9 Common Cat Eye Nail Application Techniques — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Master nine different magnetic cat eye nail techniques using professional magnetic powder gels and tools, from side light to hollow designs.

Steps

1. 1Prepare cat eye gel

   

   Display a bottle of blue-green fine magnetic powder cat eye gel and unscrewing the brush applicator to prepare for application. This type of gel contains fine magnetic particles that easily react to a magnet.

   Tip: Choose a cat eye gel with fine magnetic powder for easier magnet attraction.
2. 2Apply thin base layer

   

   Take a small amount of cat eye gel and apply a thin base layer evenly onto the artificial nail surface. This ensures proper foundation before building up the magnetic effect.

   Tip: Keep the brush flat against the nail surface during application.
3. 3Apply a thick second layer

   

   Take a bit more gel product on the brush and apply a thick layer over the nail surface. Keep the brush flat against the nail during application to ensure an even distribution of the magnetic particles.

   Tip: A thicker layer allows the magnetic powder to move more freely when the magnet is applied.
4. 4Self-level the gel

   

   After applying the thick layer, turn the nail stand upside down for a moment to let the gel self-level naturally, creating a smooth and plump surface.

   Tip: Allowing the gel to self-level prevents uneven pooling and creates a clean base for the cat eye effect.
5. 5Select the proper magnetic tool

   

   Compare the available magnetic tools and choose the thicker magnetic rod on the right side, as it provides stronger magnetism needed to manipulate the fine magnetic powder effectively.

   Tip: Stronger magnets give sharper and more defined cat eye lines.
6. 6Create basic side light cat eye

   

   Hold the magnet and sweep it along the sides of the nail to pull the magnetic particles into position, creating the basic side light cat eye effect.

   Tip: Keep the magnet steady and maintain a consistent distance from the nail surface while sweeping.
7. 7Push the side light

   

   To make the side light effect more distinct and prominent, take the magnet and push the magnetic light from the opposite half of the nail surface over.

   Tip: Keep the magnet close to the nail surface without touching the gel to ensure a clean light shift.
8. 8Create the wide light cat eye

   

   Attract the other side of the nail surface as well, and then use the magnet to attract the top and bottom sections of the nail surface to form a bright, wide light band.

   Tip: Balancing the attraction on all four sides ensures the wide light stays centered and glowing.
9. 9Draw an arc at the fingertip

   

   Building upon the wide light cat eye effect, use the magnet to draw an arc shape specifically at the fingertip area.

   Tip: Make smooth, sweeping motions with the magnet edge to curve the light neatly along the tip.
10. 10Form the glass ball effect

    

    Wrap the magnet around the nail surface in continuous circles to gather the magnetic particles, creating a dimensional glass ball cat eye appearance.

    Tip: Circular motions help concentrate the fine powder into a rounded, reflective orb of light.
11. 11Create the light-chasing cat eye effect

    

    Starting with the glass ball base already set on the nail, take the magnet and draw a small circle at the upper part of the nail surface. This technique focuses the magnetic powder into a dynamic focal point known as the light-chasing cat eye.

    Tip: Keep a steady hand when drawing the small circle to maintain a clean, circular light reflection.
12. 12Create gradient cat eye effect

    

    Attract wide light first by positioning the magnet correctly, then sweep the magnet upwards along the nail surface to form the gradient cat eye effect.

    Tip: Sweep the magnet smoothly upwards to achieve a clean gradient transition.
13. 13Create the French cat eye effect

    

    Tilt the square magnet closely toward the tip of the nail to pull the magnetic particles to the edge. Quickly remove the magnet to lock the bright reflection in place, forming a distinctive French manicure cat eye line.

    Tip: Quick removal of the magnet is essential so the particles do not drift back before curing.
14. 14Obtain the floating band cat eye

    

    Combine two rectangular magnets together and place them in the middle of the nail surface. The combined magnetic field pulls the powder into a suspended, floating band of light across the center of the nail.

    Tip: Hold both magnets firmly together to ensure an even magnetic force is applied to the center.

Frequently Asked Questions