By Audrey Noble,Margaux Anbouba
Copyright vogue
Engagement nails are often minimalist–think French manicures or neutral shades–which makes sense in the era of Instagram announcement posts, with your ring finger hand on full display, says celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, whose clientele includes Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez. But it’s your special day (or, the run-up to your special day), so we say the rules are yours to make.
Nail artist Brittney Boyce counts Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian as regular clients, and she reports seeing more experimentation with colour and design. The best engagement nail, she says, is the one you love. “This all just comes down to personal style,” she says. For some, that’s a short natural nail. For others, it’s the Swarovski-encrusted nails JLo recently wore (scroll on for the inspiration, of course).
So whether you’ve already found your forever person or are still using those crystals to attract him, her, or them into your life, it’s never too early to start brainstorming. Below are 27 engagement nail ideas to get those glam creative juices flowing. You’ll need this for when you book that nail salon appointment.
Nice and nude
A throwback to Margot Robbie’s Oscar nails in 2021, manicurist Tom Bachik went with a natural shade. If you want length but don’t have natural nails, try Apres Gel-X Extensions.
Basic neutral
When it comes to engagement manicures, neutral shades are foolproof—they match everything. This creamy tan acrylic will make any engagement ring stand out. But as with any mani, good grooming is essential.
French tips
If you’re seeking a subtle design to elevate a bare base, opt for the classic French mani. Bachik painted thick white lines along the tips of Nicola Peltz Beckham’s long square nails for a dynamic look.
Bronze effect
We’re all about metallic sheens, but there’s something really warm about bronze. Choose this if you’re looking to put a unique spin on a basic bare or brown nail shade.
Classic red
Looking for some colour? Vibrant and alluring, Bachik’s cherry red nail look on Michelle Williams makes for the ideal engagement mani.
Metallic details
Another subtle way to dress up any mani is with tiny nail art details, as seen here on JLo. We love Bachik’s addition of a small silver curve hugging the bottom of the French tip for an unexpected spin on a timeless look.
More Jennifer Lopez inspo. This rich chocolate brown with grey undertones not only makes for a great neutral nail, but it also provides the perfect contrast to coloured engagement rings. Her green diamond just pops.
Bridal white
It may seem too on-the-nose to wear white engagement nails before you get proposed to. But there’s no arguing that white nails make your engagement ring shine a tiny bit more. (Plus, there’s nothing wrong with expecting that ring; gotta manifest!).
Chrome tips
For just a hint of chrome, dress your French mani with textured silver tips. As a base, Boyce likes to use a milky neutral over something opaque and recommends something like the Aprés Nail’s Colour Extend Gel Bottle in Carla.
Swarovski crystals
Married lady Jennifer Lopez wore these Swarovski nails in her This is Me… Now film. Let the sparkle match the stone, if this is your vibe.
Double french
This modern take on a nail trend popular in the 1940s feels crisp and fresh—a bit of nail art, but nothing to distract from the main attraction.
Graphic designs
For something more unexpected and trendy, mix white and black streaks for a bolder engagement nail. Set these designs against a bare nail to ground the look.
Glossy gradient
This super-shiny mani has a bit of edge in just the way we like it.
Ethereal and romantic, milk bath nails evoke inviting calm and a sense of wanderlust (and they’re super-pretty). Blake Lively wears a creamy milk bath base with delicately placed floral decals that accentuate her ring.
Tiffany blue
This Tiffany blue is a rich turquoise with a glossy sheen that will take your IG engagement photo to the next level.
Bare it all
In true “quiet luxury” fashion, Sofia Richie Granger wears her natural short nails with her engagement ring. If you want to keep it bare but still polished, swipe on a clear coat like the OPI Brilliant High-Shine Top Coat, or the Dior Nail Glow Polish that gives you a hint of pink.
Gothic chic
Once upon a time, the black mani was reserved for Halloween and/or angsty teens. No longer: black nails are a modern classic, and one of the chicest options for an engagement nail look. Just take a cue from Kourtney Kardashian. Dark, edgy, yet still very much romantic—we’re here for it.
Glossy sheen
If you’re still looking to get that glazed doughnut-inspired look, add some iridescent shine. Serena Williams goes for sparkly light pink nails that shine bright like her engagement ring.
Muted mauve
Ciara proves that mauve makes for a great go-to nail colour. The mix of purple and pink with cool undertones works for every skin tone.
Golden hour
We love this warm gold-orange shade Beyoncé sports. It’s got sheer coverage and a light metallic sheen that doesn’t overpower the stunning ring on her finger.
Pretty in pink
The creamy shade of this Essie pink polish (it’s Bubble Away, a classic shade) is bold but still feels like a neutral.
Frosted cherry
This is basically the red nail theory’s final boss (if you subscribe to that philosophy, of course). Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec credits one of her clients for the idea and describes it as “a deep brick-ish red with white chrome over it.” Striking yet chic, there’s nothing like a classic red to pair with your new ring.
Champagne accents
A look Kandalec recently did for Emily Blunt, this cool-toned champagne nail with silver French tips is an easy way to elevate a classic mani. (And we’re loving the ever-popular almond-shaped nail that just elongates the fingers).
Two-toned nude
Mixing two different shades in the same colour family can add some needed dimension and depth to your engagement nails. “Subtle, yet visually very interesting close up,” says Kandalec of the look. A two-toned nail is a classic (and easy to do, which is always a major plus).
Cat-eye ombré
With its velvety feel and mesmerising shimmers, cat-eye nails are one of the most fun looks you can try—especially for an engagement mani. Either go all out with a full cat-eye or find a happy medium. Kandalec recommends a more subtle variation and suggests starting up top with the cat-eye effect before gradually transitioning it to a more neutral shade at the base.
Jewel tones
Looking for a deep infusion of colour? Kandalec says to go for jewel tones. “They’re rich in tone and luxurious,” she says. Her favourite is a cranberry red. But you can also opt for a deep emerald or purple to really make your engagement nails pop.
This article first appeared on Vogue.com
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