Cat eye gel polish is a colored transparent or translucent base and shiny metal particles that can be used to create iridescent patterns, highlights, straight and curved lines. A voluminous effect and deep shades are achieved by using magnets in the form of plates, balls, pens or a multi-magnet over the nails with undried product.
“Cats” are used to perform French, ombre, Galaxy, moon manicure, applied without additional decor or with stamping, matte top, rhinestones, and designs. Such gel polishes are produced by Irisk, Blue Sky, Kodi, Gellaktik Illussion, TNL, Patrisa Nail, Dance Legend. Their cost is from 160 rubles. up to 500-800 rub. It depends not only on the brand, but also on the quality of the varnish, because there are products with 3D, 5D, 9D, 12D effects.
What is cat eye gel polish?
Cat eye gel polish differs from standard ones in that it contains metallic inclusions. Their presence makes it possible to obtain a coating with deep color and stripes, curved lines, irregular geometric shapes, stars, and splashes flickering within the main shade.
The patterns are made using a magnet used in manicure techniques. You need to hold it over the smeared nail plate to collect or push aside the metallic glitter.
The varnish comes in different colors and shades, but they all look like the ornamental chrysoberyl stone, in which a shimmering stripe is clearly visible through the dense base tone. Cats' eyes have the same effect, hence the name.
We recommend reading the article on how to do a manicure with red gel polish. From it you will learn about manicure design options for short and long nails, and techniques for their design. And here is more information about how to remove shellac at home.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cat's eye quickly became popular due to the many advantages of this coating:
- there is an abundance of shades, including bright blue, emerald, purple, deep red, burgundy, but there are also delicate pink, beige, peach, milky;
- the manicure will be elegant without any other decor, but it can also be complemented with rhinestones, sparkles, patterns, and combined with different techniques (gradient, “broken glass”, etc.);
- it looks equally good with different shapes of nails, with short and long, at any age, in a business setting and a festive one;
- even the same shade can be “laid” in completely different ways;
- The texture of this type of product is comfortable to apply, does not spread and does not bunch up.
Magnetic gel polishes have one drawback - they require strong and healthy nails. The condition of coatings that are thin and weak from use may worsen, since they need to be removed with a milling cutter. And mechanical impact with such a plate structure is undesirable. Cat's eye can also cause allergies.
Types of magnets
Today there are the following types of magnets:
- Regular gel polishes , which come in different shades, but give the effect of a starry sky with one lighter stripe. They last no longer than a week and are removed by soaking.
- Products with 3D effect . Their light highlights have greater variety and depth than in the previous version. Therefore, the coating looks voluminous.
- 5D tools . They consist of a base color and shimmer of different shades, such as green, white and brown. This makes the three-dimensional effect more pronounced than that of 3D.
- Chameleon . The multi-colored particles of this product change tones and intensity depending on the viewing angle and lighting.
“Starry Sky” 5D 3D Chameleon
Magnet is not only a common name for gel polish with metal particles, but also a mandatory tool for this design.
He can be:
- round,
- rectangular,
- with a dot at the tip,
- with several points,
- in the form of a thick pancake.
Rectangular magnet
Round magnet
Multi-Point Magnet
With a variety of tools, you can make straight or curved lines, wider and narrower lines, circles, spheres, patterns, etc.
Top
You can use a regular glossy or matte top coat for cats, but in the first case the effect will be more noticeable. There is also a special cat eye top coat - a clear liquid with metallic shimmer, gold or silver. There are application features here - when the top is already distributed over the nail plate, a magnet is needed to create a pattern. It is held over each coated nail for 5-10 seconds, only then dried in a lamp.
Watch the video about the top coating - cat eye effect:
Light and dark background
The same coating can be applied to a base of different shades, in each case the overall effect will be different:
- Varnish on a white base looks better if it itself is a delicate pastel color: pink, beige, light gray, peach, baked milk, bluish. With it, nails acquire a bright pearlescent shine and a healthy natural shade. However, the magnetic tracks on them are very noticeable.
- Gel on a dark base looks beautiful when the base tone is purple, or different variations of blue, black, brown, green, red, burgundy. The magnetic highlights in this case are much brighter than on white.
The sparkles and lines that add volume to the manicure are always lighter than the main color of the coating. Sometimes the latter is so bright that no substrate is needed at all, just a transparent or translucent base is enough.
Rectangular magnet
The product in the form of a bar is suitable for creating straight lines. With its help you can make a classic and reverse French. The photo of the cat eye magnet shows just such a design. Some models are equipped with patterns. This makes creating nail art much easier.
But even with a simple rectangular magnet, you can create patterns such as zigzags and stars. On sale you can find magnets equipped with a handle. They are ideal for beginners.
Types of cat eye nail polish
Cat eye nail polish is produced by several companies, the most popular:
- Irisk,
- Blue Sky,
- Kodi,
- Gellaktik Illussion,
- TNL,
- Patrisa Nail,
- Dance Legend.
Irisk Blue Sky Kodi TNL Patrisa Nail Dance Legend
They have the best price-quality ratio. There are also more expensive brands:
- Lianail,
- UNO,
- Luxio.
And also cheap, but also of acceptable quality, Grattol and In Garden.
Garden Grattol
Each brand has a variety of magnets - balls, beads, pens, square, rectangular. They are sold separately or in sets with varnishes.
Irisk
“Cats” from Irisk have become very popular recently, thanks to:
- Abundance of flowers. There are 12 light shades ranging from cool white to latte, as well as 17 dark shades. Among the latter are red, orange, coffee, dense pink, brown, emerald, sea wave, green, blue, black.
- Easy to apply texture. These are products of medium thickness, they do not flow onto the skin and are easily distributed over the nail plate in a layer of optimal thickness.
- Nice brush. It is quite long, of medium width. This allows you to have good control over the working field and avoid smudging on the skin.
- Persistence. When worn correctly, the coating lasts up to 3 weeks. You need to remove it with a cutter.
- Quite a modest price. A 10 ml bottle can be bought for 250-280 rubles, and with a promotion it’s even cheaper.
Blue Sky
Blue Sky “cats” also have an abundance of shades, but they are lighter than those of the previous brand. They are best applied with a dark base. The varnishes can also be used on thin nails, as they contain vitamins. Blue Sky has a medium-thick consistency, meaning there will be no streaks or lumps. Price 200-260 rub. for 10 ml.
Kodi
Kodi is distinguished by a rich palette of tones and high durability. The products are hypoallergenic and do not have a strong odor. Even after 3 weeks of wearing, the gel polish does not chip or fade. But it’s not cheap either – from 500 rubles. for 8 ml.
Gellaktik Illussion
Gel polishes from Gellaktik Illussion do not have a variety of colors, there are only 6 of them, but these are 3D products. Therefore, with them you can create dozens of manicure options that will last a long time. It would be better to make the lining black. You can buy a 10 ml bottle for 450 rubles.
TNL
TNL is one of the most affordable brands of “cats”, distinguished by the density of colors. There are not so many shades, but the products are high-quality and inexpensive - 270 rubles. for 10 ml. The varnish can be painted in one layer, and it will last up to 3 weeks.
Patrisa Nail
The Patrisa Nail brand has a huge number of “cat” colors, there are 3D and 5D products, known for their durability. Gel polishes are easy to apply thanks to the optimal consistency and good brush. The peculiarity of use is that it is necessary to paint the ends of the nail plates. Among the varnishes there are also three-phase ones, that is, they do not require the use of a base and top coat. Price – from 350 rub. for 8 ml.
Dance Legend
Dance Legend is a varnish of 32 shades, some of them are similar to each other. The products are not completely liquid and not thick, with golden particles. They are easy to apply thanks to the rectangular brush. But there are problems with magnetization; it is difficult to make the highlight even. The cost of a 5 ml bottle is 350 rubles.
Fashion ideas
So that you can always look charming and be on trend, we have selected some of the most interesting ideas that will definitely appeal to you. If you are not afraid to take risks, are not afraid to always look spectacular and prefer eye-catching manicure ideas, then this selection is perfect for you!
Depth of blue
Girls with blue eyes, take note of this option! A very stylish, beautiful blue color will perfectly highlight the depth of your eyes! Especially, this idea is perfect for fair-skinned blondes.
Variety of patterns
Very effective options are obtained if you dilute the colors with other shades or add rhinestones. It looks truly impressive and even elegant. Strict young ladies who work in offices and prefer skirts, shirts and jackets can afford a small bright element in the form of such nails.
Purple Magic
Purple, like blue, has become very popular lately. That's why we recommend him at the forefront! A very deep and rich color, beautiful and attractive - ideal for girls with a twist.
Burgundy glitter
Burgundy is one of the most beautiful and noble shades. By the way, most often girls choose this color. He is so mysterious and enigmatic that it is no wonder why ladies choose him.
Yellow-brown shades
Since the selection includes an option for blue-eyed girls, we decided not to deprive ladies with brown eyes and added this stylish idea just for them. The yellow-brown option is ideal for brunettes or fair-haired women, as well as for brown-eyed ladies. Plus, it will look even better with a stylish outfit in the same colors!
Is it possible to draw a cat's eye without a lamp?
You cannot use gel cat eye without a drying lamp. It just won't dry. In its absence, you will have to use regular varnishes and apply a metallic highlight with a transparent glitter product. These liquids dry in the air, but it is very difficult to obtain the desired effect.
If we are talking about high-quality lighting when performing gel manicure with cats, it is also important. After all, you can see the glare and evaluate its quality only by changing the angle of the light flux. And for this you need a good light source.
We recommend reading the article about the difference between gel polish and shellac. From it you will learn the difference between gel polish and shellac, what is better and what is more harmful, and how to extend the wearing period. And here is more information about how to do a French manicure with gel polish.
Manicure with a cat's eye coating appeared quite a long time ago, but interest in it does not disappear. It is maintained thanks to the abundance of designs that can be created with these polishes. And the color palette is constantly being replenished with new ones; there are already products with 9D and 12D effects. Cat eye lovers can give them either a calm nude manicure or a bright festive one.
Adviсe
You need to work with cat eye gel polish carefully so as not to spoil the impression of the manicure. Here are some recommendations:
- The highlight should be identical on all nails, so that the angle of the shining line is the same and located in the same direction, so the manicure will look more harmonious.
- If necessary, adjust the direction of the highlight, and only then send the gel polish layer for polymerization.
- The intensity and depth of the glare does not depend on the degree of proximity of the magnet to the nail plate. Therefore, you should not bring the magnet closer than a couple of millimeters, otherwise you risk smearing the uncured coating.
- With each subsequent layer of cat eye gel polish, the highlight will be more blurred. Try to get the perfect shine after the first coat.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the gel polish itself.
