How To Nail The Perfect Engagement Manicure
A nail pro shares her tips for a photogenic engagement ring selfie
You said yes! Now comes the inevitable social media reveal (after making the exciting announcement to your nearest and dearest, of course). So how do you ensure your hands do the news justice in your engagement ring selfie? Firstly, by nailing the manicure. We spoke to OPI’s UK nail expert, Jenni Draper, to find out how.
Consider a shade and shape that doesn’t upstage the bling
Take inspiration from actress Sophie Turner (see below) and opt for a nude polish – whatever ‘nude’ may mean for your personal colourings. As Draper explains, “a neutral shade that compliments your skin tone will therefore elongate your fingers.” Plus, it “doesn’t distract from the rock”. Apply this idea to the length and shape, too. “Ideally, nails need to be manicured but not too different to what you would normally have otherwise people will be paying more attention to this,” says Draper. “If you’re having extensions for the first time, keep them natural.” Traditionalists, rejoice.
Don’t forget hand care (but be careful with cuticle oil)
The easiest way to make your hands look radiant is with a moisturising hand cream. “Take your ring off first,” instructs Draper and “rub it into the hands and around the cuticles”. But before the photo, remember to clean any cream off your nails so they shine. Another word of caution when hydrating: “Don’t use a cuticle oil,” Draper says, “it will look like you’ve just finished a bag of chips!” Noted.
Minimise visible veins with this quick model trick
It’s inevitable, pictures of your hands can often highlight visible veins. To avoid it, try the old school model trick of holding your hands in the air to let the blood drain from them right before you pose for your picture. That, plus bright, natural lighting (and a flattering filter if needs be) will make all the difference.
Make the selfie setting photogenic
As with any ‘nailfie’, “utilise your background,” advises Draper. The chances are you’ll be somewhere nice, so play around. “Use the background to show where the engagement took place,” she suggests. Props are also great for getting the right shot; “champagne glasses, your partner, anything that can add to but not take too much attention away from the ring.”
If in doubt, be creative with your crops
If the engagement was a surprise and your nails are chipped or in a bad way but you still want that selfie, simply crop them out of the photo. “So many clients come to me after the engagement to get their nails in order,” Draper says. “There’ll be plenty of time to get another photo at the engagement bash.” Or–basically–any time you get a manicure from now on…