Did Selena Gomez Just Bring Black Nail Polish Back at the Golden Globes?

First, Selena Gomez brought white nail polish back from the dead. But that was so 2023. Now that it’s a new year, and a fresh award season, Gomez—and her 2024 Golden Globes manicure—are proving that goth glam black is back in a major way.

Why else would the multi-hyphenate, who was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a television series for her work on Only Murders in the Building, rock a pitch-black “patent leather” manicure to the first awards show of the year? One that not only she is nominated at, but her best friend—as in, Taylor Swift—is too? Exactly! (TBH, the whole vibe is giving Reputation).

Gomez’s “patent leather” look was created by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, as her iconic manicures almost always are. As for how she and her glam squad were inspired to create the look?

“We wanted to compliment her custom Giorgio Armani dress while bringing a little edge with a high gloss, black mani,” Bachik explained via Instagram caption. Bachik also prepped her nails using the Tweezerman and Tom Bachik Nail Care Travel Set, then polished her nails in “two rich coats” of Essie’s Licorice.

“No look is complete with dry cuticle!” Bachik continued. “I used Essie’s ‘On a Roll’ Apricot Cuticle Oil to rehydrate the cuticles and skin, finishing the look perfectly.”

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

All in all, Selena Gomez proved that black nail polish is not only back, but very much red-carpet friendly—especially when paired with such a show-stopping fiery red gown. The look was a little bit goth, a bit more ballet-core, and very much glam. Translation? As per usual, Ms. Gomez understood—and aced—the red-carpet and manicure assignments.

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Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.