The Rare Beauty founder, Selena Gomez, has a reputation for stunning nail styles, often showcased by her long-time nail artist, Tom Bachik. Bachik’s magic touch has also graced the nails of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Margot Robbie, and Hailee Steinfeld. Most notable among Selena’s nail looks is the “Golden Glazed Fire” set, showcased at this year’s MTV VMAs.
The Academy Museum Gala Look
For the Academy Museum Gala, Selena sported a minimalistic, yet glamorous look. It was an embodiment of the “my nails but better” trend, with high gloss on a healthy nude base. To recreate this understated style, prioritize nail care – attend to your cuticles and nail beds to ensure a clean base for the polish. Instead of resorting to extensions, let your natural nail beds be the star. File your nails into a squoval shape to mimic Selena’s look.
Bachik used the Aprés Nail Gel Couleur in Gossamer Light on Selena because of its quick curing time and high shine. However, any sheer nude polish can be used to recreate the look. The objective is to add life to the nails without overdoing the color. Recently, Selena has been favoring more natural nail designs, like the “Naked Disco” look and glossy nails, over high-maintenance chrome shades.
A Shift in Selena Gomez’s Manicure Preferences
In 2023, Selena Gomez was frequently seen sporting neutral, milky manicures that exuded a sense of understated elegance. Whether it was her shimmering “angel nails” or subtly sparkly natural-like nails, these lighter shades were her go-to choice. However, the 2024 Golden Globes saw a dramatic shift in her nail color preference, as she ditched her usual pale hues for a glossy, attention-grabbing black.
The Mastermind Behind the Look: Tom Bachik
Tom Bachik, Gomez’s trusted nail artist (also the talent behind her 2023 “naked disco” Globes manicure), was the creative force behind her new, edgier look. Inspired by Gomez’s red Giorgio Armani dress with black accents, Bachik decided on a high-gloss black to mirror the dress’s floral elements. He opted for a shorter, natural nail length to maintain an air of chic strength in line with the darker shade.
The Creation of the Glamorous Manicure
Bachik started by preparing Gomez’s nails using the Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set. He shaped her nails to a medium length with a rounded edge, before applying two glossy layers of Essie Nail Color in Licorice. The manicure was completed with Essie’s On a Roll Apricot Roll-On Hydrating Cuticle Oil for added hydration. The end result? A super-shiny, mirror-like manicure that perfectly complemented Gomez’s asymmetrical Armani dress and dazzling diamond accessories.