21 Engagement Nail Ideas, As Seen on Our Favorite Celebs

In the era of Instagram announcement posts, with ring finger hand on full display, it’s natural to start planning a nail strategy for when your partner pops the big question. Engagement nails tend to be on the minimalist side—think French manicures or neutral shades—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 color 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 J.Lo 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 15 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 nude. 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. Bachik recommends something like his Tom Bachik Travel Nail Care Set by Tweezerman, which will give your nails, cuticles, etc. some T.L.C. 

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 color? 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 J. Lo. 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. 

Deep Mocha 

More Jennifer Lopez inspo. This rich chocolate brown with gray undertones not only makes for a great neutral nail, but it also provides the perfect contrast to colored 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!). Bachik likes to go for creamy white shades that add depth to your nails, like Essie’s Marshmallow.

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 Color 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. 

Milk Bath 

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 donut-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 color. The mix of purple and pink with cool undertones works for every skin tone. 

Golden Hour

We love this warm gold-orange shade Beyonce sports. It’s got a 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, an classic shade) is bold but still feels like a neutral.