This Optical Illusion Manicure Is Fall's Hottest Nail Trend
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There are some fall nail trends that are to be expected this time of year. I know that the second September hits, I'll be seeing a ton of wine-colored reds , chocolate browns , and, most likely, a decent amount of navy blues. But over the past three years, a new classic has emerged. Cat-eye nails—which use a magnetic nail polish to create a shifting, shimmery finish—have quickly become chrome 's funkier, younger sister.
The finish started showing up in 2022, but the magnetic manicure has major staying power. Everyone from Dua Lipa to Megan Fox has experimented with finish. It's made its way to red carpets—even at the Met Gala . And celebrity nail artists continuously point to it as one of the biggest trends for the year.
Cat eye nail polish applies just like any other gel, but before curing, you use a magnet to align the particles and bring the shimmer to the surface, producing the cat eye effect. Ready to try a cat eye manicure for yourself? Ahead, the 21 best cat eye nail ideas to scroll through for some inspo before you head to the salon. And if you need any more convincing, Hailey Bieber and Khloe Kardashian are on board with the look, too.
Toasted Caramel Ombré Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Ombré nails are here to stay, and they're now paired with cat eye polish. Softer than a French manicure, this gradual gradient in a toasty caramel color is oh-so-sweet.
Adobe Nail Polish
Chrome Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Glazed donut nails are made possible by topping your manicure with chrome powder. If you love chrome and cat-eye, try this design that incorporates both. After your cat eye mani is done, add chrome powder on top for extra shine and dimension.
Chrome Powder - Tin Man Can Glaze
Spell-Bound Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Maybe it's just me, but I'm already planning my spooky nail ideas . October is here sooner than you think. This mysterious, Hocus Pocus -like mani is proof that the designs are magical all season long. Paired with thin, bold, white nail art on top, these tips are a fun way to align with the cooler weather.
Nail Art Dotting Tools 6pcs Double-Ended Brushes Kit Gel Polish
Brownie Cat Eye
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Chocolate is my personal go-to manicure color ( and my go-to sweet treat all year round), so I'm a sucker for these brownie cat-eye French tips.
Opi Nail Lacquer Espresso Your Inner Self | Opaque Dark Brown Nail Polish
Pumpkin Spice Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
What is it they say? Pumpkin spice and everything nice? This nail polish certainly embodies that; the toasted orange color is what my autumnal-loving manicure dreams are made of. I'm putting this one in my back pocket for next fall.
Nail Lacquer Slip Dressed Up | Opaque Dark Red Brown Nail Polish
Cat Eye With Flecks of Gold
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
A gold mani shines all year long, but especially during the spring and summer season. To dress it up even further, add touches of cat eye nail polish, like this one. Thanks to the cat eye polish and gold flecks, you're sure to look extra luxe.
Gold Leaf Flakes
Midnight Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
One of the coolest things about cat eye manis in my opinion? When you mix shades to create a new look. This one was made using black and silver cat eye polishes to achieve a sultry, midnight effect.
Nail Lacquer Midnight Mantra | Opaque Dark Blue Nail Polish
Red Velvet Cat Eye Tips
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
If you aren't ready to fully commit to cat eye, you can keep it to just the French tips . What's more magnetizing, the color or the cat eye finish?
Gel Couture, Long-Lasting Nail Polish, Liquid Diamonds, Gold Pearl Pink Nail Polish, Frost Yourself
Toasted Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Cat eye paired with nail art is chef's kiss. This design features cat eye polish on just one nail, making it an easy entry point for those new to the category.
Nail Art Rhinestones Kit Huetfat 2400pcs Nail Gems
Chocolate Brownie Cat Eye
Credit: Getty Images
Bieber debuted the ultimate fall manicure at the Academy Museum Gala. Taking a step away from her classic glazed donut nails, these shimmery brown cat eye beauties are about to be my go-to all season long.
30pcs Summer Coconut Brown Cat Eye Short Square Press on Nails, Reusable Nail Kit With Nail Adhesive Tabs Mini Nail File, 15 Sizes (light Brown)
Reverse Cat Eye Tips
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Bored with plain nude base coats for your Frenchies? Switch things up with a cat eye base and a solid color for the tip. The contrast of the champagne base with the green French tip is giving serious matcha latte energy.
Lush Fruit Green Nail Polish, Lime Green Nail Polish Quick Dry
Velvet Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @thatsme_erica
Sure, cat eye is known for being shiny and metallic, but if you're not into that style, that doesn't mean you have to forego the trend. Velvet cat eye gives a softer, glowy, velveteen finish to your nails and is one of my favorite ways to wear the look.
Pink Suede - Pink Magnetic Holographic Nail Polish
Cinnamon Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
I'm not sure about you, but I spend most of my time in my kitchen making sweet treats. These cinnamon-y nails match my favorite spice and make baking even more fun.
Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer, Step 3 – Cinnamon Spice (0.5 Fl Oz)
Smokey and Gilded Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Use a gray smokey cat eye polish as your base, and then top it with reflective gilded gold art on the edges of your nails for a chic yet understated nail design .
Glassy Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish, Silvery Moonlight
Vampy Red Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
There's no nail polish color quite as sexy as red , and now you can amp it up with a cat eye finish. Insider tip: Start with a black base coat underneath the red cat eye polish to get that super dramatic, sensual finish.
Red Cherry
Molten Metal Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @enamelle
Molten metal, liquid galaxy, or whatever you want to call it, there's no doubt this inky grayish-black mani has serious depth. The organic blobs of 3D builder gel on top of the base only add to its dimension.
Insta-Dri Nail Polish Chrome Top Coat | Metallic Silver Nail Polish
Intergalactic Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @chuenails
Blue and gold come together to create a truly out-of-this-world mani that feels uniquely intergalactic and Milky Way-inspired.
Rapidry Cosmic Chic | Semi-Sheer Soft Cool Purple Blue Glitter Chip Resistant Nail Polish X Supergirl Collection
Moody Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
Pair gray cat eye polish and green chrome together for a moody, eerie manicure. This design thrives on long almond or stiletto nails, as the length gives you enough real estate to let the chrome shine through.
3-In-1 Cat Eye Magnet Nail Art Tool
Brown Sugar Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @enamelle
Brown sugar-esque swirls atop a caramel-colored cat eye polish make this manicure sweeter than your favorite hot drink.
Cat Eye 1-Step Gel Nail Polish
Swirled Cat Eye
Credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx
Are these nails Coraline-inspired? Yes. But even if you aren't a fan of the movie, you can still enjoy these swirly, intense cat eye nails. Switch up the art as you please, but the cat eye swirls will be staying put on my nails.
Cat Eye Magnetic Reflections Gel Nail Polish in Green Lights Only
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