The countdown to Christmas almost is upon us, as is the season of frantically pinning beauty inspiration for our annual festive parties. The one manicure trend sitting front row for winter 2024? Cat eye nails. Most commonly used by Korean and Japanese nail technicians, the cat eye nail trend is a magnetic-style gel manicure that has a three-dimensional, shimmering effect not too dissimilar to the appearance of the internet’s favourite velvet nails.
So, whether you’ve got an appointment booked ahead for a classic set of red tips, or you’re browsing for a modern twist on your barely-there nude manicure, these are the best cat eye nail looks to take to your next salon trip.
What Are Cat Eye Nails And How Do They Work?
‘Cat eye nails are the latest magnetic nail trend taking the beauty world by storm. The look mimics the glimmering slit of a cat’s eye, thanks to the gel polish formulation, containing magnetic particles,’ explains Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle. ‘When a magnet is hovered over the uncured gel polish, it pulls these particles into a stunning, light-catching pattern, giving your nails a unique 3D shimmer that shifts with every movement.’
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Kalnina explains that the result is a bold, eye-catching manicure that’s both edgy and elegant, and a perfect way to upgrade your winter nails. ‘Recently spotted on Hailey Bieber, cat eye nails are set to become even more popular,’ she added.
How Do You Do Cat Eye Nails?
The cat eye nail trend might appear complex, but it’s actually far easier to replicate than it looks. All you need are the right tools.
- Start with a Clean Base: Prep the nails by shaping and applying a base coat, then cure it under a UV or LED lamp.
- Optional Colour Base: For added depth, apply a base colour that complements the cat-eye shade and cure.
- Apply Cat Eye Gel Polish: Apply a layer of cat eye gel polish, but don’t cure it just yet!
- Use Magnet: Hold our dual-ended magnet over the uncured polish for a few seconds to create your design—anything from subtle waves to bold lines, or an all-over illusion.
- Cure the Design: Once you’ve achieved the desired effect, cure the polish under the TGB Light The Way UV/LED lamp.
- Enhance And Seal: For a more intense look, add another layer of cat eye polish, repeat the magnet step, and finish with a Extreme Shine top coat to lock in the design.
What Are The Best Cat Eye Nail Trends For Winter 2024?
‘This winter, cat eye nails are all about embracing jewel-tones, shimmering metallic, and luxurious layers and textures, that catch the light just right,’ says Kalnina. ‘With Hailey Bieber showcasing this trend and the influence of Korean beauty, cat eye nails are set to be the must-have manicure this winter.’
Here are the gold tier trends to note for the upcoming winter season:
• Jewel-Toned Drama: Rich and opulent shades like TheGelBottle Belgravia, Duchess, and West-End are trending, adding a luxurious twist to the classic cat eye effect.
• Shimmering Metallics: Already a huge hit in Korean beauty, expect a surge in metallic neutrals that bring understated glamour — think reflective silver, and reactive holographic shades such as TGB’s Extra and Rumour.
• Mixing Matte and Shine: Combining matte and glossy textures in one design with our Matte and Extreme Shine top coats adds depth and visual interest, making the 3D cat eye effect even more captivating.
• Minimalist Details: Simple, chic cat eye accents, like a French tip, are gaining popularity for those who want a sophisticated, modern look—especially on shorter nails.
The Best Cat Eye Nail Inspiration
Mix-And-Match Cat Eye Nails
A cat eye manicure can be perfectly complimented by any other neutral animal-inspired design; just take note of this tortoiseshell pairing.
Honey-Toned Cat Eye Nails
This twinkling manicure is the perfect cat-eyed take on Hailey Bieber’s coveted maple glaze tips.
Sparkling Teal Cat Eye Nails
This cool-toned fir shade is one whimsical example of how jewel-toned hues are about to be rife this winter.
Soft Lilac Cat Eye Nails
These pretty, shimmering tips are feminine, playful and effortlessly chic – not to mention, an evergreen failsafe for every season.
Classic Cat Eye Nails
This amber-meets-green shade is a true cat eye nail colour. Sophisticate tips inspired by our furry friends? Sign us up.
Cinnamon Swirl Cat Eye Nails
If this year’s most popular nail trends have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t resist a manicure inspired by foamy, warming beverages.
Ballet Slipper Cat Eye Nails
This naturally flushed tone proves that a natural manicure needn’t be boring. Add this one to your winter bride’s nail inspiration.
Baby Pink Cat Eye Nails
A soft, baby pink will always be pretty, as this shifting cat eye manicure will confirm.
Long Cat Eye Nails
One of the key benefits of the cat eye nail trend is that the three-dimensional design looks elegant no matter your nail shape or length.
Deep Red Cat Eye Nails
Whether you’re a super fan of a burgundy shade or always opt for a letterbox red for Christmas, this additional layer of shimmer looks so classic with a crimson tint.
Golden Hour Cat Eye Nails
Nothing looks more expensive, nor as chic, as a shimmering golden nail design, and what better to enhance it than an extra layer of sparkle.
Mismatched Pastel Cat Eye Nails
If you’re torn between delicate shades for a Korean-inspired set of tips, try alternating pastel shades across your nails.
Galaxy Cat Eye Nails
If you’re London-bound, head to Nails by Annie Marylebone to get a set of these glittering tips inspired by the night sky.
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