We hope the cat eye nail trend has 9 lives because we're determined to try it in every colour
Cat eye nails are the shimmering, shape-shifting nail look taking over our feeds — and for good reason. Inspired by the reflective look of a feline gaze, this magnetic polish trend uses special pigments and a tiny wand to create a silky, hypnotic line of light across the nail. The result? A metallic finish that catches every beam and turns even the simplest manicure into a statement. From deep cosmic tones to soft pearlescent pastels, cat eye nails are proving they’re far more versatile than you’d expect (so don't be afraid to try a colour you haven't seen done yet). If you’re ready for a manicure with maximum impact and minimal effort, this is the trend to try.
Here's your guide to mastering cat eye nails...
What do cat eye nails mean?
A cat eye manicure is a glossy, light-catching nail look created with magnetic polish that forms a sleek, shimmering line across the nail — just like the reflective gleam in a cat’s eye. Using a tiny magnet, the pigment is shifted to create a silky beam of light that moves as you do, giving the manicure its mesmerising, almost 3D effect. The result is a blend of shimmer, depth and dimension that instantly elevates any nail shape or colour palette.
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How to get cat eye nails?
To get cat eye nails, ask your nail tech for magnetic gel polish and request a defined “cat eye line” or a softer, more diffused beam — they’ll use a small magnet to shape the shimmer before curing. Many nail salons will have examples on display of the cat eye looks and colours they offer and recommend, so take a look at those before locking in your colour palette. And as always, reference photos are your best friend. That's why we've collected all our favourites here: bookmark this page and scroll through to point out which particular cat eye manicure you're aiming to replicate.
If you’re keen to sample the look at home, it may be trickier, but you'll get the hang of it with a few tries. You’ll need a magnetic cat eye gel polish, a dual-ended nail magnet and a UV/LED lamp. Apply a base coat, two layers of the magnetic polish, then hold the magnet over each nail for a few seconds to form the reflective stripe before curing. Finish with a glossy top coat and you're done.
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Why are cat eye nails so expensive?
Cat eye nails tend to cost more because the look requires specialised products and extra time to perfect. Magnetic gel polishes are pricier than standard formulas, and your nail tech needs to work quickly and precisely to manipulate the shimmer with a magnet before the polish sets. Achieving a crisp, dimensional beam — or a soft, smoky glow — takes skill and a steady hand, especially if you’re layering colours for a more dramatic effect. The finish is essentially bespoke, crafted nail by nail, which adds to the service time. You’re paying for premium materials, expertise and that mesmerising, light-shifting payoff.
Which is better, cat eye or chrome nails?
Choosing between cat eye and chrome nails really comes down to the exact aesthetic you're after. Cat eye nails deliver depth, movement and a soft, hypnotic shimmer that feels luxe without being loud. They’re perfect if you want dimension and a touch of mystery. Chrome nails, on the other hand, are all about high-impact shine. If you love a dynamic, light-shifting effect, cat eye nails are for you. If you prefer a smooth, reflective metallic manicure, chrome wins. Both are stunning — it’s just a matter of mood.
Want more manicure inspiration? Here are the celeb-approved nail trends to try...
Delaney began her career in the Australian beauty media industry in 2015, landing amidst the glossy world of women’s lifestyle magazines (or more literally, in their beauty cupboards). Since then, she has gone on to write across a multitude of beloved Australian media brands, including OK!, NW, InStyle, and Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s covered every side of beauty content, from directing beauty editorial shoots to rounding up the best glossy serums for golden hour skin. Having spent nearly a decade immersed in the beauty realm, Delaney’s knowledge of beauty is as extensive as her collection of tinted lip oils (read: extremely extensive). Delaney is currently the Digital Managing Editor of BEAUTYcrew, and her beauty wisdom also appears across beautyheaven, ELLE and Marie Claire. She enjoys channelling her personal hobby (testing beauty products) into her professional work (talking about testing beauty products), and considers perfecting the art of a cat eye in a moving car her life’s greatest accomplishment.
