Cat Eye Gel Polish Ireland: The Complete Guide to Magnetic Nails

• Posted on 20 October 2026
• By Louisa Flanagan
• 0

Everything about cat eye gel polish: how to apply it, which magnet to use and the best shades from Magpie, The Manicure Company and DNKa. Shop in Ireland.

Cat eye gel polish is one of the most requested nail looks in Irish salons right now. One magnet turns a single coat of gel into a shimmering band of light that moves as the hand moves, and no two sets look the same.

At NSI Hair Nail & Beauty we stock cat eye and magnetic gel polish from three leading brands: Magpie, The Manicure Company and DNKa, plus the magnets and top coats you need to finish the look. This guide covers what cat eye gel polish is, how to apply it step by step, the shades worth knowing and how to fix the most common problems.

What is cat eye gel polish?

Cat eye gel polish is a gel polish filled with tiny magnetic particles. When you hold a magnet over the wet gel, the particles gather into a bright line or band of shimmer that looks like light reflecting off a cat's eye. Curing the gel locks the pattern in place.

It is also sold as magnetic gel polish. The two names mean the same thing. The Manicure Company calls its range Magnetic Gel Polish, while Magpie and DNKa call theirs Cat Eye.

Because the effect depends on where and how long you hold the magnet, one bottle can create several looks:

• Classic cat eye: a single sharp line of shimmer across the nail.
• Velvet nails: the shimmer spread softly over the whole nail for a plush, satin finish.
• French cat eye: the shimmer pulled to the tip for a modern French.
• Shaped designs: hearts, butterflies and other patterns made with shaped magnets.

How to apply cat eye gel polish, step by step

Cat eye is quick once you know the timing. Always follow the instructions for the brand you are using, including cure times for your lamp.

1. Prep the nail as you would for any gel manicure: push back the cuticle, buff off the shine and cleanse.
2. Apply base coat and cure.
3. Add a dark colour underneath (optional). A black or dark gel under the cat eye makes the shimmer stand out more. Cure.
4. Mix the cat eye polish. The magnetic particles settle, so roll the bottle between your hands before use.
5. Apply a thin, even coat of cat eye gel polish. Work one nail at a time.
6. Hold the magnet close to the nail without touching it for a few seconds until the line forms. Move it to change the effect: hold still for a sharp line, or sweep it over the nail for a velvet look.
7. Cure straight away, before the particles drift.
8. Repeat with a second coat and the magnet for a deeper effect, then cure.
9. Finish with top coat and cure. A matte or satin top coat gives a soft velvet finish, while a glossy top coat makes the shine pop.

New to gel, or want to get faster at nail art? Our nail courses cover gel application in our training school, with hands-on support from our educators.

The best cat eye gel polish brands in Ireland

We stock three cat eye ranges, each with its own magnets. Here is how they compare.

Magpie is the go-to for variety. With more than 25 named cat eye shades and a dedicated cat eye top coat, it suits salons that want a full cat eye menu.

The Manicure Company keeps it simple: 12 magnetic shades and one 5 in 1 tool that covers most effects, ideal if you are adding cat eye to your services for the first time.

DNKa is built around collections, so you can stock a full themed set. Its shaped magnets make it easy to offer butterfly and ring designs as an add-on.

Cat eye looks clients are asking for

• Velvet nails. Sweep the magnet across the whole nail for an all-over glow, then finish with a matte or satin top coat. It's one of the most requested cat eye looks.
• Pink cat eye. A soft pink shimmer works for every age and occasion. Try Magpie Purrfect Pink or The Manicure Company Pink Opal.
• Dark and moody. Deep shades such as Magpie Night Prowl or The Manicure Company Blacklight give the strongest contrast for autumn and winter.
• Cat eye French. Use a French magnet to pull the shimmer to the tip for a twist on the classic French manicure.
• Cat eye over builder gel. Apply cat eye over a builder gel or BIAB base for strength and shine in one appointment.
• Shaped designs. Hearts, butterflies and rings from shaped magnets make an easy nail art add-on.

Cat eye gel polish FAQs

What is cat eye nail polish?

Cat eye nail polish is a gel polish containing magnetic particles. A magnet held over the wet polish gathers them into a band of shimmer, which is then locked in by curing under a UV/LED lamp.

Is cat eye the same as magnetic gel polish?

Yes. Both names describe gel polish with magnetic particles. Magpie and DNKa call it cat eye, and The Manicure Company calls it magnetic gel polish.

Do I need a special magnet for cat eye nails?

Yes, you need a cat eye magnet. A basic magnet makes the classic line, while shaped magnets create French tips, hearts, butterflies and rings. We stock magnets from Magpie, The Manicure Company and DNKa.

Why is my cat eye effect not showing?

The most common reasons are a coat that's too thick, holding the magnet too far from the nail or too briefly, or waiting too long before curing. Roll the bottle to mix the particles, apply a thin coat, hold the magnet close and cure straight away.

Can you put cat eye gel polish over builder gel or BIAB?

Yes. Apply and cure your builder gel as normal, then apply cat eye on top, followed by top coat.

How long does cat eye gel polish last?

Cat eye gel polish lasts as long as a standard gel manicure when applied over proper prep and base coat. Results depend on the client's nails and the products used.

Where can I buy cat eye gel polish in Ireland?

You can buy cat eye and magnetic gel polish from Magpie, The Manicure Company and DNKa at nailandbeauty.ie, with delivery across Ireland.

Shop cat eye gel polish at NSI Hair Nail & Beauty

Whether you're adding cat eye to your salon menu or building your shade wall, we have the polishes, magnets and top coats in one place. Browse the full ranges from Magpie, The Manicure Company and DNKa, or search "cat eye" on our website to see every shade together.

Want to master gel and nail art with expert support? Take a look at our nail courses.