This Low-Lift Nail Trend Looks Good In Every Color

Feline-inspired beauty trends aren’t exactly new. It’s safe to say that everyone with a liquid liner has tried their hand at a signature flick at least once, right? As it turns out, cats are making an impact in beauty beyond just makeup. Recently, cat eye nails have once again taken over Instagram as the latest manicure trend. Characterized by shimmering lines and mesmerizing colors, they mimic the alluring pupils of felines. But in a dizzying sea of designs, the resurgance of this look feels fresh.

Maybe it’s the in-your-face appearance that has recaptured the attention of nail artists and creators. Unlike the pared-back designs that have recently dominated the space, cat eye nails have a boldness that’s hard to ignore. The shimmery effect is the result of a magnet and special metallic polishes. Together, they push and pull the polish into a liner design that creates a unique manicure. Each fingernail varies slightly, making no two manicures alike. In short, there are tons of ways to make this trend your own. Use the technique to recreate a true cat's eye with one dramatic center line or to form a celestial sky with comet-like streaks. The possibilities are endless and even easier to create at home.

Below, get inspired by some of the coolest cat eye nails looks flooding the internet.

Pink Gradient

What makes cat eye nails fun is just how customizable they can be. While most looks use magnetized polishes, this one relies on a color gradient and a strategically placed gold line. Best of all, you don’t have to be a professional to recreate it. Simply paint your nails with varying shades of pink and then use a cuticle stick to add the shimmering stripe.

Celestial Hearts

The starry-sky effect of magnetized polish is undeniably cool. But it also lends itself to lots of intergalactic nail art. By carefully dragging the magnet in certain places, you can even create shooting stars or comet tails for good luck baked right into your manicure. If you’re feeling particularly artsy, try drawing hearts in the center with varying colors.

Poison Ivy

Emerald might be the most fun shade to try this trend with. The deep green has many underlying colors that come to light when the magnet is applied. Though creating the same line on each nail is tricky, it can be done with patience. The result is a glistening manicure that feels more like an optical illusion than a simple nail design.

Amber Glow

Brown is still one of the hottest nail color trends. If you’re looking for a new way to sport the hue, why not consider this cat eye version? The magnetic filaments of the polish are pushed to the center of the nail to give it a soft glow. It even shifts to a warm amber when the light hits it just right.

Cat Eye Rainbow

Cats are notorious for having two different eye colors. Like your feline friend, your manicure can also sport a rainbow of shades. Choose a few polishes in the same family, like these gemstone hues. This way, your nails will appear cohesive without being too matchy.

Glittery Gold

The simplest look can also be the most stunning. Here, a magnetic gold polish gives an alluring effect. This manicure could easily be mistaken for velvet nails, but the glittering color adds hypnotic depth. It’s so reminiscent of an actual cat eye that it doesn’t even need the line to draw you in.

Ombré Stripes

The cat eye look can also blend colors so seamlessly that they look almost airbrushed. A creamy nude polish provides the perfect base and allows you to get creative. Here, the greens, golds, and russets fade together like a shimmery cat eye sunset. Once you’ve placed your stripes on the nail, frame them with thin white lines to center the effect.

Indigo

You’ve probably noticed that each vibrant color in this trend has a dark side. The underlying black tones are what give the cat eye look that mysterious feel. But they also add dimension and depth to the manicure. In this bold blue set, the combination of colors has a witchy appeal that’s too good not to love.

Galaxy Green

Earth tones are spectacular for this nail trend. The color palette is already rich in dimension and depth. To recreate this manicure, look for a mix of shimmering polishes like brown, emerald, and olive. Then, layer them to deliver the final effect.

Multidimensional Monochrome

Call it the easiest nail art ever. Dress up a solid manicure with a subtle magnet streak for an instant new look. Not only does it amplify the intensity of the color, but it also increases its shine. If you really want to embrace the tonal vibe, opt for a dark polish like wine or plum.