Options for applying a “cat”s eye”, what 3D gel polishes and pigments are and how to work with them

The "cat’s eye" look could be the perfect addition to your manicure if you want to add a little magic to it. With the help of this captivating technique, light is captured in a way that makes your nails really stand out. The result is a gorgeous, shifting shimmer that resembles a cat’s eye. At home or in a salon, you can effortlessly achieve this stunning look with the correct products and a little knowledge.

Although the cat’s eye effect can be applied in a few different ways, using 3D gel polishes and pigments is essential to getting the ideal result. Regular polishes simply cannot match the depth and shine that these specialty products are intended to produce. With their thicker consistency and frequent inclusion of microscopic magnetic particles that react to magnets, 3D gel polishes let you control light reflection and produce the illusion of a cat’s eye.

There are a few easy steps involved in using these products. A base coat is applied first, and then the 3D gel polish. You can direct the magnetic particles into the appropriate pattern by using a magnet. You will apply a top coat to add a glossy finish and seal the effect after curing under an LED or UV lamp. When you master the cat’s eye technique, your nails will look professional and eye-catching, regardless of whether you go for a subtle shimmer or a bold, dramatic look.

What is a cat"s eye

This name refers to a gel polish that mimics the look of a chrysoberyl, or "cat’s eye" stone. A long light glare that shifts across the surface at various viewing angles is its unique feature.

The name of the stone and the nail design effect come from the fact that it resembles a cat’s eye. In comparison to the rest of the nail, the light glare’s color is also the most saturated.

In the past, the coating had a single, prominent color. A magnet was used to draw the light strip the full width or length of the nail. Current gel polish formulations combine multiple color shades to create a chameleon-like effect when applied with a magnet.

Also, because of the volume that can be achieved with its assistance in manicure, cat’s eye gel polish has gained a new definition: 3D.

The ways in which patterns and designs can be applied with magnets have multiplied. Once it was just a long, shimmering strip of light, you can now draw waves, spheres, flowers, stars, and other graphics with the aid of multiple magnets in various sizes and shapes.

Types of gel polishes with a volume effect

Deeply colored highlights on a dark base produce volume. Magnet experiments enable the placement of shimmering stripes in diagonal, vertical, and horizontal orientations as well as the drawing of patterns and spheres.

The depth and saturation of highlights in 3D gel polish give the material a volume effect. They can be produced by a surface that is flawlessly smooth and self-leveling as well as by the addition of shiny particles that scatter light at various angles and add the required volume. Cat’s eye is the most widely used color of 3D gel polish. There are one or two highlight shades included.

Additional textures can be used to create the 3D effect as well:

• Cat"s eye gel polish
• Cat"s eye pigments
• Cat"s eye gel polish with chameleon effect. Can be applied only to a black base to achieve the desired effect;
• Cat"s eye top coat. It can be applied to any color base;
• Classic gel polish with a 3D effect of pronounced highlights.

A review of cat’s eye-effect magnetic gel polishes:

Cat"s eye pigments to create a volumetric effect

It is possible to create a volumetric effect without the use of a special varnish, but only with the aid of a pigment known as "cat’s eye."

This enables you to add more volume to designs using pre-existing gel paint or polish shades by using a metallic pigment that a magnet forms into a highlight.

You can use the pigment as a 3D gel polish on a dark base by mixing it with a base, top, regular gel polish, and gel paint. Some masters use a thin brush to apply loose cat’s eye pigment to a layer of gel polish, mix it in, and then use a magnet to draw highlights. Time is saved and different pigments can be proportionately applied to different areas of the plate surface thanks to this material mixing on the nail surface. We blend a few different highlight options into a single nail art.

Knowing how to use 3D gel polishes and pigments and apply "cat’s eye" polish on your nails can make all the difference if you want to give them a glamorous look. Using a magnetic tool, "cat’s eye" polish produces an amazing shifting effect, and 3D gel polishes and pigments add depth and dimension to your nail art to make it even more impressive. This post will simplify the process of mastering these fascinating nail trends by breaking down the best methods for accomplishing these looks, including the supplies you’ll need and the procedures for a perfect application.

Magnets for the cat"s eye effect

You can get different options for highlights in your nail design depending on the magnet you select. The "cat" stripe is wider the larger the tool’s area. Slim magnets produce clean, thin stripes.

With this tool, you can also select different options based on shape. Typically, the set comes with a medium-sized, three-centimeter rectangular magnet. Drawing streamlined patterns, waves, spheres, and semicircles is made possible with the round one. If your set comes with multiple options for 3D cat’s eye varnish, make sure to purchase magnets in various sizes and shapes. The following categories comprise them:

1. Rectangular;
2. Round;
3. Dotted magnetic pen;
4. Magnetic pen with 3-5 dots in a row at the end;
5. Magnetic pen with balls on the end (for drawing flowers).

Life tips from seasoned artisans: use the magnets you already own instead of purchasing new ones. Choices:

• You can get magnets from old headphones;
• Remove them from the refrigerator and remove the stickers, leaving only the base for ease of use;
• A double magnet can be made by placing two round or small rectangular magnets on a pusher or any flat metal tool. Then you can move them or move them apart at different distances, changing the pattern of the 3D varnish;
• Use the intercom key;
• Round small magnet balls from a children"s construction set, placed in a row, make it possible to draw thin stripes around the entire perimeter of the nail, or a “snake” pattern;
• A pen from a children"s magnetic drawing board is used to create thin lines and monograms.

Additionally, you can combine two to four round, ball, or rectangular magnets to create new nail art effects. For instance, rectangular ones allow you to draw stars with varying numbers of edges because they are joined together with "sticky" sides, either end to end or at a right angle if there are four pieces. To free your hands, "plant" the small magnets on a metal base.

If you only have two tiny, thin magnets, you can join them by affixing the tips to separate sides of a leg. The leg functions as a handle for the wider magnet, producing a wider glare strip.

Base for cat eye gel polishes

Metallic colored particles can be added to a transparent, colored, or translucent base to create gel polish with a volumetric effect. Applying a dark base is advised to create a more intense and saturated effect. Some brands have colored bases that are so dense that they don’t need bases. It is preferable to use classic black or another dark shade that complements the glitter varnish’s color scheme for translucent or transparent options.

A ready-made set with a black base coat, a 3D cat’s eye base coat, and a transparent top coat is readily available in professional lines. Depending on the price, the same set may come with one or more different kinds of magnets.

If the base coat isn’t black, the three-dimensional effect won’t be very noticeable. Even with a light base coat, a volumetric highlight is produced in the case of a top coat. Any background color can be used with this material, and it will still produce the desired highlight.

Brands of gel polishes with a volumetric effect

Klio Professional cat"s eye – has a dense texture, fits well. In options with a dark base, does not require a base coat.

Cat’s eye effect gel polishes are found in almost every professional series. Applying the coating should be done according to the instructions; some brands may have slightly different directions.

How to apply gel polish with a cat"s eye effect

1. Prepare your nails for applying varnish, do a trim or hardware manicure;
2. Degrease the surface of the nail plates and cover them with a self-leveling base. Dry in a lamp;
3. Apply black gel polish in one layer as a base, dry in a lamp;
4. Apply gel polish with a cat"s eye effect, and use a magnet to draw highlights or patterns;
5. When the drawing is ready, dry in a lamp;
6. Cover your nails with a top coat with or without a sticky layer, dry in a lamp and remove the dispersion if necessary.

Before polymerizing under a lamp, you can try again if the initial application did not yield the desired design or cat’s eye effect.

3D gel polishes and pigments are revolutionary for creating amazing "cat’s eye" effects and nail designs. These choices provide an abundance of artistic opportunities to take your manicure and pedicure to a whole new level. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a professional nail artist, knowing how to use these products can produce stunning, eye-catching results.

For those who want to add a little magic to their nails, the "cat’s eye" effect is a popular choice because of its captivating change in color and light. You can achieve a distinctive, shifting look that catches the light in the most alluring way by using magnetic gel polish. Working quickly with the magnet and making sure the gel is properly cured are the keys to mastering this effect.

Another level of creativity and excitement is provided by 3D gel polishes and pigments. 3D gel polishes give your nails a three-dimensional appearance by adding depth and texture. Pigments, on the other hand, can be used to produce unique, vivid colors and finishes. Playing around with these materials can produce amazing designs, ranging from delicate shimmers to vivid, strong colors.

Although using these products might seem difficult at first, you’ll get the hang of it with time. Use the appropriate resources and methods, and don’t be scared to try different things until you find what works best for you. You’ll get better at doing those unique nail looks that are sure to draw attention the more you practice.

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