Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cat eye nails last?
Cat eye nails made with gel polish last 2-3 weeks with proper prep and a sealed top coat, while regular magnetic polish fades in about a week. Lavis Cat Eye is a HEMA-free magnetic gel, so it holds the full 2-3 week range when cured under a 48W+ LED lamp.
Are cat eye nails dip or gel?
Cat eye nails are most commonly gel. A magnetic gel with iron particles is applied, a magnet pulls the particles into a shimmering stripe, then it cures under LED. A dip-powder version exists but still needs a magnetic gel layer and gel top coat to show the effect.
What is a cat eye French manicure?
A cat eye French manicure is a French tip painted with magnetic cat eye gel instead of plain color. A magnet is held over the wet tip to form a reflective slit of light, then cured. It pairs a classic French shape with a metallic, light-shifting tip.
What is the cat eye effect on nails?
The cat eye effect is a 3D band of shifting light across the nail, created when a magnet aligns fine iron particles in magnetic gel before curing. The shimmer moves with the light and angle, like a cat's-eye gem. Lavis offers it in 240+ shades across CE1-CE16.
Do I need a magnet for cat eye gel polish?
Yes. Cat eye gel needs a strong neodymium cat-eye magnet (around 1500-2500 gauss) held 2-3mm above the wet second coat for 8-10 seconds before curing. Fridge magnets are too weak. The magnet shape (bar, diagonal, double) controls the stripe pattern.
Is Lavis Cat Eye gel HEMA-free?
Yes. Lavis Cat Eye is formulated HEMA-free and TPO-free, made in California with CA Prop 65 compliance, so it is gentler on sensitive nail beds for daily salon and home use while still delivering up to 21-day chip-resistant wear.
