Lizzo has a message for her haters, and it comes with ample gesticulation—along with a set of hyperbolic nails up to the task. Thursday evening s release of the pop star s new single, “Rumors,” featuring Cardi B, was accompanied by a music video run through with a theme of gilded Greek goddesses, an aesthetic elevated by extra-long, stylized manicures. A peek at the glamorous nails came earlier this week courtesy of the single s cover art. “I wanted to do something really dramatic, because you can’t really see her outfit on the cover,” says nail artist Eri Ishizu. She achieved her goal with a set of custom press-ons bedecked in vertical rows of square Swarovskis and interspersed by lengths of gold chain, also worn throughout the video.
And because extra is Lizzo’s M.O., Ishizu created a second set, this one coated in an alabaster gel polish and finished with a gold French tip. “I think the designs are reasonable to recreate,” says Ishizu, who recommends a slightly more manageable length, a milky (never chalky) white hue, and a gold chrome powder to achieve the aforementioned style.
A series of muse-worthy updos executed by Shelby Swain (including one interminable ponytail that functioned as a trailing train), makeup artist Alexx Mayo s majestic pulls of liner, feathered brows, and ample lashes, and Cardi s baby bump and body paint combined for a powerful visual treat. But the nails did their best to steal the show, particularly in the video s final shot, a recreation of an iconic Michelangelo moment modernized by manicures. All the rumors are true: Over-the-top polish jobs are here to stay.
