How to Get Selena Gomez’s ‘Sparkling Merlot’ Manicure

From velvety chrome to magnetic finishes, red manicures have been seriously trending for the last several months. Selena Gomez just cosigned on the crimson craze at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards—but she and her go-to manicurist, Tom Bachik, put their own twist on the trend. Meet the “Sparkling Merlot Mani,” a deep, Bordeaux-inspired hue with an air of effervescence that feels at once classic and modern.

“I love a dark red. Just like nudes, there is one for all skin tones,” says celebrity manicurist Sarah Chue. What’s more, she says that “dark reds are catching on to be in style all year long—not just for the colder months.” 

Gone are the days of reserving moody shades for fall and winter. This rich, dimensional manicure works just as well in the warmer months, offering a bold and sophisticated alternative to expected brights, pastels, or neutrals. 

In other words, Selena’s latest manicure proves that dark red is more than just a seasonal staple—it’s a go-to for any occasion or time of year. The high-shine finish, paired with the subtle black stipple effect, adds a chic twist that makes this mani stand out from your average wine-colored polish. Want to try it yourself? It’s easier than you think. 

How to Get the Sparkling Merlot Mani

As for Selena’s exact Sparkling Merlot Mani look, Bachik was kind enough to share the full how-to—and it’s surprisingly simple.

1. Prep the nails with a base coat to create a smooth canvas and help the polish adhere.
2. Apply two coats of CND Shellac in Needles and Red, a vampy, deep red shade with black stipple for texture and dimension.
3. Seal the look with a glossy top coat, enhancing the shine and depth of the color.
4. Finish with cuticle oil for a polished, healthy-looking result.

If you don’t have CND’s Needles and Red handy and you want this look right now, you can recreate the Sparkling Merlot Mani with any deep, merlot-red polish. For added texture, layer a sheer black glitter polish (matte or glossy, depending on your preference), and seal it with a top coat. 

Whatever way you wear this mani, the chic finish puts a fresh spin on a classic shade, proving that dark reds deserve a spot in your nail rotation year-round. Consider this your sign to swap out that neutral you were going to reach for (again) for something richer, deeper, and, well, a little more unexpected.