Caleb Foster
Cat-eye gel nails are achieved using a magnetic polish. This look can be created by first filing and buffing the nails, then cleansing them with 70% alcohol. Next, apply a thin layer of gel polish and cure under an LED or UV lamp. An additional colour gel can be added at this stage as a base. Following this, apply a thin coat of cat-eye gel polish and use a magnet to create the desired design. Finally, apply a thin layer of top gel and cure under a lamp.
How to do cat's eye gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep nails | File, buff, and cleanse with 70% alcohol |
| Base gel | Apply a thin layer of gel polish and cure under an LED or UV lamp |
| Base colour | Optional: add another colour gel and cure |
| Cat eye gel polish | Apply a thin coat and do not cure |
| Magnetise | Use a cat eye gel magnet to create a design by hovering over the nail, then cure |
| Top gel | Apply a thin layer and cure under an LED or UV lamp |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
- File and Buff: Start by gently filing your nails to shape them and create a smooth surface. Use a nail buffer to buff each nail, which will help roughen the surface slightly, enhancing the adhesion of the gel polish.
- Cleanse: After shaping and buffing, it's important to cleanse your nails. Use a cotton pad or ball soaked in 70% alcohol to wipe across each nail bed. This step will remove any dust, natural oils, or residue, ensuring a clean canvas for the gel application.
- Optional Base Colour: At this point, you have the option to apply a base colour gel polish. Choose a colour that complements the cat's eye effect you desire. Apply a thin layer of the base colour and cure it under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 120 seconds. Remember to cure the polish after each application for long-lasting results.
- Nail Preparation: Before moving on to the cat's eye gel polish, ensure your nails are completely dry and free of any moisture or oil. You may use a nail dehydrator or a gentle cleanser to achieve this. Proper nail preparation is essential for the gel polish to adhere effectively.
Your nails are now prepped and ready for the cat's eye gel polish application! Remember, taking the time to properly prepare your nails will not only enhance the final look but also ensure the longevity of your manicure.
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Applying a base gel
To apply a base gel, start by filing and buffing your nails. Then, cleanse them with 70% alcohol. You do not need to use a primer, bonder, or heavy sanding. Apply a thin layer of a base gel polish of your choice—for example, Bio Seaweed Gel. Cure your nails under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or a UV lamp for 120 seconds. You can skip this step if you are not using a base gel.
If you want to add another colour gel as a base, now is the time to do so. Be sure to cure your nails again under the LED or UV lamp. This additional step will change the overall colour of the final look. Once you are done, you can proceed to the next step, which is applying the cat eye gel polish.
It is important to note that the base gel polish serves as a foundation for the nail art and helps the subsequent polishes adhere better to your nails. It also helps to protect your nails from staining and provides a smooth surface for the application of the cat eye gel polish.
Additionally, using an LED lamp or a UV lamp to cure the base gel ensures that it dries quickly and thoroughly, creating a durable base for the rest of the manicure.
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Choosing a cat-eye gel polish
Consider the Brand:
Vettsy is a highly recommended brand known for its high-quality formula and wide range of colours and finishes. Their cat-eye gel polish promises a mesmerizing 3D effect and long-lasting wear, ensuring fewer touch-ups. Madam Glam is another brand that offers salon-quality cat-eye gel polishes with long-lasting, ultra-pigmented formulas.
Explore Colour Options:
Cat-eye gel polishes come in a variety of shades, from classic black to vibrant colours. Consider choosing a brand that offers a diverse colour palette to cater to different styles and occasions. Vettsy, for example, offers both classic tones and vibrant shades in their cat-eye gel polish collection.
Look for Durability:
If you're seeking durability along with fashion-forward design, Vettsy's cat-eye gel polish is a popular choice. Their formula is known for its long-lasting wear and resistance to premature chipping.
Mix and Match:
Some brands offer customizable bundle choices, allowing you to mix and match different colours and sets. Vettsy, for instance, provides a 6-color cat eye set and an all-in-one cat eye gel set, along with the option to create your own bundle.
Special Effects:
For an extra touch of glamour, consider magnetic cat-eye gel polishes. These polishes contain magnetic particles that create unique designs when activated with a magnet. Madam Glam's magnetic glitter gels, for example, offer multiple designs with their double-ended magnet stick.
User Experience:
Take into account the feedback and reviews from other nail art enthusiasts. According to their experiences, cat-eye gel polishes often show a better effect when applied on a dark base colour.
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Magnetising the nails
Start by painting your pinky nail with a thin coat of cat eye gel polish. It is important not to cure the polish after application. Instead, grab your magnet stand and hover it as close as possible over your pinky nail. This will allow the magnet to exert its full force on the wet polish, creating a distinct design. Hold the magnet in place for a minute to ensure the design sets properly.
Now, move on to your middle finger. Paint it with the same polish, and once again, hover the magnet stand over it. Allow the design to set for a minute. It is important to maintain a sufficient distance between your fingers to ensure the magnet's pull is effective.
Repeat this process for your ring and pointer fingers, ensuring you paint and magnetise one finger at a time. By treating each nail individually, you can achieve a consistent and harmonious look across all your fingers. Remember to give each design enough time to set before moving on to the next nail.
The thumb requires special attention due to its unique position. Since it doesn't lay flat with the other fingers, you'll need to adjust your technique slightly. After painting your thumb with the cat eye gel polish, use the magnet stand to create a design that complements the look of your other fingers. Remember to hold the magnet as close as possible to the nail for the best results.
By following these steps and allowing adequate curing time, you'll be able to create stunning cat's eye gel nails that are sure to turn heads!
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Applying a top gel
- Prepare the Top Gel: Choose a high-quality top gel designed specifically for gel nail polishes, such as the Bio Seaweed Gel Top gel. This top gel will provide a protective layer and a glossy finish to your cat's eye design.
- Apply a Thin Layer: Using a small brush, carefully apply a thin and even layer of the top gel over your cured cat's eye gel polish. Make sure to cover the entire nail surface, including the edges and corners.
- Cure Under a Lamp: After applying the top gel, it's time to cure your nails under a lamp. Cure your nails for 60 seconds under an LED lamp. If you're using a UV lamp, the curing time will be longer—cure for 120 seconds. Ensure that your nails are fully cured to achieve the best results and long-lasting wear.
- Avoid Smudging: Be careful not to smudge your nails after curing. Gently remove your hand from the lamp and avoid touching anything until the top gel is completely dry. This step is crucial to prevent any damage to your manicure.
- Repeat for All Nails: Complete the top gel application process for each nail. Ensure that you follow the same steps for every nail to achieve consistency and a uniform finish.
- Final Inspection: Once all your nails are done, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the top gel has been applied smoothly and evenly across all nails. Look for any imperfections or smudges and correct them if necessary.
By following these detailed steps for applying a top gel, you will seal and protect your cat's eye gel nail design, resulting in a professional-looking manicure that will surely turn heads!
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Frequently asked questions
Cat's eye gel nails are done using magnetic gel polish. First, prep your nails by filing, buffing, and cleansing them with 70% alcohol. Then, apply a thin layer of gel and cure it under an LED or UV lamp. Next, apply a thin coat of cat eye gel polish and use a magnet to create your desired design without touching the nail. Cure the nails under the lamp again, then finish with a thin layer of top gel, curing for a final time.
No, you do not need a primer, bonder, or heavy sanding for cat's eye gel nails.
Yes, you can add another colour gel as a base before applying the cat eye gel polish. By adding a base colour, you will change the overall colour of the final look.
To get all your nails to look the same, try painting your pinky and putting a magnet stand over it. Then paint your middle finger and put the stand over that, waiting a minute before doing the same with your ring and pointer fingers. Since your thumb doesn't lay flat with the other fingers, it will need special treatment.
Yes, there are several YouTube tutorials available for cat's eye gel nails. You can search for "how to use cat eye gel polish" or "how to use magnetic gel polish" to find these tutorials.
