Three finishes keep showing up in nail trend roundups: cat eye, jelly, and chrome. Each one is easier to create than it looks, and each one works with gel polish. Here is what each term means, how to achieve the look step by step, and which V Beauty Pure products to reach for.
Quick Definitions
- Cat eye gel polish is a polish infused with magnetic particles. A magnet pulls the particles into a reflective pattern, so the color appears to shift.
- Jelly gel polish is a sheer, juicy finish with a translucent, glossy look.
- Chrome is a shimmery, mirror-like or glazed finish, usually created by rubbing chrome powder onto a cured layer.
Are These Trends Actually Trending in 2026?
Yes. Vogue's 2026 nail trend report notes that nail pros expect cat-eye magnetic effects and a chrome overlay, and nail artist Emi Kudo says magnet nails will continue their reign in the new year. Allure calls cat-eye polish a "new classic" that has been trending for years and says there is almost no limit to how it can be worn. Byrdie describes "jelly chrome" as a combination of sheer, juicy jelly polishes and shimmery, glazed finishes, which together give a soft, ethereal look.
How to Create Cat Eye Nails
According to Allure, you need a polish infused with magnetic particles and a magnet. After applying the polish, hold the magnet close to the nail to move the particles and form a reflective pattern. Holding the magnet at the center of the nail drags the particles into a straight line, while positioning it toward the tip or side creates a more velvety effect.
- Prep the nail and apply a base coat. Cure under your lamp.
- Apply one to two thin coats of a cat eye gel polish. V Beauty Pure's cat eye gel polishes are listed with a 60 second cure time and one to two thin coats.
- Before curing, hold a magnet close to the nail to pull the particles into place.
- Cure following your product instructions.
- Finish with a top coat and cure again.
Browse the cat eye gel polish collection for magnetic shades.
How to Create Jelly Nails
Jelly finishes are all about sheerness. Our product pages recommend thin coats to avoid bubbling or improper curing, so keep layers light.
- Prep, apply base coat, and cure.
- Apply one thin coat of a jelly shade and cure. Add a second thin coat only if you want more depth.
- Seal with a top coat and cure.
You can explore translucent shades in our jelly gel polish collection, such as Gel Polish 130 Jelly Fishing.
How to Create Chrome Nails
Following V Beauty Pure's chrome powder directions, apply Chrome Bond where you want the powder to adhere and cure for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your lamp. Using a silicone tool, eyeshadow applicator, or your fingertip, rub the powder onto the cured nails. Start with a small amount, wipe away excess, then seal with a top coat and cure.
See the full chrome powder collection, including Chrome Powder - Pearl.
Combining the Looks
These finishes can be layered. Byrdie's jelly chrome example pairs a sheer builder gel shade with chrome powder, and Vogue notes magnetic effects paired with chrome overlays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cat eye gel polish?
A gel polish with magnetic particles that form a reflective pattern when a magnet is held close to the nail.
Do I need a special magnet?
Yes, you need a magnet to move the particles.
What is jelly gel polish?
A sheer, translucent gel polish finish with a glossy look.
How do I apply chrome powder?
Apply a bonding layer, cure it, rub on the powder, wipe off excess, then top coat.
Shop the Looks
Ready to try one? Start with our cat eye shades or chrome powders.
