For some, nails are simply the final touch of a well-rounded beauty look. But for Jennifer Lopez, even her manicures designed to punctuate are strong enough to stand on their own.
The pop star’s long-running collaborative relationship with nail artist Tom Bachik has sparked conversation and trends, with dazzling embellishments, ample sparkle, and sumptuous neutrals (a.k.a. “rich girl nails”) leading to a parade of viral looks.
JLo’s manicures are particularly effective as each polish job functions as a natural extension of her personal style, which, though varied, features a few ever-present elements. First, Lopez is synonymous with luxury—whether she’s going full-on glamorous or celebrating her streetwise roots, the pop star prefers all things opulent. Glitter and shine come next, with gemstones, diamonds, shimmer, and more factoring into nearly all of her most memorable looks. And finally, there’s a subtle feeling of funk, with even the sleekest of nail shapes and polish jobs playing host to playful themes and motifs.
The best way to emulate Lopez’s manicure menu? Take all of your prettiest, most sophisticated aesthetic ideals and ramp them up a notch (or several). Even in regard to seemingly pared-down designs, the goal is simple: strive to stand out. From elevated neutrals to aspirational embellishments, here are ten of JLo’s best nail looks of all time.
Super Bowl Shine, 2020
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
Naturally, JLo’s gameday nails are more about flash than football fandom. “I love making nails like jewelry,” captions Bachik. Lopez’s Super Bowl nails were designed to mimic shattered glass, with varied Swarovski crystals layered along silver foiling to artistic effect.
Versace Tribute, 2020
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
In terms of adaptable designer motifs, Versace reigns. This after-party-ready look featured a wealth of brand-specific details like gold chains, gemstones, and stylized patterns and logos—another ultra-embellished moment that essentially serves as jewelry in its own right.
Gold Hardware, 2022
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
Pierced nails? Why not! Gold hardware, including a scripted “JLo,” hearts, gems, and even a through-the-nail ring, make for a luxurious look. An alabaster foundation and stiletto tips further the quietly lavish look—as does a collection of exaggerated gold rings.
Rich Girl Nails, 2022
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
2022’s viral “rich girl” nails were born of Lopez, Bachik, and a lean toward luxurious neutrals. The nails come down to an immaculate manicure and a pull of flawless, glossy nude polish—the sort of effortless look that is anything but. The manicure’s melding of accessible and aspirational, along with the endless possibilities for personalization, make it an enduring trend.
Wedding Day Nails, 2022
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
Among Bachik’s favorite creations for Lopez are her wedding nails, a soft, almond-shaped manicure boasting a personal white-on-white motif. Along with delicate flowers and a few barely-there bursts of silver glitter, Bachik included a tiny hummingbird (one of the pop star’s favorite animals) for luck and love.
3D Flowers, 2022
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
Playing up the timeless French is one of Bachik’s go-to moves, and a series of stylized embellishments make this would-be neutral manicure into a Lopez special. Matte caramel edged in arcs and stripes of bright white feel modish (Bachik called out the retro nod in his Instagram caption), while small white 3D flowers skew confectionary in their sweetness.
Lip Gloss Glitter Nails, 2023
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
A bit of glitter is always the right choice. Bachik’s lipgloss nails—warm neutrals finished with a high-gloss coat—become JLo-worthy with the help of light-catching details. Silver glitter tips take the style from simple to overtly glamorous (Lopez’s signature aesthetic) without sacrificing its neutral nature.
Chanel Logo, 2023
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
The quickest way to pay homage to Chanel? With the iconic logo, of course. To honor Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala, Lopez extended the symbolics from head to nail tip. A matte, medium-length coffin manicure featured nudes, graphic black, and a diminutive diamante double-C emblem.
Heavenly French, 2023
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
This French manicure is dramatic and divine. Lopez’s classic French is offered an ethereal twist when reimagined with a gentle nude and champagne shimmer. The resulting look is soft and almost celestial, an ideal choice for a romantic moment or a high-shine neutral.
Latina Tribute, 2023
Courtesy of Tom Bachik
JLo is not one to forget the power of her roots—or miss an opportunity for an aesthetic celebration. This homage to her Latin heritage is all Gothic glitz and meaningful motifs: gold foil and tiny gems, crosses and starbursts, symbols of Mary, and more positioned on a pale pink backdrop. The word “Latina,” scrawled in Old English font, acts as a final and impactful call-out.
