We love a proposal and the latest one to flood our feeds is Millie Bobby Brown's, who just made it official with her beau of two-and-a-half years (or three summers to be exact according to her Instagram post) Jake Bongiovi. While we loved the candid beach backdrop, slicked-back off-duty hair and proposal-perfect lace dress, there was one thing in Millie's announcement post that shone as bright as her diamond ring and that's her chrome manicure.
Long and almond shaped, her metallic set was no match for the grayscale finish of the image. Whether or not Millie anticipated a proposal and opted for this look in preparation (more on that later), we're not surprised by her choice. The appetite for glazed doughnut nails shows no signs of waning since first being popularised by Hailey Bieber, who continues to flaunt various iterations of the look – read: her recent spring-ready sheeny passionfruit yellow set. While we don't know what colourway Millie picked, our money's on the original neutral pearlescent mani that catapulted the trend to viral status.
Millie's nails are now just one in a series of engagement-ready nail looks to be picked up by Pinterest, in a category that quickly earned the name and hashtag 'It’s Official Nails'. TikTok can attest to the popularity of #engagementnails too, the hashtag has reeled in a staggering 47.9M views on the app and counting. Much of the content sees TikTokers getting their nails done either knowing or anticipating that they are about to be proposed to. Nails have also been a hallmark of the 'Is my boyfriend proposing or is he just...' trend, where TikTokers take us through the 'will he, won't he' stages of the proposal lead-up.
When it comes to engagement nail ideas, there are plenty to choose from. There are no do's or don'ts here, but nine times out of ten the aspirational looks served up centre around a pale pink or nude shade. There's always the timeless French tipped manicure option and if you're after a fresh spin on the classic consider the micro mani or the reverse French manicure for a modern twist. Otherwise, Millie's Hailey Bieber inspired sheen-laden set is a no brainer. Need more inspiration? Scroll on down for our favourite engagement nail ideas.
Engagement Manicure Inspiration
<meta charset="utf-8">Engagement Nails Grazia 2023
1 of 7Get Glazed
We suspect this is a very similar look to the one that Millie picked for her proposal nail look, glazed doughnut wizardry as seen on TikTok (Image: @stephanieyianni_)
2 of 7Modern Swirls
If you're after something with an edge, but don't want to veer too far away from those classic nude shades, try this wholly modern take on the French mani. This is white tips and a nude base but not as you know it. (Image: Instagram @midorihope)
3 of 7Milky Marble
This stunning set features a marbled effect and milky finish, we love it's subtle impact. (Image: Instagram @sdsnailsandbeauty_x)
4 of 7Negative Space Mani
For a new spin on classic French tips, look to this. It features thin and thick lines to create a negative spaced mani. (Image: Instagram @glowbygracee)
5 of 7Classic French
Sometimes only the OG will do. If in doubt, you can always look to the French manicure to save the day. (Image: Instagram @sc_esthetic)
6 of 7Love Hearts
If you're looking to have fun with your nails, try little touches of nail art like this. (Image: Instagram @lindseysbeautylounge1).
7 of 7Short & Milky
There is something that is oh so effortless about milky nails – perfect for that 'I so wasn't expecting this' moment. (Image: Instagram @mel.loves.nails)