Hailey Bieber's Brown Cat-Eye Nails Are the Autumn Trend Everyone's Copying — Here's Why
When Hailey Bieber steps out with a new nail look, the beauty world takes notice. Her latest manicure choice, rich brown cat-eye nails, has sent searches soaring and nail techs scrambling to recreate the look. But this isn't just another celebrity nail moment; it's a trend that perfectly captures everything we want for autumn nails.
By @nailsbyzola.
Why Brown Cat-Eye Nails Are the Autumn Nail Look
"Brown cat eyes capture everything we love about autumn — warmth, depth, and a chic cosy richness," explains Daisy from The GelBottle Inc. "The colour echoes the season's palette naturally, while the 3D magnetic gel effect is particularly perfect for the season, giving that velvety finish. It has the visual texture of luxe fabrics like cashmere or velvet, which speaks to that cosy winter appeal we're all craving."
The appeal goes beyond aesthetics. As Daisy notes, "It's also incredibly wearable — polished enough for work but still has that special something for evening. Plus, darker shades are forgiving as days get shorter and we're harder on our hands."
The Rise of Brown: From Mocha Mousse to Espresso Elegance
Brown has officially graduated from safe neutral to statement shade. "We've moved past the idea that nails need to be 'pretty' colours — there's a new confidence in wearing shades that feel grounded and sophisticated rather than traditionally feminine," says Daisy. "It's part of the whole 'quiet luxury' movement and that expensive-looking, pared-back aesthetic."
The evolution feels natural: "This season, we're seeing brown everywhere; a natural evolution from the mocha mousse trend that dominated earlier in the year. Now we're transitioning into deeper, richer shades as we move into autumn and winter — think espresso, chocolate, and those gorgeous deep chestnuts."
@cng.nails.png [PLEASE CREDIT IMAGE TO TECH AND LINK THROUGH TO THEIR IG ACCOUNT] Using: After Dark and Iced Chrome Pigment
Popular TGB browns include Chocolate, Mocha, Cocoa, and Cinnamon Spice, with Duchess Magnetic and Vault Magnetic being particular favourites for the magnetic cat-eye effect nails. We’ve also just launched some gorgeous new brown gel polish shades in our A/W Drop including Oud, RSVP for a bit of sparkle and our deep flashing glitter, Fondant.
What Exactly Are Cat-Eye Nails?
If you're new to the trend, here's what makes cat-eye nails so special. "Cat-eye nails use magnetic gel polish containing metallic particles," Daisy explains. "When you hold a magnet over the wet polish, it pulls those particles into a line that shifts and catches the light for a cat-eye effect, or you can create a more overall velvety effect, depending on how you manipulate the magnet."
The technique has global appeal: "The technique originated in Asia and exploded globally around 2016–2017, becoming a nail art staple." Creating them requires precision. Start by applying the magnetic gel polish, hold a specialised nail magnet just above the nail surface for 5–10 seconds, then cure under a gel nail lamp, like the TGB Light The Way Nail Lamp. The magic is in the magnet placement: different angles and positions create varied effects, from straight lines to curves or complex cat-eye nail designs.
Why Magnetic Gels Are Having a Moment
The current popularity of magnetic gel nails makes perfect sense. "Magnetic gel looks hit that sweet spot between 'special occasion' and everyday wearable," notes Daisy. "They're eye-catching without being over-the-top, and in an era where we're all about maximising our salon visits, they photograph beautifully and feel more elevated than a simple one-colour manicure."
"The magnetic effect creates this gorgeous dimensional, velvet-looking finish that feels rich and tactile — almost like you're wearing luxe fabric on your nails. Plus, the technique works perfectly with autumn's richer colour palette, enhancing that luxe sophisticated vibe."
@gieos.room.png [PLEASE CREDIT IMAGE TO TECH AND LINK THROUGH TO THEIR IG ACCOUNT] Using: Duchess
@gel.bymegan.png [PLEASE CREDIT IMAGE TO TECH AND LINK THROUGH TO THEIR IG ACCOUNT] Using: Duchess
How to Choose Your Perfect Brown Gel Nail Polish
Not all browns are created equal, and finding your perfect shade (or your client’s) comes down to undertones. Daisy offers this guidance:
For cooler undertones: Look for browns with hints of taupe or grey, like chocolate or mushroom browns.
For warmer skin tones: Browns with red or orange undertones work beautifully—think chestnuts, mochas, or caramels.
For deeper skin tones: Rich, deep browns into espresso territory create stunning depth.
The styling advice? "Brown is actually quite versatile — it looks stunning as a simple solid, works beautifully with cat-eye or chrome effects, and can be dressed up with gold accents for autumn events. The mistake people make is going too light or muddy, you want richness and depth. Think premium chocolate, not beige."
Find out more about identifying skin undertones in our blog on colour theory.
Getting the Look
The combination of brown's sophisticated warmth and the magnetic gel's luxurious finish creates a manicure that's both on-trend and timelessly chic, exactly what Hailey Bieber seems to have mastered.
This autumn, brown cat-eye nails prove that sometimes the most elegant statement is one that whispers rather than shouts. Explore The GelBottle's range of magnetic gel polishes designed for that perfect velvety gel effect.