Cat eye & velvet nails: what’s the difference & how are they created?

2025 has seen the rise of textured nail finishes, with cat eye and velvet nail looks dominating salon styles. But what is the difference between the two seemingly similar designs, and how can they be created?

Cat eye and velvet nails boast a lot of similarities, including products used and general aesthetic. However, there is one main difference between the styles.

Cat eye nail looks have a single, sharply focused line of metallic pigment that reflects light, whereas velvet nails employ magnetic dispersion more evenly, to produce a diffused, almost fuzzy finish with an overall shimmer.

Cat eye creations

To create a cat eye look, nail professionals need two things (as well as nail essentials like a base and top coat): magnetic gel polish and a magnet.

Once the gel polish is applied, hold a magnet close to the uncured product to direct the metallic pigments to a certain area of the nail. Keep the magnet in place for about three seconds before curing. Different magnet angles and techniques will produce a variety of results.

The distinctive line of reflection, akin to a cat’s pupil shape, is what makes this nail design unique.

View our gallery of cat eye nail products to help you nail the trend here.

Velvet vibes

Similarly, velvet nails require base coat, top coat, plus magnetic gel polish and a magnet. However, the aim with this style is to diffuse the magnetic particles over the whole nail, to create an all-over reflective texture.

To do this, nail techs should hold the magnet parallel to the nail (not too close) and move it back and forth until the particles are evenly displaced. Cure once happy with the placement.

Check out our roundup of velvet nail inspo here.

Top tip

To increase the intensity of both cat eye and velvet nail looks, add a second layer of magnetic gel polish after the first and repeat the same steps.