Selena Gomez’s appearance at the 2025 BAFTAs on Sunday, February 16, was nothing short of magical. The 32-year-old actress and entrepreneur stepped out for the event in a custom silver Schiaparelli gown dripping in intricate embellishments complemented by a velvet off-the-shoulder bodice. Teamed with her side-parted updo and classic glam, the look was double-take-worthy, to say the least. But the perfect finishing touch that shouldn’t be overlooked is her “sparking merlot mani” by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.
Bachik took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes look at Gomez’s rich, glossy red manicure. As he revealed in the caption, he prepped her nails with Tweezerman tools before using the CND World Shellac System, beginning with the Wear Extender Base Coat. He then applied two coats of the brand’s vampy red hue called Needles & Red ($17), sealed it with the Shellac Top Coat, and finished with a touch of Solar Oil to nourish the cuticles. The result: a deep merlot manicure that, as implied, looks as rich and luxurious as a perfectly aged red wine.
For the shape, Bachik and Gomez kept her signature long almond nails intact. “With the almond shape, the nails are slender and taper to a rounded peak, which makes your fingers look super elegant and elongated,” celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec previously told NewBeauty. Gomez’s nails are proof; the shape is the perfect complement to her marquise diamond engagement ring from fiancé Benny Blanco.
Shop Selena Gomez’s BAFTAs Mani
Shop Gomez’s exact CND polish below, plus a few equally stunning alternatives in the same merlot-inspired hue.
