How to do a cat manicure

Recently, the manicured fingers of fashion models imitating natural stones of a wide variety of rocks have begun to appear very often on world catwalks. The simplest way to achieve such a fashionable manicure is to imitate a tsimofan stone or, in simple terms, a “cat’s eye”, with a mesmerizing narrow glare that seems to be following you as you turn the stone.

Interestingly, when the ancient masters achieved this effect by processing the yellow-green chrysoberyl stone, people were afraid to make jewelry from the “cat’s eye” and called it the “devil’s stone.” But word of its magical properties spread very quickly, and the stone became the most sought-after amulet and talisman among all kinds of shamans and sorcerers.

And when at the end of the 19th century, absolutely not believing in any superstitions, the British Prince Arthur gave a ring with a large “cat’s eye” to his bride Louise Margaret of Prussia, such jewelry began to be considered a sign of wealth and nobility, noble ladies began to order combs, earrings and other trinkets with this stone, supposedly protecting its owner from the evil eye and damage.

Cat manicure polish

Varnishes with metallic particles - and this is exactly the kind of varnish that is used for cat manicures - appeared a few years ago and at first were not as popular as they are today.

In addition to this varnish, you will need a special magnetic spatula, which is sometimes sold as a kit. For one varnish, you can purchase several different spatulas, with the help of which metal particles will form a variety of three-dimensional patterns: from simple geometric lines to stars and hearts. For a “cat’s eye” you need a spatula with a straight, vertical magnet.

As soon as fashionistas “tried” this design, manufacturers wasted no time in creating a rich palette of color choices. Therefore, your “cat’s eye” can be not only natural shades, but also original, unusually bright, and even acidic, like cats from cartoons and comics.

Gel for cat manicure

For ardent lovers of “cat” manicure, nail salons offer long-term coating with this effect - shellac or gel polish.

Such nails will be more glossy, and their surface will be smoother, so the effect will be even more natural than when applying regular magnetic varnish. When you turn your hand in the sunlight, your nails will sparkle as if they were alive.

In addition, having had such a manicure done by a professional master, you can enjoy this effect for quite a long time - up to 3 weeks, or even longer, until your natural nails grow long enough.

Technology of applying cat manicure

1. Like any other manicure, a cat eye begins with the treatment of natural nails and preparation for applying the coating. These steps are described in detail in this article.
2. Shake the bottle of magnetic varnish well - the metal particles are quite heavy and tend to settle to the bottom, in which case you risk getting a fuzzy, almost imperceptible pattern.
3. Apply magnetic polish in an even layer as usual. If necessary, let it dry and apply a second coat. By the way, using black varnish as the first layer, the effect will be deeper and more saturated, closer to 3D volume.
4. Without waiting for it to dry, bring the magnet with the selected effect to the nail and hold it, without moving, over the surface of the nail for 10-15 seconds. To ensure the same effect on all fingers, hold the spatula for the same amount of time over each nail, trying to maintain the same distance and angle.
5. If it is gel polish, then dry the layer in an ultraviolet lamp; if it is regular nail polish, then wait for it to dry completely.
6. Secure the result with clear nail polish or top coat if you applied gel polish (or shellac) and enjoy the effect!

Cat eye manicure: design and photo

We offer you various designs and shades of magnetic manicure. You can use these ideas or combine them and create something new and completely unique. One of the advantages of this manicure is that it looks perfect on both long and short nails of any shape. In addition, the “cat” manicure is good in itself and does not require any additional decorations. Very rarely, rhinestones or something similar are added to such a coating, usually only if the client herself requests it.

With just one magnetic polish and one spatula, you can create many different effects. For example, holding a magnetic spatula not straight, as it should be, but turning it over, or placing it sideways, or even diagonally. Try using an ordinary magnet, for example from refrigerator magnets, - the result will definitely be unique and inimitable, because the stronger the attraction of the magnet on the magnetic spatula, the clearer the pattern on the nail will be. By the way, the price of such spatulas often depends on this.