đź’Ťđź’…đź’Ťđź’…đź’Ťđź’…
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Fun fact: I got engaged a month ago! Also fun fact: I cringed every single time someone asked to see my ring in those first few weeks because my nails looked like complete sh*t. Like, if I had a dollar, I’d probably be rich enough to pay for my wedding in full. But seriously, even if you think you don’t care about the whole mani thing (which, good for you, and I was also you at one point), I’m now on the other side, and I fully believe in getting a gorgeous mani while you’re newly engaged because your hands and hardware are going to be on display...a lot. Here, the 17 best engagement nails and designs to help you get started.
1
These Crystal Engagement Nails
Go all out and decorate your nails with tiny press-on crystals. They’re the perfect complement to any style or size engagement ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Zealer Nail Art Crystals
2
These Black Engagement Nails
Not into sheer or neutral polishes? These black nails with simple heart nail art are an unexpected and edgy alternative that won’t totally clash with your engagement ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Essie Nail Polish in Licorice
3
These Red Engagement Nails
I mean, you can’t go wrong pairing your engagement ring with a classic red manicure.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: OPI Nail Polish in Big Apple Red
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
These Oxblood Wedding Nails
Getting engaged in fall or winter? This oxblood nail polish is the perfect seasonal shade to show off your new ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Pacifica 7-Free Nail Polish in Bianca
5
These Gold Engagement Nails
This minimalist gold glitter nail art design will enhance—not overpower—your new engagement ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Essie Nail Polish in Rock at the Top
6
These Reverse French Engagement Nails
Instead of doing a traditional French manicure and painting your tips white, try reversing it and adding a white line above your cuticles instead.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: China Glaze Stripe Rite in Best in Snow
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
These Gold-Tipped Engagement Nails
These delicate, gold-tipped nails will look freaking perfect with a gold engagement ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: China Glaze Stripe Rite in Brushstroke of Luck
8
These Sheer Engagement Nails
I’ve been painting my nails in a soft, sheer neutral polish just like this since I got engaged. It’s easy to DIY, and when it chips or gets nicked? You can barely even notice.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers
9
These Sheer, Sparkly Engagement Nails
I’m obsessed with how this iridescent nail color catches the light to make your engagement ring—or any ring for that matter—sparkle like crazy.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Chantecaille Nail Polish in Polaris
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
These White Engagement Nails
Not only do I love this girl’s soft-white manicure, but I also love how her nail shape matches her ring. So damn pretty.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow
11
These Ombré Engagement Nails
The gradient/ombré nail trend is still going strong people. Opt for muted neutral shades like this to pair with your engagement ring.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Deborah Lippmann Undressed Nail Lab Set
12
These Heart Engagement Nails
Really get in the spirit of love by painting a red heart on your ring finger. (You can leave your other nails bare or paint them in a neutral color if you’re not feeling the allover look.)
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Chanel Le Vernis in Gitane
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
These Initialed Engagement Nails
Umm, how cute is this monogrammed manicure?!? Use nail glue to stick your initial on one finger, and your boo’s on the other, and go live happily ever after.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue
14
These Silver Striped Engagement Nails
If you have a silver engagement ring and love the idea of simple nail art, def give this look a try. The thin silver stripe and white base are so, so gorgeous.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Sally Hansen Insta Dri in Smokey Silver
15
These Floral Engagement Nails
These pretty floral nails are perfect if you’re getting engaged in spring or summer. Just paint your nails in two coats of pale pink polish and wait until they’re completely dry to pop on the floral stickers.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Olive and June Nail Stickers
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
These Pearl Engagment Nails
Pearl nail accents are having a major moment right now—and happen to make for a one-of-a-kind engagement nail design too. Paint your nails in a sheer neutral and then use nail glue to adhere small pearls to the base of your nails.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: Pearl Finish Half Dome Round Beads
17
These Light Pink Engagement Nails
Put away your hot pinks and neons and opt instead for an engagement mani with sheer pink nail polish like this one.
đź’…đź’Ť Recreate it with: OPI Nail Polish in It's a Girl!
Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
