What is Magnetic Nail Polish? Everything You Need to Know!

One of the most wonderous developments in the nail polish world has been the introduction of magnetic elements. By adding tiny metallic fragments to the polish, the base colour can totally transform. Whether it’s silver metallics for a flash of brightness or multi-chromes that shift with the light, we can’t get enough! Truth be told, some finessing is required to maximize the versatility of magnetic nail polish. Consider this your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about your new favourite obsession.

Magnetic nail polish hit the nail world by storm in 2011, and since then, there have been some magnificent developments. The size of the magnetic particles now ranges from super fine to bold and chunky, and every size in between. As such, there are different ways to activate the magnetic elements, and we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know. The good news is that, regardless of how you choose to manipulate the magnets, your nails are sure to be stunning!

Our collection of magnetic polishes ranges from lower-key to truly transformational! Just remember that our magnetic polishes are regular nail polishes, not gels. That means you need to act fast when using the magnets. Once the polish dries, the elements lock into place. Because time is of the essence, we wanted to offer some peace of mind with our magnets. We offer two different magnets, available separately or in a bundle, to get you started.

Keep reading to meet our fabulous collection of magnetic polishes and learn how to bring out the best of each one. After all, painting our nails is supposed to be about self-care, not stress!

Magnetic Wand

When it comes to cat eye nails, it’s all about the Magnetic Wand. In fact, with our Magnetic Wand, any magnetic polish transforms into cat eye nail polish! Apply one coat of polish and then hold the larger part of the wand directly overtop while still wet. This technique clusters the magnetic particles into a line across your nails, producing the cat eye effect. While positioning the wand close to the nail, be careful not to touch the magnet directly to the polish.

We recommend holding the magnetic nail polish magnets in place until the polish has hardened slightly, approximately 30 seconds. The magnets will continue to move before the polish dries, so it’s essential to keep them in place where you want them. If you move the magnet too soon, the magnets can scatter. Don’t be afraid to try different angles with your wand as well! Additionally, the small circular magnet at the end of the wand can create aura nails and French tips. When in doubt, play around!  

Velvet Magnet

To bring out the softer side of magnetic nail polish, we turn to the Velvet Magnet. Velvet nails don’t have the linear effect of cat eyes, where the magnetic elements cluster tightly together. Instead, this look is achieved by moving the particles away from the sides of your nail and towards the top. The result is a flash of magnetic shine that shimmers and sparkles, no matter the lighting.

Our Velvet Magnet eliminates all the work and stress associated with this process. By resting your fingertip inside the magnet as you paint, the particles automatically move to a velvet finish! No scrambling with the wand, trying to keep the sides even. It happens just like magic! Once you become familiar with the polish and how the magnets move, you’ll be able to experiment with ease. So many possibilities in a single bottle!

Our Magnetic Nail Polishes

Now that we’ve covered the basics of magnetic nail paint and how to manipulate the elements in different ways, it’s time to bring out the polish!

Dreamer nail polish is a magnetic polish whose effects fall on the softer side. The warm mauve base colour features a dusting of ethereal gold for a harmonious balance of beauty. Perfectly suited for a velvet nail effect, the silver magnetics are opulent without being overbearing. When moving your hand around, you’ll see a flash of light purple against the darker plum colour. For the cat eye look, the gorgeous, deeper purple acts as the perfect contrast to a bold flash of silver. Talk about a versatile nail polish that suits every season!

If you’d prefer a magnetic polish with a bit more oomph, then you need to try Carol nail polish. Multidimensional golden sparks twinkle in the dusty-slate blue jelly base, in addition to fine silver magnetic pigments. When the silver pigments are activated, this polish shifts from dark to dazzling! For a cat eye look, the deep blue base contrasts beautifully with the slash of lighter blue shine. An extra little treat is nestled into this jelly formula, too. When the magnets draw together, the darker base reveals gleaming hints of gold! Using a velvet technique brings the magnetics to the surface, and when the light hits, this polish is nearly blinding! For a blue-chrome mani, simply apply two coats and leave the magnetic elements alone. Such an easy alternative to messy powder!

In the realm of more dramatic magnetic nail polishes, you need to meet Solstice nail polish! This cheery polish is a tribute to the summer solstice in Nordic countries, where the sun never truly sets. The light teal-green base has a subtle golden shimmer and silver magnetic particles. The layered shades of greens and gold, plus the silver magnetics, mean that this polish does triple duty! Apply two coats of polish, as usual, and leave the magnets alone for a silver teal chrome nail. So much easier than using powdered chromes! The velvet technique brings out a bright flash of teal while accenting the gold flecks in the darker base colour. And when you achieve a cat eye look, all of the polish’s vibrant colours can be seen at once!

Our most dynamic magnetic polish to date is Galaxy nail polish, a multi-chrome beauty beyond compare! Galaxy nail polish is your new must-have, thanks to its multi-chrome formula, which shifts from green to blue to purple. These magnetic elements are so fine that when positioned correctly, the base seems almost black. With the cat eye technique, the colours flare to life against the dark, revealing a mesmerizing teal-purple shift. You could even try two coats, with the cat eye going in different directions! As a velvet nail, this polish almost appears thermal, changing its hue depending on the light. The sky is truly the limit for this beauty!

We can’t wait to see all of your incredible magnetic manicures and hope that you’ll tag us on Instagram @picturepolish! Please let us know your favourite styles, and what colours we should try next. You never know, a collaboration could be in your future!