- Beauty
- Nails
ByBernadette Roe
The art of subtlety is key when choosing a nail look to vibe with your engagement. And if you have a hunch that a proposal is coming your way soon, it's time to get those nails ready in anticipation. Everyone's is going to be looking at your ring, which means that your hands are going to be photographed more than they've ever been in your life. So it's essential to get them picture-perfect.
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The philosophy behind engagement nails — which is one step away from bridal nails — is that the manicure should complement the ring without causing distractions. You want your nails to be the flawless backdrop for showcasing the jewelry. While 2024 is enjoying a flood of vivid nail trends, if you have an engagement on the horizon, you'll want to stick to a more timeless manicure. Iridescent nails are a great choice for an engagement manicure since they bring glamour to a minimalist manicure. Another perfect proposal-ready look is the vanilla chrome manicure; the chrome adds a festive jolt of energy, while the creamy vanilla tone is a classic neutral. French manicures are also a fool-proof option for engagement nails, and feel free to experiment a little with this tried and true trend. Opt for a glitter French manicure, which means that just the tips have a touch of pizazz. There's a lot to choose from that will compliment your new diamond ring!
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A classic, simple manicure lets your engagement ring shine
There's something to be said for natural nails, especially when you want the attention focused on your engagement ring.With so many colorful, festive nail trends taking over, having clean, simple nails offers effortless sophistication.
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A tried-and-true clear-coat manicure is an elegant and understated way to showcase your natural nails at their very best. Plus, it goes with pretty much any outfit and stone color. On top of that, it's a very easy look to DIY and upkeep. Most of them involve simply shaping the nail, and covering with clear polish and a topcoat for maximum shine. Tattoo and nail artist Asami told PopSugar how to take care of them. "If you choose to go with a clear nail or clear with embellishment, I recommend applying an additional coat of clear nail polish twice a week at home to keep nails looking shiny and fresh," she said. So you can get a lot of mileage out of a classic manicure, too.A manicurist can also help take care of any dry skin around your nails, so everything looks as healthy and moisturized as possible.
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When in doubt, go with a French manicure
A French manicure was pretty much made for an engagement ring photo. The traditional nail look can be done on natural nails, or with gel or acrylics if you want to add length. The simple color scheme — a neutral, pink base coat and a white tip — offers a polished, light-colored backdrop that's just right for the summer months. Best of all, it won't distract from your jewelry; in fact, its elegance amplifies your new diamond.
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Once a favorite of Y2K aesthetics, the French manicure has had a sophisticated revival in the 2020s. While traditional square nails are recommended if you're up for a nostalgic vibe, you can opt for almond or round shaped tips for a more contemporary look. You can also play with application styles. A "Naked"French manicure, which blurs the edge between the pink base and the white tips, is a good option for showcasing a sparkling diamond ring."The Naked French is a more subtle interpretation of the classic French. It still gives that natural look but it blurs any discoloration for a more refined appearance," nail artistGeorgia Rae told Byrdie. It's subtle and tasteful.
Red nails and an engagement ring go together like cherries and pie
While we traditionally opt for pearls, pinks, and neutrals with engagement rings, red nails are such a classic manicure choice that you can't go wrong.They're seductive, timeless, and elevate any look. On top of that, one "red nails theory"that skyrocketed on TikTok claimed that red can manifest love. So if you're hoping that a proposal will materialize, utilize color theory and take advantage of the power of red. "Like a red dress, red signals love, passion, power, and sensuality,"manicurist Julie Kandalec told PopSugar. "Men can definitely be drawn to that."
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The tone of the red polish you use is key. Richer variations of red, like oxblood, burgundy, and merlot, are great autumn and winter choices. Punchier, lively reds are better for the spring and summer. So if you're anticipating a warm-weather proposal, ask your manicurist for something in a candy apple red, Ferrari red, or a red orange. Another great way to tone down the vampy effect of red nails is to opt for shorter nails. Go with a rounded, natural nail shape to keep the look simple and sophisticated, so that the focus is all about your new ring.
Pink almond-shaped nails are an engagement photo dream
Clean, classic pink nails in an almond shape are a perfect option to showcase your engagement ring. The length from the almond nails adds a dramatic effect and elongates the fingers. Meanwhile,the pink color is subdued and neutral enough to offer a feminine hue without overpowering your hands. Since the pigment is very floral, your manicure will look gorgeous should you take outdoor photos, or pose holding flowers.
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We understand the temptation to get white nails. After all, white is such an obviously bridal color, but stark, white nails can often dull down the overall effect. On TikTok, Rachel Schwab shared her engagement manicure in a hilarious video, and the result was disastrous because the nails were too white. She got a short, oval manicure and admitted that she hated it. Others chimed in too. "I think it's the shape too, kinda look like huge tic tacs,"someone added, perhaps unhelpfully. Another person tried to be supportive, and commented:"I like them! Just not for bridal nails lol a little too bright."Schwab's generous moment of sharing her mistake is helpful for anyone else looking for manicure inspiration around engagements. Resist bright whites; if you want something soft and delicate, a pale pink nail is a much better route.
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Velvet nails add a romantic flourish to an engagement ring
While we're all about engagement nails that transcend trends, our one exception is velvet nails. The manicure trend is absolutely stunning, giving the visual effect of textured nails made from a mixture of glitter and metallic nail polishes. Your manicurist uses a magnet to move the metallic polish, and the final effect is truly mesmerizing. You can go with any color, so for perfect engagement photos, opt for champagne tones, pearls, or rose tones. The nail design is particularly luxurious, and makes an ideal canvas for new jewelry.
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You can also play with the velvet nail trend. If a full nail of the rich shimmer feels excessive, you can ask your nail expert for a velvet French manicure, so that just the tips feature the sumptuous finish. The final effect is really stunning, so if you lean towards maximalism, a velvet manicure is a decadent way to show off your diamond.
