Beetles “Gilded Lull” Cat Eye Review: Is This Gold Magnetic Polish the Ultimate Holiday Manicure?

We are all familiar with the viral “velvet nail” trend—that soft, shimmering look that seems to move when you wiggle your fingers. Usually, this effect is achieved with silver magnetic powder. But what if you prefer gold jewelry? What if you want something warmer, richer, and decidedly more vintage for the holiday season?

That is the exact niche the Beetles Gilded Lull Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Set tries to fill. Unlike standard cat-eye gels, this kit features “Gold Powder” magnetic effects mixed into jelly-toned bases.

But does the gold effect actually pop, or does it just look like muddy glitter? As someone who loves a good DIY manicure but hates complicated nail art, I tested this kit to see if it delivers that expensive “gilded” look at home. Here is my honest review.

Quick Specs & Verdict

1. Unboxing & First Impressions

The kit arrives in a slim, festive box. Inside, you get six bottles of gel polish. Note: As with most Beetles sets, these are the 7.5ml mini bottles. They are cute, but small.

The first thing I noticed when swatching them on a clear stick was the consistency. It’s a “jelly” formula, meaning the base color is semi-translucent. This is intentional—it allows the magnetic particles to float and catch light from different depths. The gold shimmer is visible even before you use the magnet, looking like a very fine, expensive dust suspended in the gel.

Important: Check your specific kit to see if a magnet stick is included. Mine had a small one, but for the best results, I recommend using a strong dual-ended magnet wand (often sold separately or found in other kits).

2. Key Features & Performance Deep Dive

The “Gold” Magnetic Shift

Most cat-eye polishes shift to silver or white. This set shifts to a warm, antique gold.

• The Benefit: It gives the nails a “tiger eye” gemstone effect. The Green shade, in particular, looks like a polished emerald with gold flecks. It feels much warmer and cozier than standard metallic polishes, making it perfect for pairing with gold rings.

Jelly Translucency vs. Depth

Because these are jelly polishes, they aren’t fully opaque in one coat.

• How it works: You need to build it up.
  • Layer 1: Apply thin, cure. (This sets the background color).
  • Layer 2: Apply thicker, use the magnet, then cure immediately.
• The Benefit: This translucency creates a “glass” effect. The gold line doesn’t look like it’s sitting on top; it looks like it’s suspended inside the nail.

Versatility (With or Without Magnet)

• The Performance: If you are in a rush and skip the magnet step, these just look like beautiful, shimmering jelly nails. You don’t have to magnetize them to get a pretty manicure.
• The Benefit: It’s a 2-in-1 product. You get a subtle shimmer polish for work, and a dramatic 3D cat-eye polish for the weekend.

[Image: A side-by-side comparison of the “Green” shade: one finger simply painted, the other magnetized to show the gold slash]

3. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unique Aesthetic: It is genuinely hard to find gold-shift magnetic polish at this price point. The “Gilded” look is very trendy right now.
• Smooth Application: Despite the glitter, the formula self-levels beautifully. It doesn’t feel gritty once the top coat is on.
• Forgiving: Because the base is jelly/sheer, mistakes near the cuticle are less obvious than with a solid opaque cream polish.

Cons:

• Magnet Timing: As with all cat-eye gels, the particles start to disperse the second you move the magnet away. You must cure one nail at a time immediately after magnetizing, which makes the process slower.
• Sheerness: If you want a solid, dark background, you might want to apply a coat of black gel polish first. On their own, the lighter colors (like the pink/purple) can be quite see-through.
• Bottle Size: If you fall in love with the red shade for Christmas, you might run out after 4-5 manicures.

4. Who Is This For? (Best For)

• Holiday Manicures: The Red, Green, and Gold shades in this pack scream “Christmas Party.” They look festive without being tacky.
• Gold Jewelry Lovers: If you wear gold rings and bracelets, this polish undertone matches your accessories perfectly.
• Nail Art Enthusiasts: The jelly formula is perfect for layering. You can put this over a black base for a dramatic evening look or over a nude base for something subtle.

5. Who Should Avoid It?

• Fans of “One-Coat” Coverage: If you hate applying 2-3 coats to get opacity, the jelly nature of this set will annoy you.
• People Without a UV Lamp: This is soak-off gel. It will not dry in the air. You absolutely need a UV/LED light.

Long-Term Testing Notes

After 14 Days:

I wore the “Jelly Brown” shade (which looks like amber) for two weeks.

• Durability: I experienced zero chipping. The smooth surface of the gel seems to resist snagging better than chunky glitter polishes.
• Fade: The gold magnetic line stayed sharp. Sometimes, cheap magnetic particles “bleed” and become fuzzy after a few days, but these stayed crisp.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

The Beetles Gilded Lull Cat Eye Gel Set is a winner for anyone looking to spice up their gel collection.

While the application takes a bit of practice (getting that magnet angle just right!), the payoff is a salon-quality look that draws compliments. The gold shift is unique enough to justify buying this set even if you already own standard silver cat-eye polishes.

Recommendation: Buy it for the holiday season or if you want that “velvet” look with a warmer, more luxurious tone.

FAQ

Q: Does this kit come with the magnet?

A: Listings vary, but often these 6-piece polish sets do not include the magnet wand or the lamp. You likely need to buy those separately or use ones you already own. Check the specific package contents on the listing carefully.

Q: Can I use a regular fridge magnet?

A: Technically yes, but it won’t give you a clean line. You need a strong neodymium magnet (the little wands designed for nails) to pull the particles into that sharp “cat eye” shape.

Q: Why does the polish look sheer?

A: It is a “Jelly” formula. It is supposed to be semi-transparent to give the design depth. If you want it opaque, apply it over a matching solid color or a black base.