Gel polish “Cat's eye” and its features
The range of these gel polishes is quite wide, so you can use a varied color palette to create this elegant design.
The main advantage of this manicure is that the technique of its execution is as simple as possible. And therefore, you can cope with this task even at home, without visiting a specialist in a beauty salon. You just need to find a video of creating a cat's eye with a magnet to study the technology thoroughly.
Despite the simplicity of the technology, the finished nail art looks impressive. Because its distinctive characteristic is the presence of a light glare. If you look at this highlight from different angles, it will also move.
This is an important design feature, which was achieved due to the fact that these gel polishes must necessarily contain metal particles.
Of course, just these particles contained in the composition are not enough to create such an amazing effect. To achieve this, you need to use a magnet. It is with its help that you can “collect” these smallest particles into a bizarre pattern.
Each such pattern is unique. It is impossible to repeat it. Craftsmen who have become accustomed to working with a magnet can even create more interesting patterns using this device. For example, waves and spheres.
The most common mistake many novice craftsmen make is using a regular magnet. Because they believe that with its help they will be able to work in this technique, creating a cat-eye manicure.
However, a regular magnet will not work here at all. You need to purchase a special cat eye magnet for polish in the store, which is usually sold complete with such gel polishes. It can also be ordered separately.
It is noteworthy that a few years earlier, when creating a cat's eye manicure, masters preferred to use exclusively a highlight of one color, which was the leading one.
But fashion is fickle, and technology is constantly evolving. And that’s why today you can find gel polishes on sale that can be used to create several highlights of different colors. They are more suitable for creating such a complex design as a chameleon.
Applying cat eye manicure
To create a cat eye cover, you need to do the following:
- Prepare the nail plate. First you need to completely remove the old varnish, then polish the nail, apply a thin layer of primer;
- Apply gel polish for the base. It doesn't have to be magnetic varnish. The base helps to create interesting designs on the nail;
HELP: Experts advise using dark gel polish for the base. Thanks to the dark pigment, magnetic patterns are clearer.
- Apply magnetic varnish;
IMPORTANT: In order to “wake up” the metal particles, the gel polish must be shaken by rolling in your palms before use. Do not shake under any circumstances.
- Create a drawing using a magnet;
- Apply sealer.
The design on the nails is created using a magnet
Applying a fixer is an important step when creating a cat eye manicure. The design tends to dissipate over time, but thanks to the fixative it will last longer. To make a cat-eye manicure last longer, it is best for its owner to do housework with gloves on, try not to scratch the surface with the nail, and avoid getting acetone on it. In addition, in the first days after applying gel polish, try to avoid getting hot water or steam on your nails.
Gel polish “Cat's eye”: how to choose the right magnet?
Usually, when purchasing varnishes, buyers pay attention only to their quality. And it is right. But, if you plan to create just such a design, then it is important not only to buy high-quality gel polish, but also to choose the right magnet, without which you simply won’t be able to work.
On store shelves you can find several magnets that differ in shape. And each form has its own advantages.
Rectangular magnet
The product in the form of a bar is suitable for creating straight lines. With its help you can make a classic and reverse French. The photo of the cat eye magnet shows just such a design. Some models are equipped with patterns. This makes creating nail art much easier.
But even with a simple rectangular magnet, you can create patterns such as zigzags and stars. On sale you can find magnets equipped with a handle. They are ideal for beginners.
What you need to know about magnets
The first thing you need to know in order to create a cat eye manicure with gel polish is that there must be a magnet specifically for the gel polish and specifically to create the cat eye effect. This means that neither a regular magnet nor a magnet for regular varnish will fit into it.
A certain magnet only fits a certain gel polish
Some other points can be highlighted:
- You can use magnets for gel polish from different manufacturers. Manufacturers themselves, in order to increase sales, tend to say that the effect is only possible when using a magnet from their production, but this is not so;
- Magnets come in different types. There are magnets in the form of a ballpoint pen, magnets in the form of a bar or in the form of a bar on a holder, and a round magnet for gel polish. Also, magnets from some manufacturers are sold already with a pattern;
- The drawing is best done immediately after applying the coating, that is, before the nails are placed in the lamp for polymerization. It will take more than 10 seconds for the drawing to develop;
The magnet must be used immediately on a wet surface.
- To develop the design, the magnet must be located at a distance of 5 mm above the nail. It is prohibited to apply a magnet to the nail plate;
- Magnetic gel polishes from different manufacturers react differently to the magnet: some leave a clearer pattern, some take longer to react to the magnet. Therefore, before starting to use a magnet on someone’s hand, it is best for the master to look at the principle of operation of the varnish on the tip;
- The magnetic pattern is easy to adjust on a fresh coating. As the magnet moves, the pattern also changes.
Magnetic pens
This device will help create the thinnest lines possible. To obtain a pattern, you just need to hold the pen so that it is perpendicular to the surface. You should work slowly, without rushing. This is important to ensure that the drawing is as clear as possible.
Of course, if the master plans to create different designs, then it is best to purchase all of the above types of magnets.
Rules for applying gel polish using the “Cat Eye” technique
When wondering how to make a cat's eye with a magnet, for some reason some craftsmen completely forget about one important detail that cannot be ignored.
If you are performing a classic manicure, for example, with a single-color coating, then each layer must be dried in a lamp. But not if the master plans to work in this technique. Because drying is not needed here. At least until the finishing coat is applied.
Otherwise, it will not be possible to distribute the particles over the coating. Otherwise, there are no special differences. As you can see, the application technique itself is quite simple.
You just need to gain experience and get used to working with a magnet. And then creating fancy patterns will not be a problem. The only important thing is to understand how to use a cat eye magnet.
How to use magnetic varnish: application diagram
Magnetic manicure requires perseverance, accuracy and a steady hand. You will have to spend more time creating it than a regular coating, but the result will please you for at least a week. First you need to carefully process the plates. An unusual manicure attracts increased attention to your hands, so your nails should look flawless.
Using a special liquid or gel, you can remove dead skin, then you need to shape the cuticle into a neat semicircle using an orange wood stick. The length of the nails is straightened with nippers, manicure scissors or a coarse file. The wavy or uneven surface of the nails should be sanded with a special stone until it is perfectly smooth.
Then the plates are wiped with a degreaser or nail polish remover and covered with a thin layer of a protective base. For uneven nails, a smoothing base with silk fibers is suitable; for too thin nails, you can choose a strengthening option with calcium. The better the plates are prepared, the neater the magnetic pattern will look.
In order for the metal particles in the varnish to be evenly distributed, you need to turn the bottle over and rub it between your palms for a couple of minutes. Do not shake the bottle, otherwise bubbles may appear in it. It is better to start painting your nails with the little finger of your left hand. Dip the brush into the bottle so that there is enough varnish on it, but the excess does not flow off.
Place the brush in the middle of the plate, then gently push it towards the cuticle, outlining the base of the nail. After this, brush the brush to the tip, making sure that the sides of the nail are parallel and the polish does not flow onto your fingers. Finally, lightly drag the tip of the brush along the end of the nail, sealing it. This will make the manicure look complete.
The application of magnetic varnish differs from conventional enamels. It cannot be applied in two layers, otherwise the design may not appear. Having applied the coating to one plate, you should immediately begin to design the pattern. You can’t hesitate, the design can only be created on freshly applied varnish. Take a magnet and hold it as close to your nail as possible, being careful not to smudge the polish.
Advice from professionals
To make the pattern not only clear, but also stand out brightly, it is best to use dark-colored gel polish as a background. It could even be black gel polish. No need to worry about this making your manicure look gloomy. Because the background will be almost invisible.
Before using gel polish, the bottle must be rolled in your palms. Over time, metal particles settle to the bottom, so you won’t be able to do this without a little shaking. But you can’t shake the bottle in your hands.
The magnet should be stored separately from the gel polish to avoid demagnetization of the metal particles in it.
When working, the magnet must be brought as close to the surface of the nail as possible. But it is important to ensure that he does not come into contact with her under any circumstances. Otherwise, the manicure will be ruined. For the same reason, it is important to remember how to apply cat eye gel with a magnet.
The magnet can be applied vertically and horizontally. This will help create a fancy pattern. Therefore, you should immediately abandon the idea of applying it, for example, exclusively diagonally.
Magnetic nail polishes: features and options
There are varnishes of different colors on sale. Most coatings have complex shades: grayish blue, violet, blue, mauve, swamp green, dark bronze and gold. The depth of color is achieved by adding metal particles. Under the influence of a magnet, particles are distributed over the surface, creating a specific pattern.
The varnishes are quite dense, even applied in one layer they give a beautiful opaque coating. Magnetic varnishes are highly durable, do not require a protective topcoat, and provide a deep and rich shade. At the same time, they are easily removed with any nail polish remover, without leaving streaks or streaks.
Usually the varnish is sold complete with a magnet. But sometimes a magnet can be purchased separately. It may resemble a small plate or be a small structure with a platform on which a finger is placed. The latter option is especially convenient for beginners; it allows you to make a clear pattern without smearing the coating. The magnet is reusable and can be used with any varnish in this category, regardless of brand and shade. But this device does not work on ordinary enamels and metallics.
Varnishes with a metallic effect look especially beautiful on long and semi-long nails. It is these plates that demonstrate the magnetic pattern in all its glory. Using a drawing you can visually change the shape of your nails. For example, vertical stripes will lengthen and narrow them, while horizontal stripes, on the contrary, will make them shorter and wider. A zigzag pattern will give a beautiful shape to flat nails, making them more graceful.
When choosing a varnish, consider its shade. Very dark tones in the bluish-blue range suit pale hands, giving them an aristocratic sophistication, warm golden brown and green shades are in perfect harmony with a tan. The black and gray color scheme can be considered universal; it suits almost everyone.
