Say yes to the mani!
Rowan Lynam
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It’s engagement season! And if you’re getting ready to say yes to the Big Question, you’re probably asking yourself something critical. What are your engagement nails going to look like?
Your Engagement Nails
According to Mazz Hanna, CEO ofNailing Hollywood, engagement nails are a great opportunity for classic and timeless nail styles. “If you’re expecting to be showing off your hands, go with something that feels romantic, timeless or personal to you,” she says. “A sheer neutral or almond-shaped French tips are both forever classics. They photograph beautifully and pair well with any ring. Short squoval nails in classic red give a bold, romantic feel without stealing the spotlight.”
Global lead educator and nail artist for essie, Rita Remark, has counted the likes of Cara Delevingne, Cindy Crawford and Kendall Jenner as her clients. She recommends considering how your new ring looks as a guide to your engagement nails. “Classic colors and minimal nail art are a safe bet for a timeless look,” Remark says. “You can also take it a step further by choosing a polish with an undertone that flatters your ring’s metal. For platinum or silver rings, go for cool-toned shades like essie’s Forever Yummy ($10) or a navy blue like Caviar Bar ($13). If your ring is gold, warm tones like essie’s Rock the Runway ($13) or a nude shade like Bare with Me ($10) will enhance the look beautifully.”
And if you’re not interested in the classics, you can make your engagement nails more personal and unique by incorporating delicate and minimalist nail art.
“For something a little more playful, go for a white or sheer pink base with delicate nail art—pearls, micro hearts, bows or subtle sparkle all feel special without being over the top,” Hana advises.
Reminders for Engagement Nails
Just remember, you don’t want your engagement nails to steal the spotlight too much.
“If you’re going for that perfect ‘just engaged’ hand shot, remember that your nails should complement—not compete with—your ring,” Remark says. “A ‘less is more’ approach always works best.”
The Best Shades for Engagement Nails
1 / 4
essie Forever Yummy ($10)
This cool-toned red is a great choice for silver or platinum jewelry, creating a timeless and sophisticated look for your engagement.
2 / 4
Nails.INC Plant Power in Glowing Somewhere ($10)
Get a glowy, pearlescent manicure with this 21-free nail polish, with a 73 percent plant-based formula.
3 / 4
Londontown Lakur Perfecting Nail Veil Number 4, Dusty Rose ($20)
If you’re going for a more neutral, naked-nails approach, this nail veil offers a beautiful rose pigment while enhancing your natural nails.
4 / 4
OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath ($12)
If you love soap nails, this shade is for you! For your engagement, Bubble Bath gives you the timeless and delicate look you’re going for.
Engagement Nails Inspiration for Your Moodboard
Ready to start planning your engagement nails? Take inspiration from these gorgeous and classic manicures!
1 / 11
Classic Red
You don’t need a lot of length to make your engagement nails look sensational. This sharp-looking red creates a bold and timeless look to announce your news.
2 / 11
Chrome Finish
By choosing a soft shade of purple and a chrome finish, these nails are elegant and ethereal. If your engagement is in the spring, we recommend a floral-inspired shade to guide your look.
3 / 11
Siren Red
This shade of red is bolder and more cool-toned, offering a great complement to silver or platinum.
4 / 11
French Twist
A classic French tip made interesting with a timeless butter yellow and a gorgeous chrome finish.
5 / 11
Bold Blue
This navy blue shade is a deep and dark look that sets an elegant mood without distracting from your ring.
6 / 11
Classic Sheer
Soap nails and naked nails are both great options for your engagement manicure. Just think your nails, but better.
7 / 11
Girly Girl
Let your personality shine with a velvet nails manicure that combines a sweet pink with a delicate bow design.
8 / 11
Pearl Nails
The pearlescent finish on these nails creates a subtle visual interest and looks refined without being overpowering.
9 / 11
Classic French
When in doubt, there’s nothing more timeless than a classic French tip manicure!
10 / 11
Minimalist Art
Have fun with your engagement nails with this clean and sophisticated take on heart nail art.
11 / 11
Subtle Glitter
This silvery glitter gives you a light pink and blue duo-chrome that catches light.
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