Selena Gomez's "Dreamy Lilac" Manicure Is the Perfect Shade of Purple for Summer

Turns out pastels aren't a spring-exclusive nail look—and Selena Gomez just proved it. In preparation for an on-camera appearance, Selena's nail artist, Tom Bachik, gave Selena what he coined a "Dreamy Lilac Mani." The shade is a light, creamy purple, and the shape is Selena's go-to: almond.

Bachik, a celebrity 'MAN'icurist who creates trendy nail looks for several other celebrities including Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Lopez, never fails to share the details of his designs on Instagram. He posted Selena's lilac look on June 19, including in his caption the exact nail-prep kit and shade of purple he used on Selena's nails.
Selena showed off her "Dreamy Lilac Mani" in behind-the-scenes photos on set for Match Game, a 2025 revival of the popular game show set to be hosted by her Only Murders in the Building co-star, Martin Short. The pastel purple added a pop of color to her black Miu Miu dress and Apagée earrings, an ensemble put together by Selena's stylist, Erin Walsh.

But, can someone without a celebrity nail artist achieve the lilac dream? Absolutely. Don't worry, since Bachik isn't a gatekeeper, we won't be either. Let's get into it.

How to Get the Look
Unlike some of the other summer nail trends like the 'Amalfi nails' or fruit skin manicures that require a higher level of artistry and precision, Bachik's "dreamy lilac" manicure is very beginner-friendly. In fact, all it takes is two steps: nail prep and color.

Officially launching back in the summer of 2020, the Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set is what Bachik uses to get a "flawless nail base" on all of his clients, Selena included. The set features two types of nail clippers and cuticle cutters, a two-in-one "pushy" and under-the-nail cleaner, a nail buffer, and a nail file. Besides the fact that Selena is—well, Selena—it's no wonder her nails are always so enviable. You truly can't beat a nail look that begins with such meticulous prep.

Once the cuticles have been pushed and clipped into oblivion and the nail has been filed into your ideal shape—almond if you're Selena—it's time to grab the shade 'Aster Family' by Aprés Nail. Aprés is known for creating the iconic Gel-X®, a soft-gel nail extension system, but the company also sells hundreds of shades of gel polishes. When using 'Aster Family,' Aprés warns that "because of how highly pigmented Gel Couleur is, less is more!"

While Bachik didn't share the exact topcoat he used on Selena to finalize his "Dreamy Lilac Mani," Aprés suggests following 'Aster Family' with their Non-Wipe Top Glossy Gelcoat.

No Gel, Please.
Just in case you're on your nail-healing journey, or you simply don't have the money and/or resources for a gel manicure, we've got you covered. There are several traditional nail polish colors that are almost identical to Selena's pastel purple. Here are a couple that will leave your nails looking just as dreamy: Essie Lilacism or OPI Do You Lilac It?.