Why Your Cat Eye Nails Look Flat? How to Fix Them?

Cat eye nails are supposed to look like liquid light. Depth. Glow. Movement that shifts every time your hands move. So if your cat eye looks flat, dull, or the magnetic line disappears after curing, here’s the truth: it’s usually not the cat eye gel.

The real secret to flawless cat eye nails is what’s underneath and what seals it in. That means:

• Pre-Build (Builder Base) to perfect the surface
• Post-Build (Ultra Gloss Top) to lock in depth, shine, and durability

Once you master structure + finish, cat eye nails hit differently.

Ready for Perfect Cat Eye Nail:

1. KIKIS Nail File (120/180) 
2. TOPCLOU Gummy Primer
3. TOPCLOU Builder Base Gel (Pre-Build)
4. TOPCLOU Leveling Care Gel (Post-Build)
5. KIKIS/ TOPCLOU Cat Eye Gel Polish (Pick your Fav)
6. TOPCLOU Ultra Gloss Top
7. KIKIS Hand Mini Lamp
8. KIKIS UltraMag

For long-lasting, chip-resistant wear with a deep, dimensional glow, both structure and finish are non-negotiable.

Step-by-Step: Perfect Cat Eye Nail Application

STEP 1: Nail Prep (Foundation is Everything)

• Gently remove cuticle and dead skin from the nail plate
  
• Lightly buff the nail surface to improve adhesion
  
• Cleanse to remove oils and moisture
  
• Apply TOPCLOU  Gummy Primer✨

Why it matters:
Proper prep maximizes bonding between the nail and gel layers, reducing lifting, peeling, and premature wear.

Step 2: Pre-Build with Builder Base + Leveling Care Gel  

• Apply a thin-to-medium layer of TOPCLOU Builder Base Gel to reinforce the nail and create initial structure
• Follow with TOPCLOU Leveling Care Gel, allowing its self-leveling formula to naturally smooth out the surface
• Gently guide the product to form a balanced, natural C-curve
• Cure fully according to your lamp

This step is critical. Cat eye gel is semi-transparent. Any unevenness underneath distorts the magnetic effect, making it look flat or muddy. A smooth, structured base allows light to reflect evenly, creating a sharper, more dimensional cat eye.

Step 3: Apply Cat Eye Gel (Magnet Control Is Key)

• Apply one thin, even layer of Cat Eye Gel Polish over the cured base. Do not cure.
• Hold your magnet 2–4 mm above the wet gel for 3–5 seconds to pull the magnetic shimmer into a clean line or desired pattern. Keep the magnet steady for a sharper, more defined effect.
• Once you’re satisfied with the design, cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds.
  
• Repeat with a second thin layer if you want a stronger, more dramatic cat eye effect (recommended).

Pro tip: Thin layers give the magnetic particles room to move. Too much product softens the line and reduces clarity, while controlled magnet placement delivers that crisp, high-impact glow.

Step 4: Post-Build with Ultra Top

• Apply TOPCLOU Ultra Gloss Top evenly and let it self-level
• Cure fully
  

Your nails are done ✨ 

Why this matters: Ultra Top seals the design, amplifies shine, and locks the magnetic particles exactly where you want them.

Why Builder Base Is a MUST for Cat Eye Nails

1. Nail Strength & Repair

• Ideal for thin, soft, or damaged nails
• Prevents cracking and breakage

2. Perfect Surface for Magnetic Effect

• Smooth base = cleaner cat eye line
• Enhances depth and glow
  

3. Better Color Saturation

• Pigments appear richer and more dimensional

Without a pre-build layer, cat eye nails often look flat and lifeless.

Why Ultra Top Is Essential (Not Just a Top Coat)

1. Enhances Depth & Shine

• Ultra gloss, mirror-like shine finish
• Makes the magnetic line sharper and more 3D

2. Smooths & Seals the Design

Especially important for:

• Cat eye, Chrome, Glitter & Foil designs

3. Improves Durability

• Reduces scratches
• Prevents dullness
• Keeps the cat eye effect stable over time

Final Takeaway

👉 Never skip Builder Base, Leveling Care Gel and Ultra Gloss Top. They’re the difference between basic cat eye and perfect cat eye.