Vanessa Hudgens’ Neutral Cat-Eye Nails Are the Must-Have Mani This Fall

Vanessa Hudgens knows how to set a trend, and her latest mani is a prime example. Instead of bold chrome or Barbiecore hues, the Princess Switch actress and newly minted mom opted for a neutral cat eye nail—a perfect transitional manicure as temperatures drops and we head into the season of cool-toned palettes.

At first glance, Hudgens’ nails (which were expertly crafted by Zola Ganzorigt) look like a chic nude, but when it catches the light just right, a subtle beam shifts across the surface. The charm lies in its subtlety, and as Selina Payne-Ferebee, manicurist and co-founder of the Nail Excellence Awards, puts it, the "neutral shades give the manicure timeless appeal, while the magnetic shimmer adds depth and interest." Basically, it’s not just another nude—it’s nude with dimension. Whether you’re wrapped in a chunky sweater or rocking a leather moto, these nails are ready to match every fall fit you throw on.

Read on for everything you need to know about neutral cat eye nails—and how to get the look for yourself.

What Is a Neutral Cat Eye Nail?

Think of it as the chic, cooler cousin of the classic cat eye manicure. Unlike traditional cat eye manicures, which usually lean bold with jewel tones or chrome finishes, Vanessa Hudgens’ take shows how the look can be soft, sophisticated and entirely wearable. The effect comes from magnetic gel polish, which shifts tiny glitter and shimmer particles into a reflective beam that catches the light, explains celebrity nail stylist, Rachel Arreola. This little trick mimics the glint of a cat’s eye gemstone. and "creates the illusion of depth and movement." On a neutral base, the effect is subtle yet dimensional, adding elegance without overpowering the overall look.

The magic really is in the details here. "The smaller the glitter and magnetic particles, the more refined and multi-dimensional the finish will appear," says Arreola. Instead of a bold streak, the light dances across the nails, creating soft shimmer rather than a flash of sparkle. It’s soft, versatile and elevated—basically, it's the personification of the quiet luxury trend. And yes, it’s a perfect fall mani. That gentle shimmer pairs effortlessly with chunky sweaters, leather jackets, plaid scarves and metallic boots, giving every autumn outfit an understated but luxe boost.

How to Get the Look

Getting the look doesn’t have to be complicated. At the salon, bring a picture of Hudgens’ nails or any neutral cat eye inspiration and ask your nail artist for a soft nude, beige or champagne base to start. Arreola recommends opting for a "diffused shimmer" rather than a sharp, bold streak, "allowing the magnetic particles to spread subtly across the surface for a chic, wearable finish." Rounded or almond-shaped nails will really complete the look, adding an extra layer of elegance to your mani.

For DIY crwod, the look is doable at home with a gel lamp, neutral polish and a magnetic wand. "Work one nail at a time," warns Arreola. "Paint, hover the magnet over the wet polish to shift the shimmer into place, flash cure, and repeat. This locks the effect before it moves." You can tweak this effect, too - hold the magnet closer to the nail for a stronger highlight or hover farther away to create a softer glow.

If gel isn’t your jam, regular magnetic lacquers like the Mooncat Quicksand’s Embrace give a similar effect without the lamp. Layer over a nude base for more depth, and finish with a glossy top coat to really make that subtle shimmer pop.

Neutral cat eye nails show that subtle shimmer can still steal the spotlight. Softer than chrome but more luxe than a plain nude, they work with everything—summer dresses or fall sweaters alike. Hudgens may have rocked them in summer, but they slide effortlessly into autumn’s earthy palette, making them a mani you’ll reach for all season long.