While I love nail wraps, I still enjoy trying other possibilities. Magnetic nail polish has become one of my favorite ways to get a salon-style manicure at home without gel or a lamp. After spending time with two different brands, I wanted to share an honest comparison of Mooncat vs Orly magnetic nail polish based on real wear, application, and everyday use. Both brands create beautiful magnetic effects, but they behave differently on the nails.
If you’ve been debating which magnetic polish is worth trying—or whether one works better for weaker nails—this breakdown should help.
Orly Magnetic Nail Polish Review
In the Mooncat vs Orly magnetic nail polish comparison, Orly feels like the more approachable option, especially if you’re newer to magnetic manicures or prefer a thinner formula. It’s easier to find in stores, a more familiar brand, and a bit more beginner-friendly.
Orly Magnetic Nail Polish Application & Formula
Orly’s magnetic polish has a smoother, thinner consistency, which makes it easy to apply evenly. I typically need 2–3 coats to reach full opacity, but the formula spreads nicely without streaking.
One of Orly’s biggest strengths as a polish is how easy it is to manipulate the magnetic particles. You have a bit more working time to experiment with different designs before the polish sets. That said, because it stays workable longer, I’ve noticed the magnetic effect can shift or slide out of place if you’re aiming for a very specific design.
Dry Time & Wear
Even with a quick-dry top coat, Orly’s magnetic polish takes longer to fully dry than Mooncat. Once set, I’ve been able to get up to 5 days of wear with minimal chipping, which is solid for a regular polish.
Orly Cauldron Smoke– you can see some designs on the ring and pointer finger
Removal & Nail Health
Orly’s magnetic polish removes easily with acetone and doesn’t cause nail damage for me. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a nice bonus.
Orly Price & Availability
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Around $15 per bottle
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Widely available online and in stores like Ulta
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Comes with a magnet (and special wand designs for themed collections, like the Harry Potter lightning bolt)
Best for:
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Beginners to magnetic polish
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Those who like experimenting with designs
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Anyone who prefers a thinner, easier-to-control formula
Mooncat Magnetic Nail Polish Review
When comparing Mooncat vs Orly magnetic nail polish, Mooncat stands out for bold pigmentation, dramatic magnetic effects, and a thicker, more sculptural formula.
Mooncat Magnetic Nail Polish Application & Formula
Mooncat’s magnetic polish is much thicker than Orly’s and usually only requires two coats for full opacity. The pigment payoff is incredible, and the magnetic effect looks very dramatic and dimensional.
Because the formula is thicker, it sets more quickly, which means you have less time to adjust the magnetic design—but once it’s in place, it tends to stay put.
Dry Time & Wear
Paired with Mooncat’s quick-dry top coat, the manicure dries faster overall than Orly’s magnetic polish. When my nails are behaving, I’ve gotten up to 5 days with no chips, but I sometimes see larger chips on my thumb or pointer finger a few days in. I believe this is more related to my naturally weak nails than the polish itself, as many users report much longer wear.
Community & Support
One standout feature is Mooncat’s very active Facebook group, which is full of nail polish application tips, troubleshooting advice, and creative inspiration. It’s genuinely helpful if you’re new to thicker magnetic formulas or want to try their thermal nail polish collection which changes color based on temperature.
Removal & Nail Health
Like Orly, Mooncat removes easily with acetone and hasn’t caused nail damage for me. Mooncat is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Mooncat Price & Availability
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Around $18 per bottle
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Purchased primarily through Mooncat’s website
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Comes with a magnet
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Known for unique, artistic color options you won’t find elsewhere
Best for:
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Bold, high-impact manicures
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Those comfortable working with thicker formulas
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Nail polish lovers who want something unique
Mooncat vs Orly Magnetic Nail Polish: Side-by-Side Comparison
This quick breakdown highlights the biggest differences in the Mooncat vs Orly magnetic nail polish experience, from application to wear time.
Mooncat vs Orly Magnetic Nail Polish: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Orly | Mooncat |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$15 | ~$18 |
| Coats Needed | 2–3 | 2 |
| Formula | Thinner, smooth | Thick, highly pigmented |
| Dry Time | Slower | Faster with top coat |
| Magnetic Control | More flexible | Sets quickly |
| Wear Time (me) | ~5 days | 3–5 days |
| Vegan/Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Removal | Easy | Easy |
When it comes to Mooncat vs Orly magnetic nail polish, there’s no universal winner—just different strengths. Orly is forgiving and beginner-friendly, while Mooncat delivers high-impact results with a little more precision. Choosing the right magnetic polish often comes down to nail health, preferred formula, and how much time you want to spend perfecting the design.
Confident Twosday Linkup
Last week’s favorite post was from Nancy at Nancy’s Fashion Style. She shared some of her cute holiday week looks.
Between Naps on the Porch | I do de Claire | Walking in Memphis in High Heels & The Fashion Canvas | Tuesday Twirl | My Slices of Life | The Style Splash | Curated by Jennifer | Mummabstylish | Shelbee On the Edge | Nancy’s Fashion Style | Momfessionals | Marsha in the Middle
