We’re living in the golden age of the Instagram engagement announcement – a new digital tradition that has transformed the way we prepare for a proposal. Today, anyone suspecting their partner might pop the question is likely to find themselves doubling down on hand cream and browsing Pinterest boards for engagement nails weeks (or even months) in advance.
This distinctly modern phenomenon was on full display on December 12th when Selena Gomez revealed her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco via Instagram. In the post, Selena’s hand was adorned with an enormous marquise-cut diamond engagement ring and an equally flawless manicure.
Thankfully, her manicurist, Tom Bachik, spilled the tea: Selena was wearing Chanel’s Le Vernis nail polish in the shade Ballerina.
This high-profile proposal nail polish moment has us thinking: what exactly makes for the perfect engagement manicure?
The beauty of Ballerina lies in its versatility. Its translucent, buildable formula delivers a barely-there pink hue that elevates your nails with shine and dimension – without stealing the spotlight from the main sparkling event. It’s a subtle, polished choice that complements any engagement ring style, outfit, or lighting making it an ideal pick for a proposal.
What Makes For Perfect Proposal Nails?
While wedding nails have long been a part of bridal prep, proposal nails are a newer beauty consideration. The rules are still taking shape but some common beauty wisdom applies.
- 1. Keep it simple: Unlike bridal nails, which can be bold and experimental if you like, thanks to months of planning, your proposal manicure is best kept minimal and chic. The moment might catch you by surprise, so a shade that’s low-maintenance and universally flattering is key.
2. Stick to sheer or nude nail colours: A sheer pink or nude polish like Chanel, Ballerina is a classic choice. These shades refresh nails, enhance their natural beauty, and avoid looking distracting in photos.
. Be practical: Your partner might not understand the need for a proposal reenactment because of chipped manicure in the first spontaneous round of photos (if they do, you’ve found a gem). Wear a durable polish in a colour where any chips or scratches won’t be obvious.
The Best Engagement Nail Colours
Chanel, Le Vernis Nail Colour, Ballerina
$48 at David Jones
We’d be remiss if we neglected to mention Chanel’s classic Ballerina nail polish. Like a silk stocking for your nails, Ballerina is the perfect, buildable sheer pink that gives nails a glow and dimension without looking obtrusive. The formula is enriched with nail-strengthening ceramides, and the brush is broad for a fast, even coating of polish.
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For the truly low-maintenance manicure, Dior Nail Glow is a clever product that acts like a tinted moisturiser for your nails. The innovative, universal formula subtly magnifies the natural colour in your nail bed, and brightens the tips of your nails for a natural lift. With a glossy finish it’s the ultimate no-manicure-manicure.
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Essie, Ballet Slippers
$10.46 (usually $15.99) at Adore Beauty
This milky pink nude has a cult following thanks to being a next-to-universal shade. The shade has an extensive pop culture history; it garnered mentions in the 11th instalment of the Gossip Girl book series (Blair Waldorf reflects on her friend Serena Van Der Woodsen painting her nails with the polish) and in Lauren Weisberger’s novel The Devil Wears Prada. Essentially, something about this chic, unobtrusive polish has cemented it in the cultural memory. In a deep dive piece on the shad,e celebrity manicurist Emi Kudo explained to Glamour journalist Deanna Pai: “Ballet Slippers has less pink than similar polishes, so it’s better suited for high fashion and couture styles.” Essentially, it doesn’t “fight” with any outfit, making it a perennial wedding, engagement and event polish.
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Gucci, Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish, Annabel Rose
$57 at David Jones
Let’s hear it from the back: proposal nails don’t have to be pink. If you’re looking for a sophisticated alternative Annabel Rose is a stunning warm taupe that flatters a wide range of skin tones.
Gucci’s polishes deliver impeccable colour in just one swipe for those who prefer opaque coverage. The formula boasts a glossy, salon-quality finish so radiant you can skip a top coat if you’re short on time. The broad brush makes achieving a quick at-home manicure a breeze, and the long-lasting formula will ensure your engagement nails stay picture-perfect.
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Did you think we’d make it through an engagement nails list without touching on this beloved soft, neutral pink? Of a similar vintage and cultural prestige to Essie’s Ballet Slippers Bubble Bath is a buildable formula that offers an up-to-opaque solid pink polish. Since it’s launch in 2001 over 5 million bottles have sold so we’re not here to argue with the masses! Go forth and get your engagement snaps in this airy pink!
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