Need to nail your next manicure just in time for the proposal — be that any day now or who knows when? We see you and we did the research for you so all you have to worry about is fielding the inevitable compliments coming your way.
Miss Pop, a nail pro who’s curated stunning designs for New York Fashion Week and photo shoots, says that when it comes to engagement nails, there are truly zero rules. “An engagement is such a rare occurrence that you have to celebrate it and do whatever you want — it’s your time to have all the joy so have at it!” says Miss Pop. “Just remember: When you show off the ring, you show off your hand — so the nail shape that looks best on you is the one that looks best with your ring.”
After pampering hands with Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Oil to hydrate cuticles and moisturize rough areas like your knuckles, just look to these manicure and engagement ring combinations.
Meet the Experts
Miss Pop is a nail pro who’s curated stunning designs for New York Fashion Week and photo shoots.
The Mani: Sparkly + Oval / The Ring: Pear Halo
Why it works: “Glitter — whether it’s subtle or super chunky on tips or at the base for a flipped French — adds shimmer to your nails as much as your ring,” says Miss Pop.
The Mani: Classic French + Mountain Peak / The Ring: Radiant
Why it works: “The classic French is back — although you can argue it never went away,” says Miss Pop. “And if you have naturally long nails — or acrylics — the effect is super chic with a sharp shape.”
The Mani: Glazed Donut + Almond / The Ring: Oval
Why it works: “Iridescent magic with micro glitter, which right now is on trend and known as the glazed donut effect, for a pearly finish is an amazing way to up the sparkle without going over the top,” says Miss Pop.
The Mani: Ultra Sheer French + Oval / The Ring: Oval
Why it works: “I love this natural French — it almost looks like her natural nail and the length is perfect,” says Miss Pop. “It’s an updated ‘90s French, and the oval with oval pairing is amazing.”
The Mani: Art Deco Design + Almond / The Ring: Emerald
Why it works: “Take out your emotions and experiment with your nails — it’s such a low lift and you have to change them every one to two weeks anyway,” says Miss Pop. “You can go out of your comfort zone with a design like this modern contemporary inspiration — fun and tasteful without being super loud.”
The Mani: Classic Red + Squoval / The Ring: Radiant
Why it works: “Oh my God, I love a short nail with this shape and that the nail and ring shape are in sync,” says Miss Pop.
The Mani: Colored French + Oval / The Ring: Vintage
Why it works: “If you are going to show off your style with a special vintage design, do the same for your nails,” says Miss Pop of this unexpected twist on a classic French.
The Mani: Ultra Sheer Pink + Stiletto / The Ring: Oval
Why it works: “No one can have this shape with a natural nail because it’s too tapered — you need a soak off gel or an acrylic nail to pull it off,” says Miss Pop. “But it’s definitely a way to bring a lot of attention to your ring and elongate your hands.”
The Mani: Flipped Sparkly French + Oval / The Ring: Round
Why it works: “A classic round — the equivalent of the ring emoji — always looks good at any size and goes with any mani or nail shape,” says Miss Pop. “Pairing this with the soft pink balances the chunky glitter.”
The Mani: Framed French + Mountain Peak / The Ring: Round
Why it works: “A double French, also known as a framed French, is a modern twist on a classic that is a fresh take for your fresh, new ring,” says Miss Pop.
The Mani: Sheer Pink with Bling Decal + Square / The Ring: Round Halo
Why it works: “This is a true square nail that works with the round diamond because as I mentioned before, this classic ring shape can be paired with any nail shape,” says Miss Pop. “And the round diamond-like decal compliments the round ring shape, too.”
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