Cat Eye Nail Designs: 2 Modern Magnetic Gel Techniques (Step-by-Step)

The "Cat Eye" effect is one of those timeless nail trends that never truly goes away — it just evolves. Recently, we’ve seen a massive resurgence in magnetic gels, but with a twist. It’s no longer just about that single diagonal line we all learned years ago. Today, it’s about depth, layers, and mixing textures.

At Mars Nails School, we love experimenting with new ways to use classic tools. If you have a few bottles of cat eye gel collecting dust in your drawer, it’s time to take them out. Below are two distinct techniques that will completely change how you use magnetic polish.

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• Design 1: The "Deep Glass" Effect
• Design 2: 3D Chrome Waves on Cat Eye
• Why Clients Love This

Pro tip: These are “busy-salon friendly” designs — fast execution, high visual impact, and easy to upsell.

Design 1: The "Deep Glass" Effect

This technique is all about creating depth. By layering a stained-glass (vitrail) gel over a magnetic design, you create an illusion that the shimmer is trapped deep inside a gemstone. It’s mesmerizing and surprisingly easy.

Watch the tutorial

If you prefer a link instead of an embed: open on YouTube.

Step-by-step guide

1. Lay the foundation: Apply a colored base. Any shade works, but deeper tones usually make the magnetic shimmer pop harder.
2. The precision line: Apply Cat Eye gel only where you want the effect. Use a fine liner brush to draw a single strip (or controlled lines) instead of coating the whole nail.
3. Activate the magnet: Pull the particles to highlight that specific line and create the flare.
4. Flash cure (the secret weapon): Once the flare is perfect, “freeze” it with a handheld LED flashlight for 2–3 seconds. This prevents particle drift while you build the rest of the design.
5. Build the pattern: Repeat line → magnetize → flash cure until you reach your desired layout.
6. The glass finish: Fully cure your magnetic structure, then apply a layer of colored stained-glass (vitrail) gel over the entire nail. This tints the silver particles and creates a deep, aquarium-like gemstone effect.

Design 2: 3D Chrome Waves on Cat Eye

This design is all about contrast: the soft, shifting light of the cat eye background versus the sharp, metallic reflection of raised chrome lines. It’s a texture clash that looks insane in photos (and sells itself on Instagram).

Watch the tutorial

If you prefer a link instead of an embed: open on YouTube.

Step-by-step guide

1. Create the background: Apply your chosen colored base.
2. Apply the Cat Eye: Coat the nail with Cat Eye gel, then magnetize into a classic flare or velvet effect. Cure fully.
3. Prep the surface: Remove the sticky (inhibition) layer from the cured cat eye. The surface should be dry and smooth so chrome powder won’t stain the background.
4. Draw 3D lines: With 3D Top Gel, thick hard gel, or a thick base, draw raised abstract lines/waves.
5. Partial cure: Cure for about 30 seconds. The lines should be set, but still warm/tacky enough to grab chrome.
6. The chrome magic: Rub mirror chrome powder onto the raised lines only. Because the background was wiped, chrome stays clean and crisp.
7. Clean & seal: Dust off excess with a fluffy brush, then seal everything with a glossy top coat to keep that mirror shine.

Why Clients Love This

These designs deliver a serious “wow” factor without turning the appointment into a 2-hour art project. The Deep Glass look feels expensive and luxurious, while 3D Chrome Waves gives an edgy, modern vibe.

Want to master these techniques professionally in Manhattan, NYC?

Explore our training programs: Basic Manicure Course, Advanced Manicure Course, Nail Extensions – Sculpting, E-File Pedicure Course.

Have you tried these techniques yet? Tag us in your creations — we’d love to see how you interpret these trends. For more tutorials and pro tips, keep following the Mars Nails School blog.