Is your Roman empire the french-twist Louboutin-inspired nail worn by Selena Gomez? Do you find that Gomez makes up half of your nail mood board as you scroll through it? You have one man to thank if the founder of Rare Beauty serves as your inspiration for anything nail art related: Tom Bachik.
Celebrity nail artist Bachik has been creating nail art for Gomez for years and is always coming up with new ideas. Being both creative and modest, the well-known manicurist doesn’t claim full credit for creating these images that have gone viral. Every style we see and adore, he claims, is a true product of teamwork.
“Selena is super collaborative when it comes to her nail looks and we both brainstorm ideas,” Bachik tells People Magazine. “Her choice of look will be based on her vibe or mood. Her desired vibe—whether it be sophisticated, seductive, playful, or joyful—will dictate how the complete nail design is created.”
He claims that Gomez is pretty open to any colour or nail form, but she does have a few favourites. She prefers bare skin, “basically a no-makeup, makeup look for nails,” he says, or bold hues, such as the glossy ocean blue she wore for the “13 Reasons Why” premiere a few years ago, which is one of his all-time favourites. In order to enhance her nail looks, she also enjoys using glazes, chromes, and shimmers. As long as it seems right, anything can happen. “There’s no trend or colour she wouldn’t do,” he asserts. “It’s just about fitting the vibe or mood.”
We are inundated with nail how-tos and advice, so it can be challenging to discern what is genuinely helpful and what is just bullshit. Who better to cut through all that chatter and provide us with the definitive nail care instruction than Gomez’s go-to manicurist? Bachik’s seven nail commandments are listed below. Continue reading to see his greatest nail tips (pardon the pun) and learn how to get and keep the ideal manicure.
Tip 1 : Always hydrate your nails
What is the best nail care advice that Bachik personally gives to Gomez? It’s easy to remember yet works wonders: moisturise your nails. “I advise Selena and all my clients to keep cuticle oil on,” he states. “Always apply nightly before bed to give it time to set in.” For this reason, we adore the OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil ($11).
Tip 2 : Choose the Right Nail Shape For Your Design
Selecting the ideal nail form is more than just a matter of taste. According to Bachik, having the proper form will lessen the likelihood of the nail breaking. According to him, you need to confirm that the side wall, or the nail’s lower arch, is robust. “The tip of your nail contains a C-shaped structure; this curve functions as a bridge to sustain the nail. You offer yourself the chance to break it more quickly if you file that and give yourself a flatter nail,” he advises.
He advises people who enjoy having long nails to place the thickest area between the cuticle and the extension at the centre of the nail, which is the high point. He advises you should never file an almond or stiletto nail upwards; instead, you should let the side wall come out before shaping it.
Tip 3: Don’t Over File
In relation to filing, exercise caution to avoid going overboard. You should first use a nail cutter to produce the ideal look for your nails. His personal favourite comes from his Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Nail Care Travel Set ($60). All that the file does is sharpen the edge.
He advises you to face yourself and point your hands upward when filing your own nails. Next, see a line running in the middle to direct you as you file. By doing this, you can make sure that everything is filed symmetrically.
Tip 4: When in Doubt, Go Round
Are you feeling overpowered by the abundance of available form options? (Since the same, no judgement here). The ultimate classic, according to Bachik, is a round nail, so you can’t go wrong with it when you’re really stuck on how to cut and file your nails. “A natural to soft round nail works for any occasion,” he explains. “Whether it’s shorter or longer.”
Tip 5: Mirrored Nails Go with Everything
On Gomez, as well as all of his other clientele, Bachik adores a mirrored nail. A mirrored nail, which strikes that ideal combination of general appeal and amusement, may enhance any ensemble. “Mirrored powders are so versatile; I love to do pearly, opalescent colours,” he states. “They kind of go with everything.”
Tip 7: Tea Bags Can Repair a Broken Nail
There are several methods, according to Bachik, that you can use to fix a broken natural nail. The best course of action is to have it fixed by a specialist using builder gel. He is aware that not everyone has access to it, therefore in that case, the tea-bag method is useful.
To begin, take a dry tea bag and cut a little square out of it. The size of the piece should be sufficient to cover the break without completely encasing the nail. After that, cover the tear with the tea bag fragment that has been covered in nail adhesive. Before adding a layer of polish, you’ll trim off the excess once it sets and file it.