Your Nail Tech Is Bored of Chrome—Now, They’re Way More Into “Cat Eye” Manis

Chrome nails have been dominating for a while now, but searches for cat eye nails have been up 5,000% in the past month and we’re tipping it to be a major autumn 2024 nail trend. Sometimes referred to as velvet nails, cat eye nails are created by a magnetic gel polish which is manipulated by a magnet. The result is a glassy, almost three-dimensional effect when it catches the light which resembles a cat eye gemstone—and it’s so pretty. While we’ve seen chrome and glass nail effects dominating over the summer months, the cat eye manicure is paving its way to a major comeback for autumn.

How to Do Cat Eye Nails

Cat eye nails are created by using a gel nail polish with magnetic pigments, which can be shaped into various effects by using a magnet. In most cases, you’ll need a gel polish and UV lamp to cure the effect into place, hence why they’re so big in salons. However, there are some magnetic nail polishes out there that will give you a similar effect, as well as press-on nails to get the look without the need for a gel kit or a visit to the salon. You can also achieve different effects by using different magnet shapes. Circle shaped magnetics create a mesmerising halo effect in the middle of the nail, while long slender magnets create a defined line that resembles a cat eye.

Cat Eye Nail Ideas to Try