Camila Cabello never disappoints when it comes to her nail looks. She’s not one to keep it boring or subtle (see: her ultra-long Met Gala 2024 mani or the intricately sculpted floral design from 2022). The singer’s go-to for her statement-making manicures is her longtime nail artist, Tom Bachik, who often shares behind-the-scenes images and product breakdowns of what he uses on Cabello and his other clients, such as Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez. Her latest nail look making waves? What Bachik has dubbed “wrinkled chrome” nails, boasting a textured and artsy silver metallic design atop a clear base.
The singer debuted the look for her performance at the International Mawazine Music Festival held in Morocco on Tuesday, June 25. “We wanted a dramatic nail to match the vibe of her look: silver, wrinkled and torn,” Bachik wrote in the caption of his Instagram post of the nail look. Onstage, she wore distressed camouflage pants teamed with a white tank top and stacked silver necklaces. Her look was a masterclass in “brat girl” style, the newly hyped fashion aesthetic known for its bold and rebellious approach to dressing.
How to recreate Camila Cabello’s ‘wrinkled chrome’ nails…
Whether you’re a nail professional who does your own nails or seeking inspiration for your next appointment, the steps below will guide you (or your nail tech) in getting the look. We’ve also included an up-close photo, courtesy of Bachik, for reference.
Step 1: Apply gel tips
“I started with @apresnailofficial Extra Extra Long Square Tips for attitude,” Bachik began. At the time of writing, the Extra Extra Long version doesn’t appear to be listed on the brand’s website, but the “Long” version is available.
Step 2: Get artsy with modeling gel
Next, he used Kokoist USA Boba Gel (a modeling gel with a gummy-like texture used to create 3D nail art). Using a Tweezerman Cuticle Pusher, he pressed the gel onto the nail in “various wavy patterns.”
Step 3: Create the wrinkled effect
“Next, I used a small eyebrow comb I ran it across the gel in different directions to create the wrinkled effect,” the pro continued. Then he cured the nails under a lamp.
Step 4: Add chrome
To create the chrome effect on the wrinkled nail art, Bachik brushed on The GelBottle Inc. Mirror Chrome Studio Gel, which delivers a mirror-like finish.
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Step 5: Finish with top coat
He finished with the Kokoist USA Ultra Diamond Non Wipe Top Coat Gel for a “sparkling high gloss glass finish.”
