Magnetic Gels & Different Magnetic Gel Looks

Magnetic gels are a great way to dazzle up any manicure. Also referred to as cateye gel, magnetic gels contain tiny sparkly magnetic particles that can be directed with a magnet to create various dynamic designs. Magnetic gels usually come in a translucent base gel color and contain silver magnetic particles. However, the latest releases of magnetic gel collections feature distinct magnetic gels that can contain different kinds of glitter, different colored magnetic particles besides silver, ultra-fine magnetic particles, or even more than one type of colored magnetic particles for mesmerizing effects. Explore Sweetie Nail Supply’s offerings of magnetic gels to find your favorite. In this post, we’ll show how you can create five different designs using magnetic gel. 

Five Different Magnetic Gel Designs

Prior to applying magnetic gel, you will want to follow these foundational steps:

Prep the nails. Apply base gel and cure for 60 seconds. 

Apply one layer of magnetic gel. Since magnetic gel contains particles, some gels can be thicker. It is important to apply magnetic gel in a thin and even layer. 

Hold the magnet at a 45 degree angle while moving the magnet in an upward motion above the nail. This pushes the magnetic particles to the edges to bring out the base color of the gel. Cure for 60 seconds.

Apply your second layer of magnetic gel. Follow the next steps for your choice of magnetic effect.

Design 1

This all-over-the-nail glitter effect is a fundamental magnetic design that can often be used to “set” the magnetic particles prior to using other magnetic techniques for other designs. This “setting” helps keep the magnetic particles concentrated at the surface so they can be most visible when applying magnetic techniques using a magnet. However, this effect can also be used on its own as a reflective sheen that appears and disappears at different angles.

To achieve this design, apply a second layer of magnetic gel after the foundational steps above. Hold the bar magnet on the right side of the nail for a few seconds. 

Hold the bar magnet on the left side of the nail. 

Next, hold the magnet at the free edge of the nail. Adjust the angle of the magnet to bring the magnetic particles to the surface across the whole nail. Once the desired look is achieved, flash cure the nail for 10 seconds to keep the magnetic particles in place. Fully cure the nail for 60 seconds in a nail lamp.

Design 2

Create a diagonal highlight design using a bar magnet. After the foundational steps, apply a second layer of magnetic gel.

Hold the magnetic bar vertically above the nail for a few seconds to create a diagonal line across the nail. Once the desired look is achieved. Flash cure for 10 seconds. Full cure for 60 seconds in a nail lamp. 

Using duotone magnetic gels such as From The Nail’s Deep Sea 2 Collection  or DVOK Dark Night Collection will bring out double lines for this magnet technique and effect. 

Design 3

Create a french tip magnetic gel design using the circle magnet of a dual-end magnetic wand. Bring the magnetic particles to the surface of the nail using the techniques from Design 1. Then hold the circle magnet above the nail at the cuticle and move the nail downward toward the free edge to bring the magnetic particles towards the tip to create a french tip look. 

Once the desired look is achieved. Flash cure for 10 seconds. Full cure for 60 seconds in a nail lamp. 

Design 4

Create a dancing orb using a cylindrical magnet. Apply a second layer of magnetic gel. Wave the cylindrical magnet at the edge of the nail to push the magnetic particles towards the center of the nail. 

Next, wave the cylindrical magnet in a circular motion above the nail to create a circular shape or orb. Move the orb to the desired area of the nail by moving the circular motions in the direction where you want the orb to be. 

Once the desired look is achieved, flash cure for 10 seconds. Full cure for 60 seconds in a nail lamp. 

Design 5

Create a color-shifting effect by layering two magnetic gel colors. After the foundational steps, apply a second layer of the first magnetic gel color. Use the technique in Design 1 to create your magnetic effect. Flash cure to keep the magnetic particles in place. Afterwards, cure the nail in a nail lamp for 60 seconds.

Next, apply a coat of a different magnetic gel color. Ideally, for your second magnetic gel color, it is best to use one from the same collection or brand of your first magnetic gel color for the best results. 

Apply the techniques of Design 1 to create the magnetic effect.

Once the desired look is achieved, flash cure for 10 seconds. Cure the nail for 60 seconds in a nail lamp. 

For contrast and a dynamic visual, try pairing different magnetic effects such as an all-over-the-nail glitter look with the dancing orb effect. 

When it comes to magnetic gels, the design possibilities are endless. Let your imagination take over and try experimenting with different magnets, magnetic techniques, and color combinations to create unique and dazzling nail looks. Whether you prefer nails that are bold or subtle, magnetic gels can add dimension and sparkle that compliment your style. Have fun creating cateye nails that will be absolutely magnetizing! 

For more on how to use magnetic gels, check out our video: Cat Eye Gels Part I