Manicure with a black cat's eye. Cat's Eye Nail Design: Fashion Tips and Trends. How to do a cat's eye manicure at home

The secret of the popularity of manicure cat's eye in its versatility. Thanks to its gloss and chic depth of color, it does not require additional decor and looks good on short nails, therefore, irreplaceable as an office nail art. But if you add a little velvet sand, decorative stones and paint nails on ring fingers, it will turn out chic manicure to go out.

Do you already want to admire this beauty on your own nails? Hurry up to read the article and we will help you create something truly special.

The secret to the unique cat-eye effect

The history of the cat's eye began 5-7 years ago in the era of magnetic varnishes... At first, they were produced exclusively as inexpensive decorative options, on the surface of which with the help of special magnets it was possible to create various patterns differing in shade from the base color. Unfortunately, this beauty looked decent no more than 3-4 days, and for housewives - before the first dishwashing.

But the creators of gel polish made a revolution: several brands at once (Kodi, Lianail, Bluesky) released varnishes containing the smallest particles of metal, which are magnetically assembled into unique 3D patterns. It seems that the light falling on the nail is concentrated only in these patterns, adding an unusual shine to the manicure. It is this property of collecting light in only one narrow strip that is possessed by precious stone chrysoberyl or cat's eye, which gave the name to the new direction of nail art.

Cat eye manicure design

It is believed that a cat's eye manicure looks best in the natural range of chrysoberyl stone - bluish-green, brown, green, gray, blue tones... The deeper and darker the color of the varnish, the better the pattern will stand out, and the more gorgeous the manicure will look.

Some masters generally make a dark "substrate" in order to reveal the shade as much as possible: they apply black gel polish on top of the base, dry it in a UV lamp, and only then apply polish with the effect of a cat's eye.

One more professional secret- never do matte cat eye... The lack of glossy shine "eats" the very highlight of the manicure.

But to complement the cat's eye modern ideas like gradient or holes are allowed. This manicure also looks great in combination with liquid stones, painted and sequins.

How to do a cat's eye manicure at home

Preparatory stage

You will need:

  • degreasing liquid;
  • manicure set;
  • base and top coat;
  • gel polish with metal particles;
  • black gel polish for a substrate;
  • magnet for gel polish;
  • UV or LED lamp.

When everything you need is already on your table, wash your hands and proceed to your usual edged or unedged manicure... Align the length of your nails, give them desired shape, polish nail plate... The more perfect your pens are, the better the gel coat will look on them.

Technology of applying gel polish "cat's eye"

1. Degrease the surface of each nail.

2. Apply basic coverage in one layer.

3. Dry in the lamp for 1-2 minutes.

4. Apply base (black or any dark gel polish) in one layer.

5. Also dry until completely solidified.

6. Before that, it was possible to work with five fingers at the same time, but at the fourth stage, you will have to paint over each nail separately in order to avoid varnish spreading and achieve an identical pattern on both hands. Apply one coat of varnish with metal particles, wait 1-2 seconds.

7. Bring the magnet to the nail at a distance of 1-3 millimeters. Without moving, hold it above the surface of the nail plate for 15 seconds.

8. Then dry in the lamp. Repeating this procedure for each finger, make sure that the pattern from the magnet lays down the same. On top, you can (optionally) apply a top protective coat in one layer and hold in the lamp until it hardens.

9. Take off sticky layer and lubricate your hands with a special emollient oil.

That's it, your first cat-eye manicure is ready! Now that the technology is completely clear to you, you can experiment with more difficult options nail art or explain to her girlfriends how to make a cat's eye at home.

Tips for Beginners:

  • keep the magnets separate from the gel polish, otherwise it will quickly become unusable;
  • shake the container with the gel well before use to evenly distribute the metal dust;
  • do not forget about degreasing and applying a base coat, otherwise you risk getting the varnish peeling off in a few days;
  • if for some reason you do not apply dark varnish as a substrate, first paint over and dry the cat's eye without using a magnet, and apply the drawing only on the second layer;
  • keep the magnet as close to the surface of the nail plate as possible, but do not allow it to touch;
  • be sure to work with each nail separately, otherwise the varnish will begin to harden or spread - and a clear pattern will no longer work;
  • try once to do without a top coat - some masters believe that it impairs the visual perception of a cat's eye manicure;
  • the first two days after applying the gel polish, avoid going to the sauna or bath - a sharp temperature drop can lead to cracking of the coating.

If you adhere to all the rules set out in the article, then beautiful manicure the cat's eye will delight you and those around you for 2-3 weeks. The main thing is, do not be afraid to try new design or use the cat eye as a base for a more sophisticated manicure - experimentation is welcome this spring.

The trend for magnetic designs in manicure started about three years ago, but turned out to be short-lived.

The 3D effects turned out to be shallow, the varnishes refused to stay on the nails for more than two days, and I was reluctant to tinker with the magnet above each nail.

The trend is gone, but the dream remains. "Cat's eye" as a nail decor opened up excellent perspectives: the depth of design, its uniqueness, brightness and iridescence.

To the delight of the masters, the manufacturers continued to develop the theme. unusual designs and soon were able to offer professionals a special gel polish for cat's eye manicure. More precisely, a rich palette of shades of compositions with metallic micro-powder.

The decor has prospects! What is good gel polish for magnetic manicure, and why a new trend round was not long in coming?

Magnetic gel varnishes delight with a noticeably expanded choice of shades, offering to experiment with combinations - contrasts and additions.

The latest trends in nail design suggest not being limited only by the magnetic coating itself, as it was at the time of its appearance.

Nail design with cat's eye gel polish does not exclude the use of other nail decors, which expands the range of ideas in manicure - lace patterns and monograms, drawings and even modern design with clear lines and moon manicure.

The range of magnets has also undergone changes. You can create complex patterns with special plates, paddles, "non-native" magnets, as well as a special pen.

Space design, ombre, monograms, lines, corners - these are not all solutions available for magnetic design.

Magnetizing correctly: how to make a cat's eye gel polish

The most important thing in a magnetic manicure is the process. Correct technique is fraught with many secrets that practitioners are very reluctant to reveal.

Secrets of magnetic manicure with gel polish

After completing the preliminary work and applying the main layers - primer, base, gel polish as a color base - you can start creating magnetic drawings. What do you need to know?

  1. The magnet works only on liquid varnish. In the process of polymerization, metal dust is rigidly fixed, and it is almost impossible to change the pattern. The time under the lamp is standard: under UV - 2-3 minutes, under LED - 30-60 seconds.
  2. One layer is enough. The second is for creating depth in a 3D effect or complex patterned designs.
  3. You need to keep the magnet at a distance of 3-5 mm from the surface of the nail plate.
  4. The time it takes to form a pattern is 5-10 seconds. Wait 1-2 minutes for more bright decor- there's no point.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

This is basic information, and now some practical tips:

  • The best magnetic patterns are created on dark substrates, so it is better to use gel polish in saturated colors as the first coat - black, dark blue, cherry.
  • The work should be carried out consistently on each nail and immediately bake the finished design.
  • The matte top lends the cat's eye manicure an exclusivity. The lack of gloss does not spoil the 3D effect, but makes it more interesting and expressive.
  • The speed of the magnet depends on the reaction of the gel polish. If the pattern forms quickly, then the magnet should be moved in the same way. For "slow" varnishes, a gradual decorating mode is recommended.
  • Any mistake is easily corrected before polymerization. To do this, you just need to move the magnet from wrong position into the true. The particles of the gel polish will move by themselves.

How to hold the cat's eye gel polish magnet determines the type of desired design:

  • perpendicular to the surface of the nail - the pattern will spread to the edges;
  • parallel to the nail plate - a bright, slightly blurry line will appear;
  • at the edge of the nail or at the base - an ombre effect will be created.

By experimenting with the position and inclination of the paddle, original and dramatic decors can be created. But if you want to achieve exclusivity in nail art, you need to master the magnetic pen.

Magnetic pen for gel polish- this is a special tool for manicure, and children's assistant drawing on a magnetic board. Accessories give the same effect, so you can use any of the options.

The main advantages of the handle:

  • thin tip - for complex patterns in any direction, even small magnetic patterns will become subject;
  • Convenience - the magnet can be tilted in any direction, changing the intensity of magnetization and the depth of the decor.
  • When is it time to remove the cat's eye?

    "Cat's Eye" - long-lasting manicure... It lasts up to 3-4 weeks perfectly, but still there comes a time when it needs to be removed.

    There is nothing difficult in this procedure. Despite the complex composition with metal particles, this shellac is removed in the same way as other similar products.

    The master has three options:

  1. cut with a hard nail file -100-180 grit;
  2. dissolve with a remover in a "bath" made of foil or with clothespins;
  3. use a manicure machine and carbide cutters.

After removal, you need to degrease the nail, shake off the fine dust and you can again bring to life with gel polish fresh ideas manicure.

Manicure "Cat's Eye" has recently become popular, but has already managed to win the hearts of women of fashion, producing a stunning effect. Gel polish "Cat's Eye" imitates the structure of the gemstone of the same name on the nail surface. Such a gel polish is a unique magnetic coating that forms amazing patterns on the nail. Such beautiful horizontal ones vertical stripes or zigzags and "waves" are not easy to create using the usual artistic painting. You can apply Cat's Eye gel polish at home, however, to achieve an amazing effect, it is best to do it by a professional master.

Features of gel polish "Cat's eye"

Gel polish "Cat's Eye" has a special dense and plastic structure, beautiful and varied color palette and rich pigments. This coating is highly durable and can last up to 20 days.

The composition of the varnish includes special small metal components, it is they who give a magical shine to the nails. A magnet with a pattern is brought to the nail plate. As a result, metallic lacquer particles are collected in a specific pattern or line pattern. When light hits the nails, a voluminous iridescent glare becomes noticeable, and when you turn your hand, you get the impression of the disappearance of this glare.

Step-by-step application of Cat's Eye gel polish

  1. The very first step is to apply a protective primer to your nails.
  2. To varnish coating preserved as much as possible long time, you must use the base coat that is applied thin layer, and then dried in a UV lamp for 3 minutes. (Drying in an LED lamp will take from 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the lamp power).
  3. After processing the nail surface with a base coat, the first layer of gel polish is applied to the nail, which is then dried in a UV lamp for 2-5 minutes. (in LED-lamp from 30 sec. - 1 min.). In order for the gel polish to dry completely, you should not apply it in a thick layer, it is better to apply it in two thin layers, drying each in a lamp.
  4. After applying the last layer of gel polish, a magnet is brought to the surface for a few seconds. It is important not to touch the nail with a magnet, the distance to the nail surface should be 3-5 mm. In the place near which the magnet is located, the surface of the nail will change, acquiring glossy shine.
  5. The final stage is the application of a top coat, which will give the manicure a glossy shine and great durability. Next, the nails must be dried again in a UV lamp for 3 minutes. (in an LD lamp up to 1 min.). At the very end with a smooth napkin and special means the sticky layer is removed from the nail. Spectacular manicure"Cat's Eye" is ready!



Little tricks

  • Different magnetic plates create different patterns;
  • You need to form a pattern immediately after applying the final layer of gel polish, it is important not to allow it to dry, 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 to the varnish with a magnet is 10 sec.
  • By applying the magnet horizontally, vertically or diagonally, you can create a wide variety of patterns;
  • Magnetic gel polish can serve as a background for subsequent nail design, in this case, you can add rhinestones or sparkles.

How to keep "Cat's Eye" for a long time?

In order for the "Cat's Eye" manicure to please with its beauty for a long time, there are a number of recommendations for its preservation:

  • Do homework with rubber gloves;
  • Do not allow alcohol, acetone and household solvents to come into contact with the coating;
  • Do not expose your nails to stress. For example, do not use your nails as a scraper, it is better to use special tools;
  • After applying the gel polish "Cat's Eye" for the next two days, you should not expose your nails sharp drops temperatures, it is recommended to exclude contact with hot water.

If you follow these tips, the Cat's Eye gel polish can last up to 20 days, or even longer. However, experts advise changing the coating every 14 days, since the gel polish adheres quite firmly to the nail plate and dries it out. In this case, removing the gel polish will take a little longer.

The effect of Cat's Eye gel polish will undoubtedly impress even the most sophisticated gourmands! Gel polish "Cat's Eye" is just a godsend for busy business women of fashion who do not have the opportunity to frequently update their manicure. Gel polishes are ideal option for a flawless manicure without scratches and chips. Biocomposition of gel polish allows you to keep nails in healthy condition, and even under the coating, the nail can "breathe". But after removing the varnish, the nails may remain somewhat soft for some time, since the keratin in the nail plate takes time to fully recover.

Per last months cat eye manicure has become so popular that the technology of its application simply flooded the Internet, and many users are looking for photos or videos of how to create a stunning "cat eye" effect with regular or gel-based varnish.

Some even print out several photos of the desired manicure and go to the salon in order for the salon master to reproduce everything on the client's nails.

What does a cat's eye manicure look like?

The technique of applying a cat's eye manicure is quite simple. Its main secret lies in the use of a special varnish and a magnet for it. The peculiarity of such a coating is that the varnish itself looks smooth and shimmery, with a rich dark color with a silvery tint. If you look closely at the photo or look at the cat's eye in the video, you will see this unusual flicker. In order to make such an effect, it is necessary to bring the magnet from the kit very close to the surface of the nail when applying the varnish.

Where did this name of manicure come from? Everything is quite simple: after applying the gel polish, the coating on the nails produces an effect similar to the stone of the same name, i.e. the light is concentrated in a small strip, making it look like a cat's eyes with narrow pupils. If you gradually rotate the stone in relation to the light, you will see how the strip moves and changes its position. The same is the case with varnish.

Photo gallery:


Features of the material used

The main features of a coating based on magnetic properties are:

  1. presence in the composition of microscopic, not visible to the eye human metal particles - they are responsible for the flickering effect on the nails;
  2. a special magnet should be brought to the not dried last layer - it is its effect that is capable of making certain drawings and patterns;
  3. shake the bottle periodically to evenly distribute the metal component;
  4. for perfect manicure use varnishes bright, saturated, dark shades, since it is in combination with them that an incredible contrast to the silver particles is created.

Technique for creating a manicure with gel polish

You can make a manicure with a "cat's eye" effect yourself at home using a special gel polish. Before you start creating this interesting design, you can watch several training videos, as well as determine from the photo what color of varnish you want to purchase and use.

  1. First of all, you should know the technology for creating a manicure using gel polish. If she is not familiar to you, then also watch several videos with detailed step by step instructions for work. For those who are familiar with such materials for decorating nails, it's time to get down to business and, finally, do an excellent manicure in the style of "cat's eye". Prepare your nails according to all the rules for using gel polish: clean the surface of the nails, degrease the nail plate with a dehydrator, and then cover it with one layer of base coat.
  2. Take the desired shade polish with a cat's eye effect and paint over each nail. At the same time, try not to protrude beyond the surface of the nail, and if this happens, then carefully wipe the periungual roller with a nail polish remover. If your gel is of a liquid consistency or slightly pigmented, you will have to make 2 - 3 layers (dry each layer thoroughly with a lamp), but if it is thick and dark, a single coating will be enough.
  3. After applying the last layer, bring the magnet of the same name "cat's eye" as close as possible to the painted nail and hold for about 10 seconds. When the magnetic effect manifests itself, you can start drying in an ultraviolet lamp.
  4. The last step is the fixation of the gel polish with a top coat, which prevents the manicure from quick damage and ensures its long-term wear.

By itself, the "cat's eye" technique suggests a bright and eye-catching effect, but to add even more elegance, you can use rhinestones, nail stickers, stucco or other decorative elements.

With each subsequent application, you can experiment. For example, you saw an interesting pattern in a photo or video from the Internet and you want to repeat it. The next time you create a manicure, twist or move the magnet to give your nails an interesting pattern.

Pay attention to how quickly and easily you can do such a manicure using a special series from Bluesky:

How to get extra gradient depth

Despite the fact that the "cat's eye" is a bright and attractive version of manicure, you can achieve even greater depth and a realistic mesmerizing look of nails by observing following tips and recommendations:

  • Apply black gel polish to the base coat and dry thoroughly. Only then apply a colored finish with a shimmery effect. This technique will enhance the 3D effect and the result will be even brighter. If you made any minor flaws when creating the black backing, do not worry, as they will not be visible in the final version. You can compare the "cat's eye" with and without backing on numerous photos in the Internet;
  • use magnets with strong attractive effect- this will allow you to quickly achieve the desired effect;
  • shake the bottle of varnish thoroughly before applying, and also heat it to room temperature;
  • the depth of color and clarity of the gradient lines will depend on the number of layers of varnish. The best option two-layer application is considered;
  • some nail specialists remove the sticky layer before final application of the fixer, but this option does not work with all manufacturers. Test it on your nail tips before applying it to your nails.

If you want to learn some more manicure tricks, pay attention to training videos and articles with photos on the Internet, since experienced craftsmen often experiment and post the results obtained on the network.

Which magnet to use

Of course the best and most the right option when creating a "cat's eye", a magnet from a set with varnish will be used. But, if it is not at hand or the manufacturer does not declare a joint supply of "varnish + magnet", you can take absolutely any one, but the main thing is that its magnetic properties are very strong.

Also watch out for which pattern your magnet comes with. If desired, other patterns and gradients can be purchased separately, since such manicure accessories are inexpensive. You can also see what they are in the photo or video on creating a manicure.


"Cat's eye" is a stone that has a beautiful and mesmerizing color. It also has a special structure. It is her that women of fashion are trying to repeat, making themselves a manicure for this jewel. Marigolds with this design are once striking. They attract and suit women who love attention.

Features of the cat's eye manicure

The varnish that is used for this type of manicure has tiny metal particles. They give incredible beautiful shine and allow a gem-like structure to be achieved. But the composition alone is not enough for this. To get the result, it is necessary after painting to act on the nails with a special magnet. This will achieve the desired effect.

What happens when a magnet is applied to a varnish? It begins to gather bit by bit and thereby forms various patterns three-dimensional type. They can be very diverse. It looks very nice.

It is worth noting that at the very beginning, only stripes on the nails were made with the help of a magnet. But over time, the variety of patterns has become much wider. Now it is possible to make a "cat's eye" in waves, zigzags and even asterisks.

Remember that Cat's Eye gel polish will show itself if you not only apply it, but also act with a magnet. Only paired actions will allow you to make the manicure you wanted.

How to do a cat's eye manicure

You can make a "Cat's Eye" magnet both in the salon and at home. If you decide on the second option, then first select the right materials, and only then get down to business. We will tell you which varnishes and magnets are the best quality, and then give instructions for use.

We select materials

It is extremely important to choose the “Cat's Eye” varnish successfully so that you can really use it later. No one is insured against counterfeits and low-quality products. Here we will tell you about the brands that produce the most good paints for such a manicure.

  • This is a fine quality gel polish. It is produced in the USA. The tool is able to independently distribute over the nail plate, the master does not even need to correct it. No bald spots will remain.
  • Bluesky Shellac. Despite the fact that this is a Chinese brand, quite high-quality products are still produced under it. This "Cat's Eye" shellac will last about three weeks. The manufacturer promises that the product will also protect nails from brittleness.
  • This is a German brand that has already been appreciated by many craftsmen and amateurs. Under it are issued very long-lasting gel varnishes... They are evenly applied even in one layer. In addition, the color scheme is well thought out.
  • TNL Magnet. A good option in order to make the cat's eye on the nails. The products of this South Korean brand are thick and well-pigmented. They go well with the bases of other companies.

The above gel polishes are best used, but not required. You can use something else as well, as long as you like it.

It is best to buy varnish and magnet from one manufacturer. This will make them match well for the best effect.

It is worth noting that the pattern you get depends only on the magnet. It is he who determines what will form on the gel polish: stripes or intricate stains.

How to make a cat's eye gel polish

At the very beginning, you should prepare your nails for the procedure. To do this, you need to follow the standard measures:

  • Wash the hands;
  • form the nail plates with a file;
  • remove or push back the cuticle;
  • degrease the surface of the nail.

When this is all done, you can get to work and apply Cat's Eye shellac.

Step 1

Apply a base coat. it mandatory step... Such a layer will align the nail plate, smoothing out all the irregularities that may be on it. In addition, it provides better adhesion to the varnish, increases the durability of the manicure.

The base layer must be dried under ultraviolet light. This item is also required.

Step 2

Let's start painting. How to apply Cat's Eye gel polish correctly? To do this, shake the bottle with the product so that the metal particles are evenly distributed. You need them on your nails, not at the bottom of the bubble.

After that, you can paint your nails. Do this in one or two steps. The number of applications depends on what color you want to achieve, on the thickness of the shellac.

Dry the first layer (if there are two of them) under ultraviolet light.

Step 3

It's time to use the special tool. How to apply cat eye with a magnet? We apply it while the gel polish is liquid. Place the fixture over the nail and hold for 15 seconds. The impact of such a duration will be enough for a pattern to form on the manicure.

After the procedure, be sure to dry your nails under ultraviolet light.

Step 4

Use a top product. With it, you can fix the varnish and pattern. This layer should also be dried.

Step 5

Finally, you need to remove the sticky part of the top product. This can be done with a degreaser.

This is how you need to make a cat's eye gel polish. There is nothing complicated in the procedure.

What goes with Cat's Eye

You can decorate your manicure additionally. Use rhinestones, decorative sands and other elements for this. The decor should not be too bright, because "Cat's Eye" itself is already eye-catching. You can glue rhinestones, lace and more, just not a few nails, but not all. This way the composition will not be weighted down.

You can create a beautiful manicure by making some nails matte and some with shimmering. Sometimes they even make magnetic stripes on a non-shiny surface.

You can decorate a cat's eye manicure with a regular top coat. Drop a few times and dew will appear on your nails.

Painting on an iridescent surface will also not be superfluous. But remember that it should be moderate.

You already understood how to make a cat's eye manicure. But it is important to know some additional nuances. Sometimes the little things make a big impact.

  • To paint the gel polish "Cat's Eye" should be separately for each nail. Likewise, one should magnetize. The fact is that the paint dries very quickly, and the procedure must be performed while it is still liquid.
  • For a more intense shade, apply gel polish in several layers.

  • During the procedure, keep the magnet at a distance of 3-5 millimeters from your nails. In this case, do not touch the varnish, otherwise the manicure will be ruined.

  • The magnet can be applied vertically, horizontally and diagonally. You will get a different result every time. Over time, you will adapt and can thus create very interesting patterns... Some masters combine several types of attachment at the same time.

  • Manicure "Cat's Eye" can be done with gel polish of any color. But preference is still better to give dark tones... Magnetic stains look the most advantageous on them. They look very beautiful on a green, malachite background. Cherry, Marsala, Bordeaux are also popular now.

Keeping all the points in mind, you will not be wrong about anything. You will have a beautiful trendy manicure.

Related Videos

In this video, you will additionally see how to use Cat's Eye gel polish, how to apply and dry it.