Forget Glazed Nails—My Friends and I Keep Requesting This Superior Chrome Mani at the Moment.

      In the constantly evolving world of nail trends, one aesthetic that seems unlikely to disappear is the reflective finish. Whether it's the glazed donut nail trend made popular by Hailey Bieber or the recent resurgence of magnetic velvet nail polishes, beauty enthusiasts are leaving salons with base colors that create optical illusions. The question is no longer whether to opt for a striking set, but rather which one to choose. My fellow Who What Wear beauty editors, friends, and I have noticed a rise in cat-eye nails, from icy, frosted looks in winter to softer styles in spring. When discussing ideas before our upcoming salon visits, the color we continuously return to—thanks to its subtlety, versatility with outfits, and sheer beauty—is pink. Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec has a theory about this trend.

      Why Are Pink Cat-Eye Nails Trending?

      It's well-known that Asian nail artists are consistently ahead of their Western counterparts, setting the stage for manicure trends that eventually make their way to American salons six months to a year later. At the 2025 Tokyo Nail Expo (one of the largest nail conventions in the world), Kandalec noticed a significant increase in cat-eye polishes, suggesting that the global nail scene would soon follow suit. "Every brand showcased full lines of cat-eye polishes in every color, from subtle to vibrant, and various finishes with different levels of sparkle," she recalls. "That being said, pink is and will always be the ultimate versatile color," she explains. "When mixed with magnetic shades, it creates the perfect nail color!" Kandalec embraced this trend herself during the Oscars weekend, decorating her high-profile clients with orb-like pink tips.

      For those seeking trendy manicures that feel more contemporary than chrome, here are some pink cat-eye nail ideas to consider:

      1. **Frosé**: Pink cat-eye nails look elegant anywhere, particularly on the red carpet. Kandalec recently applied the pink champagne velvet shade Lush from The Gel Bottle to Rachel McAdams's nails for the 2026 Oscars, and I'm utterly in love.

      2. **Icy Bubblegum**: This is a stunning pink manicure. Cat-eye polishes add a unique texture, appearing either glassy and watery or shimmering with high shine. This lovely ballerina slipper pink has the former quality. Show this image to your manicurist if you’re seeking a classic take on this trend.

      3. **Cat-Eye French**: French manicures have been a timeless choice, and incorporating cat-eye nail polish modernizes them. Begin with a pink velvet base, using the magnetic tool to shape the shimmer, then finish with a classic white tip on each nail.

      4. **Micro French**: Elevate your French manicure with a micro twist featuring a velvet finish. This gorgeous set by London manicurist Corrinna Bianca has a nude base and ultra-thin rose gold tips that catch the light beautifully thanks to the cat-eye polish. I’m adding this to my nail inspiration board right away.

      5. **Ballerina Frost**: For those drawn to shiny finishes, this glassy pink manicure is ideal for anyone wanting a glazed nail look. The sheer, frosty polish provides a filtered light effect that adds intrigue to any outfit while remaining versatile.

      6. **Cherry Blossom**: If you're interested in trying nail art, magnetic polish is the perfect base, as seen in this intricate cherry blossom design by manicurist San Sung Kim. Kandalec mentions, "[It’s] the perfect backdrop for nail art, with magnetic shades featured in nearly every design I saw in Japan." Their captivating finish enhances the nail art, creating depth and dimension.

      7. **Embellished Cat-Eye**: 3D nail art has been trending for years, but positioning embellishments against a shifting velvet background refreshes the look. Use a medium pink base with subtle light shimmers for this dimensional effect and find embellishments online.

      8. **Polka-Dot Studded**: I'm still smitten with polka-dot nails, as are many other nail enthusiasts. If standard dots seem outdated, try a metallic version over a pink cat-eye base for a texture that's intriguingly modern.

      9. **Striped Velvet**: Nail art enthusiasts can now embrace vibrant patterns, including thick candy stripes, with cat-eye polishes. For added flair, incorporate these shifting polishes as small accents, like the deep pink polish featured in this patterned manicure, making the look all the more striking.

      10. **Velvet Peach**: There's something deeply satisfying about a classic nude-pink set, which looks especially chic with a light-reflecting magnetic finish.

      **Shop the Trend**:

      - **Beetles** Gel Nail Polish in Blossom Whisper Pink: A budget-friendly choice that includes the magnetic wand.

      

      - **Olive & June** Instant Mani Press-On Nails in World Lit Velvet: A convenient option for a full cat-eye manicure in