Step aside glazed donut nails—Selena Gomez just reinvented the minimal manicure game with her dreamy lip gloss nails. A new manicure look by celeb manicurist Tom Bachik, it features a slight twist to the milky-jelly manicure we all love to swoon over! And to say that it embodies everything we love in fresh, feminine nails is an understatement. It takes that love to another dimension.
From the short, soft shape to the ultra-glossy finish, this manicure is fashionable, wearable, and low-maintenance—the list just goes on! If you want a classic nail look that will remain elegant without trying too hard, Selena Gomez’s Milky-Jelly Nail is going to become your new obsession.
What Are Lip Gloss Nails?
Lip gloss nails are nails that look like lip gloss – that shiny, juicy finish you get from your favorite lip gloss. Think of a soft, translucent pink or nude polish with a super shiny, glossy, glass-like top coat. It’s a low-commitment but elevated manicure style that can be worn every day and for special occasions.
Bachik, who did Selena’s nails, characterized this style as a “working girl’s manicure” that is still beautifully polished – it’s short, functional, and, unlike stiletto nails, will not interfere with the keyboard or crack when you are popping the top of your soda can.
Selena Gomez’s Take on Milky-Jelly nails
Selena took the original milky manicure trend and elevated it with a glass-like finish, perfectly rounded shape (which we love), and delicate undertone of pink. This elevates this manicure style with a hint of that “lip gloss” feel – clean, glossy, and super wearable.
What Makes This Manicure Trend So Popular?
The milky-jelly and lip gloss nails have gained popularity thanks to their ease and usability. In a world that was once all about maximalism (crystal-covered claws, much?), we are seeing a return to simplicity and comfort.
According to a 2024 Pinterest Trend Report:
Searches for “minimal nails” have increased 87% year-over-year
“Short gel nails” are trending with over 60% interest from Gen Z and millennial groups.
How to Get Rihanna’s Milky-Jelly Nail Look at Home
Forget celebrity manicures! Here’s how beginners in the U.S. can replicate “Selena’s lip gloss nails” at home.
Get the look by following these steps:
- Preparation: Prioritize your nails
- Trim and soften your nails into a rounded shape
- Push back your cuticles and buff the surface of your nails
- Apply Your Sheer Pink or Nude Polish
Give Essie “Ballet Slippers” or Olive & June “CCT” (an oat-milk hybrid called Colour Cream) a try!
For a milky-jelly look, apply 1–2 thin coats of polish
Apply a High-Gloss Gel Topcoat
Seche Vite or Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
Let your manicure fully dry or cure it under your lamp if it’s gel-based
Time to Hydrate!
Finally, finish with cuticle oil or any nourishing oil to make it look like you just left the salon!
