Be honest: You found the ring hidden in the closet. Or, maybe you helped pick the ring out and planned the engagement dinner (you do you!). Perhaps you just have a feeling that something sparkly is afoot. No matter how you sussed it out, your hands are about to be in the spotlight, which means it’s time to get your nails photo-ready.
“If you have the hunch that your significant other is going to propose soon, and you’re thinking about nail ideas, it’s best to keep it simple,” says Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of Glosslab. “You don’t want the color of your nails, or any nail design, to take away from the engagement ring itself.” She also notes that keeping things authentic to you is more important than anything else. So if you never paint your nails, stick to clear gloss or just a nourishing cuticle oil. If you’re never without nail art, don’t stop now (just dream up a design that you expect would complement your new bling, not overtake it). Simply put, embrace a manicure that will help you feel like yourself.
Meet the Expert
Rachel Apfel Glass is the founder of Glosslab, a NY-based waterless nail studio.
Below, we’ve rounded up 20 nail ideas for when you think a proposal is coming, plus the polishes and tools you’ll need to get your hands in shape for their big moment. Read on for more.
