Mastering the Magnet: How to Create the Viral "Velvet" Nail Look

If you have been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you have definitely seen the "Velvet Nail." It shimmers like crushed velvet fabric, changing color every time you move your hand. It looks expensive, complex, and impossible to DIY.

But here is the secret: It is actually one of the easiest nail art techniques to master.

The magic isn't in your painting skills—it’s in the science. Using "Cat Eye" or Magnetic Gels (like the world-famous ICEGEL), you can manipulate metal particles inside the polish to create crisp lines, galaxy swirls, or that soft, all-over velvet glow.

At Nashly Nails, we carry the strongest magnets and the most pigmented magnetic gels in the industry. Here is how to master the magnet and get that high-definition 3D effect.

It is important to note that the type of cat eye matters. If you want something that is extra velvety then get something from ICEGEL's mist cat eye lines.

How It Works

Magnetic gel polish contains tiny microscopic metal shavings. When the gel is wet, these shavings are free to float. When you bring a magnet near them, they react.

• Repel: Pushing the magnet effectively "pushes" the dark particles away, bringing the silver/shimmer particles to the surface.

• Attract: Pulling the magnet gathers the particles into a tight line.

> Pro Tip: Time is of the essence. As soon as you move the magnet away, gravity starts pulling the particles back down. You must cure immediately after finding your design!

What You Need

1. Magnetic Gel Polish: Not all gels are created equal. We recommend ICEGEL because their formula contains high-density pigments that react instantly to magnets.

2. The Magnet: You need a specialized nail art magnet.

   • Rectangular Bar: Best for the classic "Slash" line.

   • Cylindrical (Round) Magnet: Best for the "Velvet" and "S-Curve" looks.

3. Black Base Gel (Optional): Many cat eye gels pop 10x more if you layer them over a black or dark base. Luckily ICEGEL works without a black base color.

Check out the Mist Star Galaxy Cat Eye for the perfect velvet and get a Magnet for cat eye polish

The Viral "Velvet" Effect (All-Over Shimmer)

This is the look everyone wants right now. It eliminates the dark "black" spots and pulls all the shimmer to the top, making the nail look like a glowing gemstone.

The Technique: "The Push"

1. Prep & Structure: Apply your base and structure gel. What is a Structured Gel Manicure?

2. Apply Polish: Apply a generous coat of Magnetic Gel. Do not cure.

3. Side 1: Hold the magnet parallel to the left side of the nail (about 1cm away). Slowly move it upward. You will see the shimmer "run" away from the magnet toward the center.

4. Side 2: Do the same on the right side.

5. Top: Hold the magnet near the cuticle and push the shimmer down toward the tip.

6. The Result: By pushing from all sides, you trap the glitter on the very top surface of the nail.

7. Flash Cure: Freeze it immediately in your lamp for 10-15 seconds so the design doesn't settle.

The Classic "Slash" (Cat Eye)

This is the sharp, tiger-eye line that looks like a beam of light crossing the nail.

The Technique: "The Slice"

1. Apply Polish: Apply your Magnetic Gel. Do not cure.

2. Position: Hold your Rectangular Magnet diagonally across the nail.

3. Hover: Get as close as possible without touching the wet gel (about 2-3 millimeters).

4. Hold Steady: Hold it perfectly still for 3-5 seconds. You will see the line sharpen.

5. Cure: Cure immediately.

> Troubleshooting: If the line looks blurry, your magnet wasn't close enough, or you waited too long to cure.

Why We Love ICEGEL

There is a reason ICEGEL is the #1 brand for this technique in Korea and Japan. Generic magnetic gels often look dull or grey. ICEGEL uses multi-dimensional pigments (some that even reflect flash!) to create depth that looks like the nail is wet.

Whether you want the "Star Galaxy" look or a subtle nude shimmer, ICEGEL’s formula stays suspended longer, giving you more time to play with your design.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

• "The effect disappeared after I cured!"

  • Cause: You waited too long. The particles are heavy and sank back down.

  • Fix: Work on one nail at a time. Paint, Magnet, Flash Cure. Then move to the next finger.

• "It looks messy."

  • Cause: Your layer of polish is too thin.

  • Fix: Magnetic gel needs to be applied slightly thicker than regular gel so the particles have room to move around.

Ready to Try It?

Don't just paint your nails—accessorize them. Grab a magnet and transform your manicure into a moving work of art.

• Shop Magnetic Tools

• Shop ICEGEL Cat Eye Gels

What's Next: Now that you have mastered the magnet, let's talk about the shiniest powder on earth. Why does your Chrome keep chipping? Blog #2

Target Keywords: Velvet nails tutorial, how to use cat eye magnet, ICEGEL cat eye, magnetic gel polish instructions, cat eye nail art.