First of all, this is a very interesting way to create a stylish and fun manicure that will give your nails the effect of precious stones. A wide palette of pigments, which is replenished every year, allows the master to do a variety of experiments, tailored to the client’s image.
How to create a manicure correctly
Each design has its own stages of work and its own difficulties. Manicure “Cat Eye” is no exception. And although this is a rather long and labor-intensive process, it brings pleasure no less than other nail decorations.
So how to work with this design correctly to ultimately get a great result. Here are our recommendations:
- If the client has any unevenness in the nail plate, a good base should be used to hide them. Rubbing does not tolerate such moments, and therefore immediately reveals all the unnecessary nuances.
- The quality of your manicure depends on how evenly you place the pigment. For example, experienced professionals don’t have to bother and apply the product with a gradient brush. But for beginners, it is best to stir on a special stand. If you don't have one yet, regular foil will do.
- To work with rubbing, you can use tops with a sticky layer. And there is no need to be afraid, the effect is the same with any coating.
- After application, do not rush to dry your finger. Let the metal particles “rise”, and only then send them to the LED lamp.
Gel polish "cat's eye": design advantages
The coating plays beautifully in the sun, in evening light, on weekdays and holidays. The surface can be of any texture. On a dark-colored gloss, the iridescence appears brighter than on a light background. Matte topcoats reduce glare. But there is still an effect. The design looks great on short and medium nails, so you can safely wear it in the office.
Doing a manicure is quick and easy. Even beginners in nail art can handle it. Cat's eye magnetic gel polish is characterized by:
- high density. It does not spread during application, fits well on the nail, hiding unevenness and defects. One layer is enough to get the desired result. wide color palette - from pastel to black, from translucent to rich shades;
- deep effect of overflow (glare), which does not require additional decor;
- duration of wear - from 2 weeks to 20 days;
- Possibility of covering artificial and natural nails.
The cat's eye effect is manifested due to the smallest metal particles contained in the gel polish. Under the influence of a manicure magnet, they rise from the pigmented mass, lining up so that a running highlight is obtained in a three-dimensional 3D pattern.
Cat eye pigments for a 3D effect
This allows you to diversify designs with existing shades of gel polish or gel paint, giving them additional volume using a metal pigment formed into a highlight with a magnet.
To do this, you can mix the pigment with a base, top, regular gel polish, gel paint, and use it as a 3D gel polish on a dark base. Some artists apply loose cat eye pigment to a layer of gel polish, mix it here with a thin brush, and then paint highlights with a magnet. This mixing of materials on the surface of the nail saves time and makes it possible to proportionally place different pigments in different areas of the surface of the plate. We combine several options for highlights in one nail design.
What medications affect cat's claw?
- birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
- medicines that weaken the immune system, such as cancer drugs, steroids, and medicines to prevent transplant rejection.
Also, do not take cat's claw without consulting your doctor if you are using medications to treat any of the following conditions:
- various infections (HIV, malaria or tuberculosis);
- anxiety or depression;
- asthma or allergies;
- cancer;
- erectile disfunction;
- heartburn or GERD;
- high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease;
- migraine;
- psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases;
- mental disorder;
- convulsions.
In our blog you can also find useful information about what magnesium is needed for and why it is the “vitamin of youth and health” . And why the body ages and when age-related changes begin: the answer of scientists .
“Cat highlight” pigment: how to mix it into varnish, gel polish, transparent base (base/top).
Manicure “varnish and magnetic pigment”.
A stylish “cat’s eye” design with a classic varnish requires the choice of liquid varnish, since otherwise the particles will not be able to mix uniformly and be easily attracted by a magnet. If you want to keep these nails for as long as possible, use a weekly gel polish top coat. Before applying the finish, make sure that the color layer is completely dry so that particles of the magnetic pigment on the brush do not migrate into the bottle with the topcoat.
When performing a manicure with classic varnish and “cat pigment”, you need to do the following:
- Apply the base to the previously prepared nail and let it dry;
- After mixing the varnish and pigment, apply the first layer to the nails, dry it thoroughly;
- Cover the nails one by one with a second layer of varnish, treating each with a magnet (bring the magnet 0.2-0.5 cm to the surface and wait 10-15 seconds until a highlight forms);
- After allowing two layers of varnish to dry completely, seal the manicure with a glossy topcoat.
Design “gel polish and rubbing cat”.
If you prefer a manicure in light colors, it is better not to use white and dull rubs, otherwise the highlight effect will not appear bright enough (it may “drown” in the dense white pigment). For a strictly office setting, however, this option would be more than appropriate. Because visually the pearl-pearl shine of the “magnetic cat” looks gentle and not vulgar.
When creating an image, follow these steps:
- Apply base to pre-prepared nails and dry in a lamp.
- Cover the nail with the first layer of color, apply the pigment with a brush and mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating. Do not use a magnet!
- Dry the nail in the lamp and repeat the application of the gel polish layer.
- Bring the magnet 0.2-0.5 cm to the surface and wait 10-15 seconds until a glare forms.
- Place the gel polish in the lamp according to the manufacturer's recommendations (magnetic rubbing does not affect the polymerization time of the manicure!), cover the nails with topcoat and repeat drying in the lamp.
When decorating your fingers with this pigment, take your time and mix the rub with the base very carefully and carefully so that you don’t have to redo your manicure.
The “Base/Top and Rub in Cat Highlight” look.
As a rule, masters practice mixing pigment into the top coat (for varnish or gel polish) to avoid possible problems with natural nails. But mixing with a base (not thick, transparent, without additives) for gel or varnish designs is also possible. Mix the pigment with the transparent component, carefully and evenly distribute over the nail. Regardless of whether you have chosen a topcoat or a basecoat, your design must be fixed with a topcoat after the color has been cured in a UV or LED lamp and dried thoroughly.
Design ideas for cat eye manicure
Below are some options and techniques for drawing. In order to apply gel polish correctly, you can familiarize yourself with the video and photo. Sometimes craftsmen discover interesting motifs of a cat's eye unexpectedly.
Pen drawing
A magnet made in the form of a ballpoint pen is good because it makes thin and neat lines. In order for the drawing to be clear, the lines should be drawn slowly, and the pen itself should be kept strictly perpendicular to the nail plate. In addition, it is convenient to use.
To create small drawings, it is better to use a magnet in the form of a pen.
Drawing options:
- Peas. Bring the magnet to the surface of the gel polish and hold for several seconds. Then repeat the same at another point. The result should be circles or peas with a cat's eye effect;
- Floral motifs. Use a pen to draw round spirals in different places on the nail. The end result will be drawings that look like roses;
- Arrows. Draw arrows from one edge of the nail to the other. You can apply several such arrows.
Drawing with magnets using bars
This refers to magnets in the form of bars that can be connected to each other.
The drawing options are as follows:
- Star. It is obtained by connecting 2 magnets. It is important to place the magnet in the middle of the nail plate where the magnets connect. There is also a star option with 4 magnets. In this case, it turns out to be more complex;
- Zigzag. To do this you will need 2 magnets. They do not need to be connected, but, on the contrary, turned to each other with the side that gives resistance. Place the magnets on opposite edges below and above, perpendicular to the nail. This arrangement of magnets should form a smooth zigzag;
- Arcs. To do this, the magnets must be held parallel to each other with the non-magnetic side.
Options for drawings with one magnet
Using one flat magnet you can create the following designs:
- Straight line. With the cat's eye effect it looks very stylish and original. To create a line, you need to place the magnet parallel to the nail. You can apply the magnet either in the center, on the side or diagonally. It all depends on the desire where it is better to place the line;
Magnets for cat eye effect
Depending on the shape, you can also select different versions of this tool. Usually the set comes with a medium-sized rectangular magnet, 3 cm in length. Round makes it possible to draw streamlined patterns, waves, spheres and semicircles. If your kit already contains several options for 3D cat eye polish, be sure to purchase magnet options of different shapes and sizes. They are as follows:
- Rectangular;
- Round;
- Magnetic point pen;
- Magnetic pen with 3-5 dots in a row at the end;
- Magnetic pen with balls at the end (for drawing flowers).
Life hacks from experienced craftsmen: you don’t have to buy magnets, but use those that you have in everyday life. Options:
- You can get magnets from old headphones;
- Remove them from the refrigerator and remove the stickers, leaving only the base for ease of use;
- A double magnet can be made by placing two round or small rectangular magnets on a pusher or any flat metal tool. Then you can move them or move them apart at different distances from each other, changing the pattern of the 3D varnish;
- Use the intercom key;
- Small round magnets-balls from a children's construction set, placed in a row, make it possible to draw thin stripes along the entire perimeter of the nail, or a “snake” pattern;
- A pen from a children's magnetic drawing board is used to create fine lines and monograms.
How to take cat's claw?
Despite all its excellent qualities, uncaria also has a number of contraindications. How to take cat's claw correctly, and who is it completely prohibited? Let's look into this issue together.
The recommended dose of Uncaria is 1-2 capsules three times a day for a month. It should be taken at least half an hour before meals, always with plenty of drinking water. On the recommendation of the therapist, you can increase the period of admission to three months. In general, for preventive purposes, the use of one course is sufficient, for example, on the eve of the ARVI and influenza season, to help the body safely survive an unhealthy epidemic situation.
The dietary supplement should be used after consultation with your doctor, since the natural microelements in its composition are quite strong and can have a negative effect on the body in some cases. It's no secret that cat's claw, by activating the immune system, can intensify some symptoms of autoimmune diseases. And due to the drug's effect on blood pressure, patients may experience headache or dizziness.
Cat's claw is contraindicated:
- children under 12 years old;
- women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding;
- people who have undergone organ transplantation;
- those taking HIV medications.
In general, if you are taking any additional medications, be sure to check with your doctor to see if you can combine cat's claw with your medications.
