Beetles Cat Eye Gel Polish Review: Is the “Galaxy Effect” Actually Easy to DIY?

We’ve all seen those mesmerizing “galaxy” or “velvet” nails on Instagram—the ones that seem to shift colors and sparkle when the hand moves. It looks like an expensive, high-skill salon job. Usually, achieving that depth requires expensive magnetic polishes and a lot of patience.

But Beetles, a brand known for making gel polish accessible to the masses, has released their Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Set (6 Colors) promising that same stunning, dimensional look at a fraction of the cost.

Can a budget-friendly kit really deliver that high-end magnetic shift, or does it just look like glitter soup? As a DIY nail enthusiast who loves a challenge, I tested this set to see if the “magic” actually works. Here is my honest review.

Quick Specs & Verdict

1. Unboxing & First Impressions

The set arrives in Beetles’ signature packaging—compact and secure. Inside, you find six bottles of gel polish.

Crucial Note: These are “mini” bottles (7.5ml). If you are used to full-sized salon bottles (15ml), these will look tiny. However, since you rarely do a full cat-eye manicure every single week, the size is perfectly adequate for a home user.

The consistency of the polish felt thick upon opening, which is standard for glitter/magnetic formulas. It didn’t smell overly chemical, which is a plus. One thing to check immediately: Does it come with a magnet? Some listings include a magnet stick, while others do not. Ensure you have a strong magnet wand ready, or you won’t be able to activate the effect.

2. Key Features & Performance Deep Dive

The Magnetic “Cat Eye” Effect

This is the star of the show. The polish contains tiny metallic particles that react to a magnet.

• How it works: You paint a layer, and before curing it under the lamp, you hover a magnet stick close to the nail. The particles rush toward (or away from) the magnet, creating a sharp line or a “black hole” effect.
• The Benefit: It creates incredible depth. When I turned my hand, the nail shifted from a dark, moody base to a bright, sparkling streak. It genuinely looks like a galaxy.

Pigmentation & Base Color

Unlike some magnetic polishes that are just sheer grey glitter, these have strong base colors (Red, Burgundy, Purple, etc.).

• The Benefit: You don’t necessarily need a black base coat underneath to make them pop, although using a black base does make the contrast sharper. On their own, two coats provided full opacity.

Versatility

You can manipulate the look depending on how you hold the magnet.

• The Benefit: You aren’t stuck with just one design. You can do the classic diagonal slash, a velvet “all-over” shimmer, or a French tip illusion. It allows for a lot of creativity with just one bottle.

[Image: A split screen showing the polish applied normally vs. activated with the magnet]

3. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning Visuals: The end result looks incredibly expensive and professional. The sparkle is intense.
• Smooth Formula: despite being glittery, it levels out well and doesn’t feel gritty after the top coat.
• Price: You get 6 dynamic colors for less than the price of one luxury gel bottle.
• Cures Hard: Once cured, it is solid. I didn’t experience any wrinkling or bubbling, which can happen with pigmented gels.

Cons:

• The Learning Curve: This is not a “slap on and go” polish. You have to magnetize each finger individually and cure it immediately, or the particles will drift back into place. It takes time.
• Magnet Strength: If your kit didn’t come with a strong magnet, or if you use a weak fridge magnet, the effect will be blurry. You really need a designated nail art magnet.
• Small Bottles: As mentioned, they are small. If you find a favorite color, you might run out of it relatively quickly.

4. Who Is This For? (Best For)

• The Patient Perfectionist: If you enjoy the process of doing your nails and don’t mind spending 5-10 minutes per hand just on the magnetic step.
• Holiday & Event Nails: The deep reds, greens, and purples in this set are perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or evening events where you want your nails to catch the light.
• Intermediate DIYers: If you already know how to prep and apply gel polish, this is a fun next step to upgrade your skills.

5. Who Should Avoid It?

• People Without a UV/LED Lamp: This is soaking-off gel polish. It will never dry fast without a UV lamp. Do not buy this if you don’t own one.
• The “Rush Job” Painter: If you only have 20 minutes to do your nails, skip this. Rushing the magnet step results in messy, muddy-looking nails.

Long-Term Testing Notes

After 14 Days:

I wore the Burgundy shade for two weeks. I used a Beetles base and top coat (sold separately) to seal it in.

• Durability: Zero chips. The magnetic line stayed sharp and didn’t “diffuse” over time, which can sometimes happen with lower-quality pigments.
• Removal: Removal was standard for glitter gels—it took a little longer to soak off than a cream color, but nothing excessive.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

The Beetles Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Set is a fantastic “party trick” in a box.

While it requires more effort than a standard manicure, the payoff is worth it. The colors are rich, the magnetic effect is responsive, and the price is unbeatable for the variety you get. It transforms a home manicure into something that looks like you spent $80 at a salon.

Recommendation: Buy it, but make sure you also buy a strong dual-ended magnet wand if you don’t already have one, as the key to the look is the tool, not just the polish.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a black base coat?

A: Not strictly necessary as these colors are pigmented, but applying a thin coat of black gel underneath will make the “cat eye” line pop much more and give it a deeper, 3D look.

Q: Why does the design disappear before I cure it?

A: Magnetic particles are suspended in liquid. Gravity will pull them back down. You must cure the nail immediately (within seconds) after getting the design you want. Do one finger at a time!

Q: Does this set include the UV light?

A: No. This listing is typically just for the polish set. You need to own a UV/LED nail lamp to cure the gel.