks.
Patrisa Nail
The Patrisa Nail brand has a huge number of “cat” colors, there are 3D and 5D products, known for their durability. Gel polishes are easy to apply thanks to the optimal consistency and good brush. The peculiarity of use is that it is necessary to paint the ends of the nail plates. Among the varnishes there are also three-phase ones, that is, they do not require the use of a base and top coat. Price – from 350 rub. for 8 ml.
Dance Legend
Dance Legend is a varnish of 32 shades, some of them are similar to each other. The products are not completely liquid and not thick, with golden particles. They are easy to apply thanks to the rectangular brush. But there are problems with magnetization; it is difficult to make the highlight even. The cost of a 5 ml bottle is 350 rubles.
Examples for inspiration
The design ideas below will help you create a catchy and memorable cat eye manicure in light colors.
With stripes. Did you know that you can enhance your cat eye design with simple stripes? You can complete them yourself or use ready-made stickers. You just need to choose the right direction of the lines so that they do not contrast with the coating.
With foil. A cat eye manicure decorated with foil prints will look expensive and elegant.
However, in this case it is extremely important not to overdo it. Therefore, it is worth highlighting no more than one finger with such decor.
With rhinestones. Fans of more complex designs can use multi-colored rhinestones. It is advisable to decorate one or two fingers with them. But no more. For the rest, feel free to experiment. Stones can be laid out in the form of a chaotic scattering, intricate patterns, or even simple designs. They can also be used to decorate the borders of the nail, the lunula area or the French smile.
Matte. Textured velvet coating is now commonly used in all designs. And the cat's eye was no exception. In this manicure, you can cover several fingers or even your entire hand with a matte finish.
With different substrates. You can also select one or more fingers using a background. To do this, you just need to apply gel polish of a different color to the selected plates. You can combine both similar colors and completely contrasting ones. But the top magnetic layer in this case should be the same.
Interesting! Manicure that looks expensive
French. On long nails, a cat eye manicure with a French manicure will look perfect. You can decorate one or more fingers using this technique, while the rest will be covered with magnetic gel polish. You can also draw a smile on a ready-made coating with a magnetic pattern.
With inscriptions. Various inscriptions on nails do not lose their relevance. Their subject matter can be anything, from declarations of love to the names of famous brands or appealing slogans. You can decorate with inscriptions not only one, but also several fingers at once.
Animalistic. A cat eye manicure in light shades will look stylish with a design that imitates the surface of reptile skin. To do this, you cannot limit yourself to just artistic painting. To make your nail art textured, you will also have to master the drip technique.
With sparkles. Shimmering glitter gel polishes will help you highlight the unusualness of your cat eye manicure. With them you can simply place accents on a ready-made magnetic coating or decorate the entire nail. You can also use colored glitter to highlight the smile area, lunula, or even outline the plate, thereby making a frame.
Lunar. A manicure with transparent holes is not only elegant, but also durable. Since it is not visible when the plate grows. As for the design itself, you can create nail art in a minimalist style. It is also permissible to use rhinestones or kamifubuka, which can be laid directly on the border of the lunula.
Mosaic. Simple in execution, but at the same time very effective design. Its highlight lies in the foil, cut into small pieces. This decor can be applied to any surface, including those with a magnetic coating. You can lay out the foil in a chaotic manner. But it will look most impressive in the form of intricate patterns.
With artistic painting. A cat's eye manicure in light colors will also harmonize with the designs. The most popular option today are floral arts made using the fine line technique. The coloring of such drawings must be dark. Multi-colored arts that should be located on one finger would also be appropriate.
"Wet". A rather unusual technique for applying cat eye gel polish. Its peculiarity is that the color base is applied not in one layer, but in two. In this case, the second one does not immediately polymerize. A drop of magnetic coating is placed on it, and then a magnet is applied to form a glare.
Interesting! Fashionable manicure colors for 2021
With drops. Transparent gel drops will help you create an unusual manicure that is suitable for every day. On the surface of the nail they can be located chaotically, in the form of stripes or ornaments. The size of the drops can also be any.
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We hope that the photo examples of cat eye manicure in light colors that are given in the article will definitely be useful to you. And you will definitely implement one of them in the near future.
Is it possible to draw a cat's eye without a lamp?
You cannot use gel cat eye without a drying lamp. It just won't dry. In its absence, you will have to use regular varnishes and apply a metallic highlight with a transparent glitter product. These liquids dry in the air, but it is very difficult to obtain the desired effect.
If we are talking about high-quality lighting when performing gel manicure with cats, it is also important. After all, you can see the glare and evaluate its quality only by changing the angle of the light flux. And for this you need a good light source.
We recommend reading the article about the difference between gel polish and shellac. From it you will learn the difference between gel polish and shellac, what is better and what is more harmful, and how to extend the wearing period. And here is more information about how to do a French manicure with gel polish.
Manicure with a cat's eye coating appeared quite a long time ago, but interest in it does not disappear. It is maintained thanks to the abundance of designs that can be created with these polishes. And the color palette is constantly being replenished with new ones; there are already products with 9D and 12D effects. Cat eye lovers can give them either a calm nude manicure or a bright festive one.
detailed instructions
Bluesky's Shellac cat eye technique involves using a base coat. In order for it to last as long as possible, it must be applied in a thin layer. Afterwards, the composition must be dried in an LED or UV lamp. The first version of the equipment involves a manipulation lasting 1 minute. The UV device will require drying for 3 minutes. Then you will need to apply the first layer of shellac. The color of the coating is selected in advance. Each nail is processed in stages. Many people are interested in how to make cat eye shellac on their own. In fact, the main thing is to understand that each plate should be dried for at least 30 seconds in an LED lamp. If using a UV device, it will take 2 to 5 minutes. It all depends on the power of the unit. It is very important to consider that to get the perfect manicure, you should not make too thick layers. They have a hard time drying out. Experts recommend coating the plates with shellac twice, but in thin layers. Each of them is dried.
How to apply cat eye shellac correctly? The photo clearly shows not only how to do nail art correctly, but also the importance of choosing the right color composition. A rich palette of shades is offered. It will be extremely easy to get an original and current design with the help of such gel polish, even on your own.
To do this, it is important to take into account some subtleties of the procedure:
- when applying the final layer you need to use a magnet;
- keep it from the plates at a distance of 3-5 mm;
- not all areas are to be used;
- Correctly apply the top coat, which will give your nails durability and a unique glossy shine.
Only after all these manipulations need to be dried in a lamp. In the photo you can see how important it is to remove the sticky layer after completing the entire procedure. To do this, dry cat's eye shellac must be passed over with a smooth, soft cloth soaked in a special product.
What it is
“Cat's eye” has already gained fame among fashionistas due to its dense texture and resistance to external factors. But its most important and undeniable advantage is the unique design that completes the manicure. Let's try to figure out how gel polish works and what creates the mesmerizing effect.
This wonderful product contains metal microparticles, which provide that magical glow. A special magnet, which is brought to the nail, creates a specific design or desired pattern. All you need is to move the magnet correctly so that the particles line up exactly as you wish. But you need to have certain skills to get the desired manicure, so it will be difficult to make high-quality decor at home; it is better to entrust your nails to professionals. After all, a good master knows little tricks that will help your nails retain their color and beauty for several weeks.
The undeniable advantages of “Cat's Eye” over other varnishes include:
- Thick texture that prevents the product from spreading over the nail plate;
- Easy and quick application of the composition on the nails can significantly reduce the time for manicure;
- No additional decorations are required, since the pattern is created by the varnish itself;
- Many options for creating decor, which depend on the movement of the magnetic pen and imagination;
- If desired, you can easily complement your manicure with rhinestones or other decorations.
You can purchase this wonderful composition in stores. Be sure to check that the magnetic pen is included in the kit, or buy it separately. Without it, you will not be able to achieve the desired effect.
Tips for Beginners
In order to avoid failures in the first stages of creating a cat-eye manicure, I recommend reading my tips:
- Before use, shake the bottles of varnish thoroughly so that the metal particles are evenly distributed.
- Do not neglect degreasing and basecoating, otherwise you risk the varnish peeling after 1-2 days
- If for some reason you cannot apply the base, then first apply gel polish without a magnet, dry it, and apply the next layer using a magnet
- Hold the magnet as close to your nail as possible, but never let it touch
- For the first two days after coating, avoid going to the sauna or bathhouse, as temperature changes can cause peeling and destruction of the coating.
So, my dear readers, in my next article I told you about the secrets of beauty and taught you how to do a cat eye manicure. I really hope that I was able to benefit you, and after reading the article, you decide to try to make it yourself or your loved ones.
As you can see, it’s not at all difficult to learn, just look at photos and videos and repeat the procedures that are described in them. And now, as usual, I’m waiting for feedback from you, write in the comments what type of manicure do you prefer, do you do it yourself, or do you turn to professionals for help?
I will be very glad to talk with you and learn from you your experience in creating original nail designs. Read my articles, comment, share on social networks with your friends, family and acquaintances, let's be friends and be beautiful together!
Let's talk about a magnet
In creating a cat's eye manicure, perhaps the most important role is played by a magnet. You can find a huge variety of magnets in stores, and everyone can choose the desired pattern to suit their taste. But, if for some reason you were unable to find a special magnet, you can use a regular one, which has strong attractive properties, which almost everyone has at home.
Please note that magnets should be stored as far as possible from bottles of gel polishes in order to avoid weakening the properties of the magnetic particles.
