In a constantly changing landscape nail trendsOne aesthetic choice that I don’t think will become obsolete any time soon is the reflective ending. From glazed donut nail trend He hailey bieber Recently it turned into a full-blown viral craze due to the revival of Magneto-converted velvet nail polishTrendy beauty lovers aren’t leaving the salon before turning their base colors into optical illusions. The question isn’t whether you should get an attractive set now or not, but what kind of set to get.
My fellow Who What Wear beauty editors, friends, and I have noticed a growing rise in cat-eye nails across the board. icy, frosty repetitions In winter to a softer version in spring. However, when we send each other our thoughts before we go to our upcoming salon appointments, the color we keep landing on — whether for its neutrality, wardrobe versatility, or the fact that it’s absolutely beautiful — is pink. However, celebrity manicurists Julie Kandalek There is a theory.
Why are pink cat-eye nails in trend?
It’s a known fact that Asian nail artists are always three steps ahead of the Western world – their designs are often inspiring. Manicure trends that will eventually hit American fingers six months to a year later. So when Candelec saw a sharp rise in cat-eye polish at the 2025 Tokyo Nail Expo (one of the largest nail conventions worldwide), she knew the rest of the world would eventually catch on.
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The manicurist recalls, “Every brand had entire lines of cat-eyes, in every color from subtle to vibrant, and also in multiple finishes of varying degrees of shine.” “That said, pink is and always will be ‘that girl’ — the most versatile color,” she adds. “When paired with magnetic colors, you really have a cherry-on-top nail color!” Kandalek also participated in the trend over Oscar weekend, adorning her A-list clients with rounded pink tips.
Keep scrolling for the trendy manis we’re keeping an eye on that feels a little more modern than Chrome.
10 pink cat-eye nail ideas
Fros
Pink cat-eye nails look stunning anywhere, especially on the red carpet. Kandalek recently painted Rachel McAdams’ nails pink champagne velvet juicy From The Gel Bottle for the 2026 Oscars, and I couldn’t be more excited.
icy bubblegum
Pictured above: The perfect pink manicure. Cat-eye polish adds a textural twist that can read either glassy and watery or like a high-shine shine, and this stunning ballerina slipper pink prefers the former. If you want something that still looks classic while still trying out this trend, this is the picture to show to your manicurist.
cat-eye french
micro french
If you want to take your French manicure to the next level, consider this Micro French—but with a velvety twist. This fabulous set by London Manicurist Corinna Bianca It has a nude base and ultra-thin rose gold tips, which catch the light like sun rays thanks to the cat-eye polish. Adding to my nelpo mood board immediately.
ballerina frost
Speaking of watery finishes, if you want something in the glitter nail family then this glassy pink manicure is the perfect set to ask for. The sheer, frosty polish provides a quirky, filtered light effect that adds a little intrigue to every outfit while being totally versatile.
cherry blossom
If you want to experiment Nail art, like this intricate cherry blossom design by manicurist San Sung KimMagnetic polish is the ideal background. “[It’s]the perfect base color for nail art, and every nail art look I saw in Japan had a magnetic shade as the base of the design,” says Candelec. “Because they have such a mesmerizing finish, they peek through and around nail art in a way that keeps the eye focused, and also allows for added depth and dimension.”
ornate cat-eye
While 3D nail art has been trending for years, setting the embellishments against a changing velvet backdrop makes a big difference to the look. To recreate this dimensional color, try a medium pink base with a light blushing shimmer to accentuate the embellishments. from amazon.
polka-dot studded
yes, i’m still obsessed Polka-dot nails, and so are most nail lovers. If Dizzy Dots seem too retro for you, try this metallic version on a pink cat-eye base – it’s interesting in texture and instantly cool.
striped velvet
Nail art fans will be happy to know that they can also embrace eye-catching patterns — yes, thick candy stripes and starbursts — with cat-eye polish. To really go further, try incorporating these varying polishes into small accents, like the deep pink polish in this patterned manicure. It makes the look more attractive.
velvety peach
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a classic nude-pink set, and this one looks extra chic with a light-reflecting magnetic finish.
shop the trend
beetle cars
Gel Nail Polish in Blossom Whisper Pink
This budget-friendly alternative to beetles also comes with a magnetic stick.
olive and june
Instant Mani Press-On Nails in World Lit Velvet
These press-ons are a great option for a full cat-eye manicure in less than 10 minutes.
KBShimmer
Nail Polish in Stop and Smell the Roses
Candelac recommends this shine polish as an alternative to salon gel.
glamnetic
Premium Press-On Nail Kit in Shine for You
A mid-priced option that offers longer wear time, a thicker texture, and more reliable shifts.
GelBottle Inc.
Magnetic Gel Color in Lush
The exact shade of Candelec was used on McAdams this spring.
Kiss
Glam Embellished Press-On Nails in Pink Sugar
I’m crazy about this adorable set of scattered hearts.
OPI
Express/On Special Effects Press-On Nails in Editor in Chic
The perfect set of fake nails for anyone who wants a “watery” cat-eye look.
GelBottle Inc,
Gel Polish in Cheerleader Cat-Eye
A tart reinterpretation of Candelac’s peach color was called for.
cocoist
Water Magnet in Beet Water #29
One of the most beautiful filtered-light magnetic nail polishes from Kandalek’s list of recommendations.
Kim used the same charms to create her embellished pink nails.
sheglam
Blooming Nails Cuticle Oil-Pink 8ml
No manicure is complete without a healthy dose of cuticle oil.
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