If summer belonged to the “naked” nail, fall already has its successor: Selena Gomez just debuted the “toasted” manicure, courtesy of her longtime nail artist Tom Bachik, and we’re obsessed.
“It’s kind of a perfect transition look [if you’re] holding onto summer but ready for cozy sweater weather colors,” Bachik says of the trend. The shade uses “autumnal tones, like peachy naturals and burnt oranges, complemented by subtle effects, like golden shimmers and mirror chromes.”
The inspiration? “I often match nails to makeup, like lips and eyes, and this plays off the bronzed toasted vibe happening now in makeup.”
It’s a bit softer and warmer than the naked nail trend, which peaked earlier this year thanks to TikTok. That trend was all about subtlety; think sheer washes of pink or beige that let natural nails shine through. It’s the manicure equivalent of no-makeup makeup. Whether worn completely bare with just a topcoat or finished with a whisper of color, naked nails offered a minimalist option that worked for festivals, vacations, and every summer moment in between.
But Gomez’s new manicure is here to take the neutral look into cooler months. Bachik shared on Instagram that he used Essie’s Special Effects Polish in “Liquid Sunrise” ($13), a deep beige neutral infused with iridescent pearls that creates a glowy, satin chrome effect and sealed the look with his own Click Colors “Super Clear” Topcoat ($16). You could also use OPI’s Big Celebration ($12) or Essie’s Gilded Galaxy ($12). The result? A glossy, warm neutral that still feels effortless but with a cozy, caramelized twist.
The toasted manicure keeps all the wearability of naked nails while adding depth and warmth, making it ideal for fall wardrobes filled with chunky knits, rich leather, and autumnal color palettes. And the best part? Unlike most celebrity manicures, Gomez’s exact shade is affordable and easy to find at the drugstore. Consider it the PSL of manicures: cozy, classic, and ready to be on everyone’s hands this season.
If you’re looking for a nail update that’s chic, understated, and seasonal, consider this your sign to swap naked nails for the toasted manicure. It’s just as versatile, but with that little extra glow perfect for fall.
Olivia Tauber is a freelance writer based in New York, pursuing her Master’s in Journalism at NYU. She’s the contributing assistant beauty editor at PopSugar and contributor to New York Magazine’s The Cut, Interview, Bustle, SELF, and HuffPost. Her career began in corporate publicity at Showtime, followed by production for “The Pivot,” an Emmy-nominated series.