@lolo.nailedit / Instagram
Few things are as fun and easy as switching up our manicures. Theres just something so satisfying as painting on a bright nail polish shade, trying a new nail art trend, filing your nails into a different shape, and even just going back to a look you know you love. And right now, cat-eye nails are at the very top of our list of trends to try.
Cat-eye nails are characterized by a subtle metallic line running diagonally across the nail. Theyre typically painted in a similar color to the base, creating an almost mirror-like effect of staring into a cats eye. Its similar to the velvet nail trend, in a way, as they both feature a metallic finish with texture, but the diagonal line is what youre really looking for in a cat-eye nail look.
At home, many DIYers recreate the look with a thin nail art brush that they lightly stroke across the nail or by using magnetic nail polish, which helps to shape-shift the polish and give it that flicked illusion. In the salon, your nail tech should be able to create the look without hesitation.
The trend can be as fierce or as subtle as you want it to be, its one of the many reasons were eager to try it. So, we listed 38 of our favorite ways to wear these feline-inspired looks. From minimalistic nail art designs to mismatched nails and colorful color combos, keep scrolling for more.
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Celestial Sky
@doras_nails_euphoria / Instagram
Green and blue combine to create this deep, dark, almost celestial cat-eye. We love it on the less traditional, albeit subtle, elongating almond-shaped nails. Still, any nail shape can rock this look; its incredibly versatile.
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Two-Toned
@lolo.nailedit
Cant decide between two shades? Go with both! We love how these complementary colors play off one another, both in tone and in finish.
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Pink Shimmer
@nailsbyvickykingsheath / Instagram
Nails need not be long to be statement-making. Short nails are the perfect canvas for this simple yet stunning cat-eye. Nearly black polish serves as the perfect backdrop for a pop of pink color.
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24 Karat Gold
@_artisun / Instagram
It doesnt get more luxurious than a yellow cat-eye mani that shimmers like gold. To replicate, try something like Mooncat Treasure Trove ($16). And dont forget to finish with a layer or two of top coat to keep it fresh.
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Mauve Madness
@lolo.nailedit
Neither nude nor pink, these mauve nails are the perfect in between.
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Something Blue
@nailsbyfrikiki / Instagram
These blue cat-eye nails are as beautiful as they are bold. Pretty purrrrfect if you ask us. If you opt for a matte polish, dont forget about the finish of your top coat; a no-shine top coat is your best friend.
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Dipped In Gold
@swaknails
Give your classic French mani a bit of a twist with these gold-dipped cat-eye nails. We love how the tips appear to be melting—just like a Dali painting.
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Black Cherry
@elwirajankowska.makeup.nails / Instagram
Cat-eye meets cosmic vibes in this black cherry-hued masterpiece. The long, square-shaped nails take us back to Y2K (and were not complaining) but the magnetic polish makes it modern.
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Multichromatic
@rainbownailed / Instagram
Its easy to wear black polish when you add a pop of green cat-eye color. Call it multicolored. Call it multichromatic. Whatever you call it, its gorgeous.
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Lines Only
@nailpromagazine / Instagram
With a nude base, this look uniquely encompasses the cat-eye with the marbly color presentation on the actual line. To nail the teeny tiny lines, consider this 10-piece Mod Podge Detail Brush Set ($7).
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The Speck Effect
@xmedzikx / Instagram
This nail art takes the cat-eye inspo a bit further with gorgeous reflective specks that add even more dimension and shimmer. The black and blue color is also highly adaptable, so feel free to dress it up or down (or both).
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Barbiecore Galore
@lolo.nailedit
Lean into the ultimate girly trend by combining two shades of pink for a nail look that will bring all the fun energy.
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Shimmery Rainbow
@mooncat / Instagram
Cat-eye nails traditionally play with jewel tones but this mani embraces all the colors of the rainbow. Its also got a glamorous multidimensional shimmer. Needless to say, we cant get enough.
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Head in the Clouds
@mooncat / Instagram
Nail art doesnt have to be complicated. Here, all it takes is a streak of blue to elevate gray nails with a simple cat-eye design. So grab a bottle of Mooncat Head in the Clouds ($14) and get painting.
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Modern French
@swaknails
For the nail art enthusiast who leans toward minimalistic designs, take note. This look features a thin silver half moon at the base and cat-eye French tips in a neutral shade. Its trendy, simple, and elegant.
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Radiant Red
@mrscellar
This isnt your traditional red mani. Going a shade or two darker than classic red lends richness while a faint rainbow-like cat-eye adds some flair. Its perfect for fall, or any time of year for that matter.
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Mirror Image
@toptennailshayward / Instagram
This iridescent polish reflects color and beauty, making it the fairest cat-eye look of them all. Consider adding some nail gems to really create a "wow" factor; after all, more is more.
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Purple and Polished
@begirda.nails
The high shine of this topcoat might catch your eye first, but the longer you look, the more mesmerizing this purple combination is. If youre unsure about this deep violet hue, not to worry, there is plenty of purple polish to choose from. Lacquer Set - OPI Empowerment ($38) is a good place to start.
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Green Almond
@_uniqnails / Instagram
Were not sure what we love more about this mani, its almond shape, glittery accents, or cat-eye design. Okay, its all of the above. Were also lusting after the trending olive green color, in case you were wondering.
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Colorful Combos
@melanated.mani / Instagram
Experimenting with different color combinations is encouraged when it comes to creating your customized cat-eye. Cirque Colors Bubbly Collection Set ($76) comes with six magnetic holographic polishes for you to mix and match. Meanwhile, a diamond accent nail—and diamond jewelry (if you can be so lucky)—adds some glam.
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Multicolored
@mooncat / Instagram
Selecting a color to use for this trend can be a little overwhelming—good thing we have 10 fingers. Opt for a different color combo on every nail to get a multi-hued mani that puts the fun in funky.
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Brown Shimmer
@sandias.nails1989 / Instagram
Brown might not be your go-to nail color—but it could be, especially when shimmer is involved. If you typically opt for nude nails, this brown cat-eye will give you a little something extra, not to mention, satisfy your 90s nostalgia.
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Negative Space
@nailsbymaisyc / Instagram
Each nail comprising this mani is an artwork in itself, however, together theyre the complete oeuvre. We love the detail of color on negative space nails that echo those that are fully painted.
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Cotton Candy
@mooncat / Instagram
For a more whimsical take on cat-eye nails, opt for a cotton candy color palette. A blue base with pink detail, or vice-a-versa, is sure to turn heads. Mooncat If Frogs Had Wings ($14) will help get you there.
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Gold and Taupe
@nanalovesnails
Yellowy-gold and taupe may not be the first color combo that comes to mind for a manicure, but you cant deny just how pretty this final product is. It tends to complement those whose skin has warm or neutral undertones best, just FYI.
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Green With Envy
@melanated.mani / Instagram
The way this vibrant, deep emerald green reflects light is what cat-eye nail dreams are made of. To get the look, we recommend Cirque Colors Canabliss ($14). Try it on oval-shaped nails, as seen here, or your nail shape of choice.
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Reputation Era
@cirquecolors
This shade is similar to the above green look, but its darker and moodier color lets people know that whoever is wearing this polish is not to be messed with.
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Expedition Atlantis
@melanated.mani / Instagram
Nail influencer Melanated Mani uses Mooncats reflective polish to create a multichromatic cat-eye look that has got us trippin. To create your own bespoke mani, consider Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color ($20) with eight polishes to choose from.
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Moody
@xmedzikx / Instagram
Part cat-eye, part gemstone. Black, gold, and purple blend perfectly to create an optical illusion IRL. And while the polish may be unconventional, the oval nail shape makes it classic.
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Jewel-Toned
@melanated.mani / Instagram
Reminiscent of the sky at night, these dark jewel-toned colors combine to create a look that is out of this world. Jewel tones tend to work best on those with cool or neutral undertones; however, going a tad deeper in shade satisfies warm tones, too.
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Moody Jewel Tones
@amyytran
Perfect for the fall and winter months, we love these color-coordinated nails in deep jewel tones.
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Purple Haze
@nailpromagazine / Instagram
Deep purple nails are incredibly versatile. Consider adding a lighter cat-eye for added interest. Mooncat Beware, The Kraken ($16) is the magnetic polish that will get you this rich violet hue with glitter and a luminescent streak.
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Seeing Stars
@amyytran
Instead of going for a uniform set, play with mixing and matching different looks per nail. Playing with designs in similar shades adds a touch of youthful fun while still looking put-together.
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Brown and Teal
@melanated.mani / Instagram
The rich brown base color of this mani makes its teal cat-eye accent pop. By combining warm earth tones with cool jewel tones, this color palette will work on anyone, regardless of skins undertones.
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Breathtakingly Blue-tiful
@xmedzikx / Instagram
The prettiest shade of blue paired with the most perfect metallic top coat is sure to turn heads. Its super glossy and classic, but if youre more into matte, it also translates well to nails sans shine.
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Unicorn
@mooncat / Instagram
Looking for a mani to match your unicorn makeup? Then look no further. These sparkly iridescent cat-eye nails are fun, flirty, and most of all, magical.
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Stardust
@_killer_nailz / Instagram
We liken this manicure, with its black base and shimmery blue topcoat, to a starry night sky. Wear it to a formal night out or to instantly dress up a more casual look.
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Pretty in Purple
@mooncat / Instagram
If you really want to kick things up a notch, swipe a glitter top coat onto your amethyst nails. It will finish the look while adding dimension and sparkle. Whats not to like?
Achieving a cat-eye nail look is often done with magnetic polish. This polish contains iron particles that come up to the surface when a magnet is held over it. This leaves the particles sitting at the top and creating that cat-eye effect.
Creating this look is as simple as getting some magnetic polish and crafting your favorite design. Magnetic polish can be purchased as a regular polish or gel polish (which requires UV light) and typically comes with a magnetic tool. After applying the polish, create your preferred design by moving the magnetic tool over the nail without touching it and guiding the polish to where youd like it to be.
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