How to Do Polka-Dot Cat-Eye Nails at Home

Magnet first, dots second — by MubStyle

1. Prep Like It Matters

Shape, push cuticles back, and wipe each nail clean — prep buys you a week of wear.

2. A Base Coat With Grip

One thin sticky base coat, capped over the free edge. Let it dry two full minutes.

3. Magnet First, Always

One nail at a time, magnet 3–5 mm above, 10–15 seconds. The line is the star.

4. Pick Your Dot Tool

A dotting tool is the one I'd buy; a bobby pin or toothpick works too.

5. Dots Second, on Tacky Polish

Wait 30–60 seconds until tacky, then dot. Wet dots swallow the shimmer.

6. Colours I'd Actually Wear

Burgundy + white, black + silver, teal + gold, soft pink + pastels.

7. Short or Long, Both Work

Short nails: few small dots. Long nails: rows and borders, longer magnet hold.

8. Fix, Don't Restart

Dry blobs flatten, faint lines get a second coat, one bad nail gets redone alone.

9. Seal It Right

Fresh thin top coat, floated on — never pressed. Second coat on day two.

10. Remove Gently

Foil soak ten minutes, no peeling, then cuticle oil nightly for a week.

Read the Full Guide

10 steps, colour combos, fixes, and the full FAQ — on MubStyle.

Read the full guide on MubStyle