Cat Eye Nails Are The Only Manicure We're Wearing This Winter

This glittering gel manicure is about to be everywhere this Christmas.

The countdown to Christmas almost is upon us, as is the season of frantically pinning beauty inspiration for our annual festive parties. The one manicure trend sitting front row for winter 2024? Cat eye nails. Most commonly used by Korean and Japanese nail technicians, the cat eye nail trend is a magnetic-style gel manicure that has a three-dimensional, shimmering effect not too dissimilar to the appearance of the internet's favourite velvet nails. no wipe top coat

So, whether you've got an appointment booked ahead for a classic set of red tips, or you're browsing for a modern twist on your barely-there nude manicure, these are the best cat eye nail looks to take to your next salon trip.

'Cat eye nails are the latest magnetic nail trend taking the beauty world by storm. The look mimics the glimmering slit of a cat's eye, thanks to the gel polish formulation, containing magnetic particles,' explains Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle. 'When a magnet is hovered over the uncured gel polish, it pulls these particles into a stunning, light-catching pattern, giving your nails a unique 3D shimmer that shifts with every movement.'

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Kalnina explains that the result is a bold, eye-catching manicure that’s both edgy and elegant, and a perfect way to upgrade your winter nails. 'Recently spotted on Hailey Bieber, cat eye nails are set to become even more popular,' she added.

The cat eye nail trend might appear complex, but it's actually far easier to replicate than it looks. All you need are the right tools.

'This winter, cat eye nails are all about embracing jewel-tones, shimmering metallic, and luxurious layers and textures, that catch the light just right,' says Kalnina. 'With Hailey Bieber showcasing this trend and the influence of Korean beauty, cat eye nails are set to be the must-have manicure this winter.'

Here are the gold tier trends to note for the upcoming winter season:

• Jewel-Toned Drama: Rich and opulent shades like TheGelBottle Belgravia, Duchess, and West-End are trending, adding a luxurious twist to the classic cat eye effect.

• Shimmering Metallics: Already a huge hit in Korean beauty, expect a surge in metallic neutrals that bring understated glamour — think reflective silver, and reactive holographic shades such as TGB’s Extra and Rumour.

• Mixing Matte and Shine: Combining matte and glossy textures in one design with our Matte and Extreme Shine top coats adds depth and visual interest, making the 3D cat eye effect even more captivating.

• Minimalist Details: Simple, chic cat eye accents, like a French tip, are gaining popularity for those who want a sophisticated, modern look—especially on shorter nails.

A cat eye manicure can be perfectly complimented by any other neutral animal-inspired design; just take note of this tortoiseshell pairing.

This twinkling manicure is the perfect cat-eyed take on Hailey Bieber's coveted maple glaze tips.

This cool-toned fir shade is one whimsical example of how jewel-toned hues are about to be rife this winter.

These pretty, shimmering tips are feminine, playful and effortlessly chic - not to mention, an evergreen failsafe for every season.

This amber-meets-green shade is a true cat eye nail colour. Sophisticate tips inspired by our furry friends? Sign us up.

If this year's most popular nail trends have taught us anything, it's that we can't resist a manicure inspired by foamy, warming beverages.

This naturally flushed tone proves that a natural manicure needn't be boring. Add this one to your winter bride's nail inspiration.

A soft, baby pink will always be pretty, as this shifting cat eye manicure will confirm.

One of the key benefits of the cat eye nail trend is that the three-dimensional design looks elegant no matter your nail shape or length.

Whether you're a super fan of a burgundy shade or always opt for a letterbox red for Christmas, this additional layer of shimmer looks so classic with a crimson tint.

Nothing looks more expensive, nor as chic, as a shimmering golden nail design, and what better to enhance it than an extra layer of sparkle.

If you're torn between delicate shades for a Korean-inspired set of tips, try alternating pastel shades across your nails.

If you're London-bound, head to Nails by Annie Marylebone to get a set of these glittering tips inspired by the night sky.

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Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.

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