You've surely seen them go by on Instagram or TikTok: nails with a mysterious, shifting shimmer that seems to move as you turn your hand. Those are cat eye nails, and this is why they are so addictively beautiful.
What makes cat eye so special?
The secret lies in magnetic particles in the gel polish. While the set is being made, a magnet is drawn across the wet polish, which arranges the particles into a streak of light. The result: a deep, velvety shimmer with a band of light that moves, exactly like a cat's eye. Every angle gives a different effect.
Why handmade makes the difference here
In mass production the magnetic effect often turns out flat and lifeless. Our cat eye sets are worked by hand nail by nail, so the streak of light sits exactly right and the play of depth is at its fullest. No two sets are exactly alike, and you can see it.
Who is cat eye for?
Really for anyone who wants a little more than a plain colour, without going straight to glitter or nail art. Cat eye is eye-catching yet refined. In deep shades like burgundy and midnight blue it's perfect for autumn and winter; in softer shades it's beautiful all year round.
How to style the look
Cat eye nails are the statement in themselves, so keep your jewellery quiet. With gold accessories choose a warm shade, with silver a cool one. And because the effect shows best on slightly longer nails, I'd recommend long oval or square. Which shape suits you is covered in our shape guide.
Curious? Have a look at our full Cat Eye collection, with more than 70 handmade designs.