Selena Gomez Gave Basic Red Nails an Upgrade With Her ‘Sparkling Merlot’ Manicure
Selena Gomez sparkled from head to toe at the 2025 BAFTA Awards, and we’re not just talking about her custom Schiaparelli gown and marquise diamond ring.
Red manicures never go out of style, but it’s been a long time since they’ve gotten a real upgrade. Sure, we’ve been devouring burgundy and chocolate cherry shades in recent months, but it can be hard to get too excited about any monochrome manicure… Enter: Selena Gomez.
On February 16, Gomez walked the BAFTAs red carpet in custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture, practically dripping with jewels from her dress to her Tiffany & Co. diamonds, all styled by Erin Walsh. Of course, she did not remove her marquise diamond engagement ring from Benny Blanco, which remained firmly on her elegantly manicured left ring finger.
Selena Gomez attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025.
Neil Mockford
For her nails, Gomez ditched the short, pinkish nude look she’s been favoring since December, which likely served to keep our eyes focussed on her rock. Instead, she contrasted the shimmering sequins and rhinestone-covered BAFTAs look with a deep “sparkling merlot mani,” courtesy of celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik.
To achieve this look, Bachik used CND World’s shellac system, starting with the brand’s wear extender base coat before applying two layers of Needles & Red, a bright merlot shade with purple undertones and a subtle black stipple effect that keeps the look from feeling one-dimensional. Bachik completed the manicure with CND’s shellac top coat that gives it that extra glossy shine.
Just as important as the shade, of course, is the shape of Gomez’s manicure. While the pop star has been pushing the short square nail agenda in recent months, she’s returned to a mid-length almond shape that lengthens the fingers and enhances her entire look.
Recent nail trends have been moving away from complicated designs in favor of rich color stories and textured effects. Thankfully, this sparkling merlot manicure has just enough flare to shake up the classic red manicure in 2025.
