How to Do a Cat Eye Gel Manicure in 6 Steps

Cat eye gel · 6 steps · 1 magnet

One pass of a magnet turns a flat coat into a line of light. Here is the order that makes it work.

1. 1

   Prep and prime

   File the shape, buff the shine off, and wipe the nail clean. Dehydrate with pH Bond so the base has a clean surface to grip.

   TipWipe once more before the base goes on.

2. 2

   Lay the base

   Brush on a thin coat of Rubber Base or your base gel, cap the free edge, and cure.

   TipCapping the edge covers the full nail.

3. 3

   Add depth, if you like

   Many cat eye shades read deepest over black or another dark gel. Apply Super Black, then cure it fully before the cat eye goes on.

   TipSkip this layer for a softer, more see-through look.

4. 4

   Paint one nail

   Shake the bottle well so the magnetic particles are evenly mixed. Paint one thin coat on one nail. Do not cure yet.

   TipThin coats move more freely under the magnet than thick ones.

5. 5

   Pull the magnet

   Hold the magnet close to the wet gel for 5 to 10 seconds without touching it. Keep it steady while the line forms, then cure that nail right away.

   TipWork one nail at a time so the effect never has time to drift.

6. 6

   Seal and finish

   Repeat on the other nails, then seal everything with a no wipe top coat and cure. Finish with cuticle oil.

   TipA no wipe top coat means no scrubbing across your finished effect.

What one pass looks like

Glaze Cat Eye Gel CE 13MSRP $9.55

Glaze Cat Eye Gel CE 14MSRP $9.55

Glaze Cat Eye Gel CE 16MSRP $9.55

Choose your magnet

Magnets are sold separately from the gels.

Duo Magnet for Cat EyeMSRP $8.00

Rotating Cat Eye MagnetMSRP $7.25

Circle Cat Eye Magnet with HandleMSRP $7.25

Cat Eye Magnet Set of 4pcsMSRP $28.95

Start with a collection

Cat Eye Tea & Coffee Kit - 24 ColorsMSRP $237.00

Cat Eye Quiet Rose Kit - 24 ColorsMSRP $237.00

Cat Eye Gel Autumn Collection Kit - 24 ColorsMSRP $237.00