As a proud Selena Gomez stan, I’m always on high alert for the next Rare Beauty drop (for the record, I’m currently obsessed with the new Rare x Beis bag collection). A close second? Waiting to see her next nail look. When Selena stepped onto the pink carpet at the Rare Impact Gala in Los Angeles, her manicure did not disappoint. The soft blush shade shimmered beautifully—but it was the combo of jelly and chrome finishes that made it newsworthy.
Tom Bachik, celebrity manicurist whose clients include Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Hailee Steinfeld
To complement her ’90s-inspired glam and satin mauve minidress, Selena’s longtime manicurist, Tom Bachik (he did her wedding nails!), blended two of the year’s biggest nail trends—chrome (for that subtle shimmer) and jelly (for a sheer, glossy finish)—to create a gorgeous blush hue that reminds me of irridescent butterfly wings.
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Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Rare Impact Fund
How to Recreate Blush Jelly Chrome Nails
Bachik shares his exact recipe.
Start with perfect prep
In true Tom Bachik fashion, prep is everything. “A flawless foundation is the secret to any gorgeous manicure,” he says. Bachik reached for his favorite Tweezerman tools to shape the nails and push back the cuticles—his non-negotiable step for smooth, clean edges. Once the nails were perfected, he applied Olive & June’s Nail Strengthener, a clear treatment that helps reinforce weak nails and boost resilience. Think of it as a base coat that works harder.
Build the base
With the nails prepped, Bachik moved on to the base color using Olive & June’s new Builder Gel—a formula that adds both strength and volume. He chose the shade “Blush Jelly,” a sheer, pink tint that gives that signature jelly finish. Selena’s nails were then shaped into a soft almond for a sleek, elegant look.
Add the chrome finish
To bring the look to life, Bachik sealed the builder gel with a glossy gel top coat, then layered on “Aurora” from his own Cosmic Chrome Collection. “The shiny finish was the perfect way to make this ’90s glam look modern,” he explains.
Seal and shine
Finally, Bachik applied one last clear gel top coat to lock everything in and enhance the glow. The result? A dreamy blush chrome manicure that’s soft, shimmery, and holiday-party ready. It’s not in-your-face glitter or siren red but rather an understated sheen that is minimal chic and, let’s be honest, chef’s freaking kiss.