The $13 Polish Behind Selena Gomez's Chrome Nails at the MTV VMAs

By Ariel Baker
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 12: Selena Gomez attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV)
Getty | Catherine Powell / Stringer
Getty | Catherine Powell / Stringer
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For the MTV VMAs on Sept. 12, some of Hollywood's most famous stars graced the red carpet in standout beauty looks. "Angel eyes," avant-garde hairstyles, and the latest hot-off-the-runway fashions were just a handful of the trends spotted. While some of the looks clearly had more editorial inspirations, others — like Selena Gomez's "golden glazed fire manicure" — are super easy to recreate at home.

The entrepreneur's go-to manicurist Tom Bachik was behind the stunning look. You may be shocked to learn that the polish he used was only $13. After filing her extensions into a tapered square shape, Bachik applied a coat of Paris Lash Academy's Chai and Chai Again ($13). Then, he added a gold-toned chrome powder to give each nail a reflective sheen. A shiny, non-white topcoat sealed everything in, and the fiery manicure was complete.

Gomez's nails are perfectly on-theme with the glazed-doughnut trend, which started back in 2022 and has only increased in popularity from there. Gomez matched the manicure with her stunning Oscar de la Renta dress, as well as shoes and a smoky eye in the same hue. Red has been one of the dominating shades at New York Fashion Week this year and is predicted to trend heavily in the upcoming season. If you want some inspiration on how to incorporate the color into your beauty and fashion wardrobe, take a closer look at Selena's MTV VMAs nails below.