Magnetic shine, hypnotic shimmer, and a sophisticated metallic touch – cat eye nails are among the absolute must-haves in nail design in 2025. The effect is reminiscent of the fascinating play of colors in a cat's eye – deep, mystical, and changeable.

What are cat eye nails anyway?

Using a special magnetic varnish and a magnetic pen, a shimmering light reflection is created in the gel – depending on the position, the nail appears different, as if it were “alive”.
The effect ranges from noble to galactic – depending on the color combination.

How it works – The technology in brief:

• Apply magnetic effect gel
• Hold the magnet briefly over the fresh paint
• Cure, seal – the wow look is ready!

Products you need (emmi®NAIL recommendation):

• Emmi-Nail Cat Eye Gel e.g. B. in Galaxy Violet or Copper Glam

• Emmi-Nail Cat Eye Magnet

• Emmi-Nail Base & Builder Gel (e.g. Fiber Gel or Milky Base)

• Emmi-Nail High Gloss Sealer

• UV/LED lamp

Cat Eye Nails Instructions – the magnetic look in 6 steps

What you need:

• Emmi-Nail Cat Eye Gel (e.g. Galaxy, Copper, Violet…)

• Emmi-Nail Cat Eye Magnet

• Emmi-Nail Rubber Base Gel

• (Optional) Building gel such as Fiber or Milky Gel

• Emmi-Nail High Gloss Sealer

• UV/LED lamp

• Cleanser, brush, buffer, file

Step-by-Step: Cat Eye Nails

1.) Preparation

• Wash & disinfect hands.

• File nails into shape, push back cuticles.

• Lightly roughen the natural nail with a buffer and degrease.

2.) Apply base

• Apply a thin layer of Rubber Base Gel and cure for 120 seconds .

• (Optional: Apply a light build-up of fiber gel and cure again.)

3.) Apply Cat Eye Gel

• Apply a not too thick layer of Cat Eye Gel evenly to the nail.

• Do not harden yet!

4.) Create a magnetic effect

• Hold the magnet about 2–3 mm above the nail surface for 3–5 seconds .

• Different angles = different effects!
  → Diagonal, horizontal or zigzag possible.

• Satisfied? Then cure for 60 seconds .

5.) ( Optional) Second layer for more depth

• Apply Cat Eye Gel again, apply magnet, cure.

6.) Seal

• Seal with the High Gloss Sealer .

• Cure, remove the condensation layer – done!

Cat Eye Nails – more than just an effect

Where does the trend come from?

• Originally from the Russian nail art scene, inspired by the tiger eye stone and metallic reflections.

• Today a staple in K-Beauty , on runways and in studio specials .

Styling options

Cat Eye is extremely versatile – here are a few variations:

• Classic Stripe: the diagonal “light reflection” – simple & elegant

• Double Cat Eye: two magnetic stripes cross each other – almost holographic

• Cat Eye French: only at the tip or in reverse – very modern

• Ombre + Cat Eye: Gradient meets magnetic effect – great for Galaxy Nails

• Combined with chrome or flakes: for an ultra-gloss finish

What does the look suit?

• Festive (e.g. copper/gold for Christmas or New Year's Eve)

• Mystical (e.g. purple, dark blue, black for autumn/winter)

• Edgy (e.g. green or petrol + glitter for trendsetters)

Business tip for nail salons

• Offer cat eye upgrades for regular nail treatments (e.g. +5–10 €)

• Combine with a magnet styling workshop in the studio or via Insta-Live

• Use a mini video clip to show how the magnetic effect “wanders” – it really works!