12 of Her Best Manicures Ever

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Playfully glamorous is the best way to describe Selena Gomez’s nail looks, ranging from cool classics to vivid and bedazzled.

An ongoing relationship with nail artist Tom Bachik has delivered a wealth of striking manicures, each furthering Gomez’s red-carpet looks and more casual ensembles while inspiring larger trends. Case in point: For the SAG Awards this past weekend, Bachik painted Gomez’s short nails a cherry red, a timeless choice that elevated her icy Versace dress.

Past mani moments have featured glitter and shine, candied colorways, nudes, and noir; all teamed with shapes that ensured the look felt fresh and—most importantly—fun. 

Here are 16 of Gomez’s most memorable nail looks.

Old Hollywood, 2024

Instagram @tombachik

To up the ante on her referential bombshell moment (replete with custom Versace), Bachik opted for a bright cherry polish (specifically Essie Gel Couture in VIPlease) pained atop a simple short nail that paired with a brightened Bordeaux pedicure. 

Black Cherry, 2024

Instagram @tombachik

This custom color by Bachik is a perfect meeting of vamp and subtle goth glam. Elongated oval nails painted layers of black and deep purple polish are finished in a red chrome powder for some playful shimmer—and a multi-faceted hue. 

Patent Leather, 2024

Instagram @tombachik

The shiniest leather is reimagined as a radiant onyx manicure in this high-gloss look for the 2024 Golden Globes. Two coats of Essie’s Licorice were all that was needed to play up a custom Armani moment. 

Lip Gloss, 2023

Instagram @tombachik

Bachik’s viral ‘lipgloss nails’—sumptuous nudes finished in a glossy coat—were afforded extra glamour for Gomez, her long coffin manicure serving the correct dosage of drama. 

Golden Glaze Fire, 2023

Instagram @tombachik

Here, Gomez’s bright and bold manicure was designed to mimic a blazing fire. A custom, chromatic blend of red and iridescent gold glaze team together in a smoldering moment furthered by a long nail and equally radiant diamond baubles. 

Bubblegum Disco, 2023

Instagram @tombachik

Barbiecore left no detail untouched and undoubtedly inspired this glittering pink polish job. The disco-sparkle manicure is made particularly playful via a bubblegum pink foundation, specifically Aprés Gel Couleur in Sweet Cheeks.

Icy Shimmer, 2023

Instagram @tombachik

Frosted white makes for a Y2K take on a neutral hue. Mia Secret in White Peony is topped in an iridescent shimmer for a luxurious yet accessible medium-length moment. 

Iridescent Sparkle, 2023

Instagram @tombachik

Mini stiletto nails are a solid choice all on their own, but a 3D encrusting of glitter (or, in this case, Swarvoski Pixie Dust) takes the look over the top. 

Skittle Nails, 2022

Instagram @tombachik

More color, please! Those who have trouble selecting a single shade would do well recreating Bachik’s Skittle-inspired manicure, which features oblong nails painted in their own solid pastel pops— the ultimate look for springtime and beyond. 

Sunset Yellow, 2022

Instagram @tombachik

For the premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, Gomez opted to embody the brighter aspects of her journey with a few coats of a tangerine yellow pulled over a short manicure. “Sunset yellow for our sunshine girl,” captioned Bachik of the buoyant look. 

Olive Green, 2022

Instagram @tombachik

Olive green is a chic near-neutral that’s been dominating the nail scene over the past few years. For Gomez, an elongated coffin mani and a single-tone olive lean sophisticated, seasonless, and effortlessly cool. 

Chic Black, 2022

Instagram @tombachik

This noir paint job offers extra drama via a coffin nail and a high-shine finish—the perfect pairing for an onstage LBD. 

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