25 Stunning Honeymoon Nail Ideas That’ll Make Your Photos Pop (Plus Expert Tips)

Honeymoon

July 8, 2025

honeymoon nails

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about honeymoon nails.

I remember scrolling through countless honeymoon photos last year, noticing how the most memorable shots featured brides who’d chosen nails that truly reflected their personal style rather than following conventional “romantic” rules. According to WeddingWire forums, brides are increasingly choosing bold, personality-driven nail colors for their honeymoons, with many opting for vibrant neons and unconventional shades over traditional romantic pastels.

Your honeymoon nails deserve the same thoughtful consideration as your wedding day manicure – they’ll appear in countless photos and need to withstand 7-14 days of activities while making you feel confident and beautiful. WeddingWire forum discussions reveal a growing trend toward personalized nail choices, with brides receiving encouragement to choose colors that reflect their individual style rather than conforming to traditional romantic expectations.

Modern honeymoon nails selection requires balancing personal expression with practical considerations. You’ll need to think about destination activities, photography requirements, and longevity needs spanning 1-2 weeks of wear. This balance becomes crucial when you’re planning something that needs to look perfect from day one through your entire trip.

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TL;DR

  • Duration matters most – choose gel polish, dip powder, or nail wraps for 7-14 day honeymoon wear
  • Match your destination – beach trips need chip-resistant options, while city breaks allow delicate designs
  • Photography considerations are crucial since your hands will feature prominently in honeymoon memories
  • Budget-friendly classics like nude shades and French manicures offer excellent value and versatility
  • Bold choices like holographic chrome and crystal embellishments require professional application but deliver maximum impact
  • Climate affects nail product performance – humid destinations may impact certain finishes differently

Quick Resources:

Essential Factors for Choosing Your Perfect Honeymoon Nails

Selecting honeymoon nails involves seven critical considerations that ensure your manicure complements your romantic getaway while remaining practical and photogenic. Duration requirements typically span 7-14 days without major touch-ups, making gel polish, dip powder, or nail wraps essential for extended wear.

Your destination and planned activities directly influence nail length and durability needs – beach honeymoons demand chip-resistant, water-friendly options, while adventure trips require shorter, more durable styles. When planning your honeymoon nail timeline, consider how it fits into your overall wedding beauty schedule to ensure everything coordinates perfectly.

Longevity planning requires understanding different nail product lifespans. Gel polish lasts 10-14 days, providing excellent durability for most honeymoon lengths. Dip powder extends 2-3 weeks, making it ideal for longer trips or brides who want zero maintenance. Traditional polish requires touch-ups every 3-5 days, which might work for shorter getaways but becomes impractical for extended travel.

Destination-specific considerations include climate effects on nail products, activity requirements for length and durability, and maintenance accessibility during travel periods. Humid tropical locations can affect certain finishes differently than dry desert climates, while water activities demand different preparation than urban exploration.

Factor High Priority Considerations Medium Priority Lower Priority
Duration Gel polish (10-14 days), Dip powder (2-3 weeks) Nail wraps (7-10 days) Traditional polish (3-5 days)
Destination Beach/water activities, Climate humidity Urban exploration Indoor venues only
Photography Hand positioning frequency, Lighting conditions Social media sharing Private photos only
Budget Professional application costs, Premium products Mid-range salon services DIY at-home options
Activities Water sports, Adventure activities Walking tours, Dining Relaxation-focused
Maintenance Touch-up accessibility, Removal difficulty Color coordination Trend following
Personal Style Individual expression, Comfort level Partner preferences Others’ opinions

Sarah planned a 10-day honeymoon to Santorini involving beach time, sunset dinners, and photography sessions. She chose a champagne shimmer gel manicure applied 2 days before departure. The neutral color complemented all her outfits, the shimmer caught light beautifully in photos, and the gel formula withstood swimming and activities without chipping. She spent $65 at a professional salon and received countless compliments on her elegant choice that perfectly matched her Mediterranean setting.

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Romantic Classics

These eight timeless options provide elegant, versatile choices that photograph beautifully and suit any honeymoon destination. Classic styles offer excellent longevity while maintaining romantic appeal that never goes out of style.

Traditional romantic nail colors provide superior versatility across different lighting conditions, outfit choices, and activity levels while maintaining photogenic appeal. You’ll find these honeymoon nails ideas work seamlessly from casual beach walks to formal dinner reservations.

Classic techniques offer the best balance of elegance, durability, and cost-effectiveness for extended honeymoon wear. French manicures and nude applications have stood the test of time because they simply work – they complement everything, photograph beautifully, and require minimal maintenance during your trip.

1. French Manicure with a Twist

Modern French manicures replace traditional white tips with soft pink, lavender, or champagne colors, creating contemporary elegance that photographs exceptionally well. This updated classic offers excellent longevity, versatility for all activities, and moderate cost while maintaining the sophisticated appeal of traditional French styling.

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Color variations in French tip applications provide enhanced photogenic qualities while maintaining the classic’s inherent durability and professional appearance. Modern French techniques using gel polish systems extend wear time to 10-14 days while offering superior chip resistance compared to traditional lacquer applications.

2. Nude Perfection

Sophisticated nude shades complement all skin tones, from warm beiges to cool taupes, providing extremely versatile options that resist chipping and suit professional or casual settings. These budget-friendly choices require minimal maintenance while offering timeless elegance that works across all honeymoon destinations and activities.

Nude color selection requires understanding undertone matching – warm skin tones pair with peachy or golden nudes, while cool undertones complement pink or grey-based shades. Nude polish formulations typically contain higher pigment concentrations, providing better coverage and longer wear compared to sheer or translucent alternatives.

3. Soft Pink Romance

Classic bridal pink ranges from barely-there blush to deeper rose tones, offering timeless romantic appeal that photographs beautifully and suits all destinations. These affordable options provide easy touch-up capabilities and excellent versatility while maintaining the traditional romantic aesthetic many brides prefer.

Pink shade selection spans multiple undertone categories, with blue-based pinks offering cooler elegance and orange-based pinks providing warmer, more vibrant appeal. Soft pink formulations often require multiple thin coats for even coverage, making proper application technique crucial for achieving professional-looking results.

4. Pearl White Elegance

Creamy white polish with subtle pearl or shimmer finish creates understated luxury perfect for bridal elegance. While requiring careful maintenance due to visibility of wear, this sophisticated choice delivers stunning photographic results and maintains classic bridal appeal throughout your honeymoon.

Pearl and shimmer particles in white base formulations require specialized application techniques to prevent streaking and ensure even distribution of reflective elements. White polish maintenance demands higher attention to chip prevention since damage appears more prominently against the light base color compared to darker alternatives.

5. Champagne Shimmer

Warm, golden undertones with subtle sparkle create flattering effects on all skin tones while providing excellent evening photography appeal. This durable finish offers moderate pricing and catches light beautifully, making it ideal for romantic dinner settings and sunset photography sessions.

Champagne formulations combine warm gold undertones with fine shimmer particles, creating depth and dimension that enhances hand photography in various lighting conditions. Shimmer-based polishes typically offer enhanced durability due to the reflective particles creating additional protective layers within the polish film.

6. Rose Gold Accent

Nude base colors enhanced with rose gold accent nails or subtle shimmer throughout provide on-trend romantic appeal that complements jewelry beautifully. These designs offer good longevity with slightly higher costs for quality products while maintaining sophisticated elegance perfect for honeymoon photography.

Rose gold accent applications require color coordination between base nude shades and metallic tones to ensure cohesive appearance across all nails. Accent nail techniques allow for creative expression while maintaining overall sophistication, with single accent nails requiring 50% less specialty product than full-hand applications.

7. Soft Lavender Dreams

Delicate purple tones add romantic, whimsical touches without overwhelming boldness, photographing beautifully and working particularly well for spring and summer honeymoons. These unique but approachable colors require standard maintenance while offering distinctive appeal that sets them apart from traditional choices.

Lavender shade formulations require careful undertone selection, with grey-based purples offering sophisticated elegance and pink-based purples providing softer romantic appeal. Purple pigments in nail polish can be challenging to formulate for even coverage, making quality brand selection crucial for achieving smooth, streak-free application.

8. Classic Red with Modern Finish

Timeless red polish in matte, glossy, or subtle shimmer finishes creates vintage romance with bold confidence. While requiring precise application and showing chips more easily, this statement choice delivers dramatic photographic impact and classic elegance that never goes out of style.

Red pigment formulations vary significantly in undertone – blue-based reds offer classic elegance while orange-based reds provide warmer, more vibrant appeal. Matte topcoat applications over red base colors require specific techniques to prevent streaking and ensure even coverage, with matte finishes showing fingerprints more readily than glossy alternatives.

Destination-Inspired Designs

These six options draw inspiration from specific honeymoon locations, creating cohesive themes that complement your travel destination while providing Instagram-worthy visual appeal. Ocean blues work perfectly for beach honeymoons, while sunset gradients capture tropical romance, and desert sand neutrals suit southwestern adventures.

Just as you’d consider key factors when choosing your honeymoon destination, your nail design should complement your travel plans and activities. Each design requires consideration of application complexity and destination appropriateness.

Destination-themed nail designs enhance travel photography by creating visual harmony between manicure choices and environmental backgrounds. Complex gradient and ombré techniques require professional application skills and specialized tools to achieve smooth color transitions and professional-quality results.

Jessica and Mark honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, where Jessica chose ocean blue ombré honeymoon nails that perfectly complemented their beachfront resort’s turquoise waters. The gradient design created stunning contrast in their beach photography, with the deep blue tips echoing the ocean horizon in every shot. The gel application lasted their entire 8-day stay despite daily swimming, snorkeling, and beach volleyball, proving that destination-inspired honeymoon nails can be both beautiful and practical.

9. Ocean Blue Ombré

Gradient transitions from clear to deep ocean blue create perfect beach honeymoon coordination with Instagram-worthy visual appeal. While requiring skilled application techniques, these designs offer good durability with proper base preparation and deliver stunning destination-appropriate aesthetics.

Ombré gradient techniques require sponge application methods and multiple color blending steps to achieve smooth transitions between clear and colored sections. Ocean blue color selections should complement skin undertones while providing sufficient contrast against beach environments for optimal photography results.

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10. Sunset Gradient

Warm orange, pink, and gold gradients capture tropical sunset beauty with unique artistic appeal perfect for beach destinations. These complex applications require skilled techniques but deliver exceptional photography potential and distinctive visual impact that complements tropical vacation settings.

Multi-color gradient applications demand precise timing during polish application to prevent color muddying and maintain distinct transition zones. Sunset color combinations require understanding of complementary color theory to ensure harmonious blending without creating muddy intermediate tones.

11. Desert Sand Neutrals

Warm, earthy tones inspired by desert landscapes provide versatile, natural-looking options with excellent durability that complement both casual and dressy outfits. These easy-maintenance choices work perfectly for southwestern destinations while offering sophisticated appeal across various settings.

Desert-inspired neutral palettes utilize warm undertones that complement natural lighting conditions found in arid environments and southwestern landscapes. Earth-tone formulations typically contain mineral-based pigments that provide enhanced durability and fade resistance compared to synthetic color alternatives.

12. City Lights Glitter

Sophisticated glitter or metallic finishes create glamorous appeal perfect for urban honeymoons and nightlife activities. While potentially difficult to remove, these durable finishes photograph dramatically and provide the perfect complement to city exploration and evening entertainment.

Urban-inspired glitter formulations combine multiple particle sizes to create depth and dimension that reflects city lighting conditions effectively. Metallic and glitter removal requires specialized techniques and acetone-based removers to dissolve adhesive properties without damaging natural nail surfaces.

13. Mountain Mist Grey

Cool-toned greys with subtle shimmer offer sophisticated, modern appeal ideal for mountain or countryside honeymoons. These versatile colors provide good longevity while offering unique honeymoon choices that complement various activities and natural settings beautifully.

Grey formulations require careful undertone selection to avoid appearing dull or lifeless, with blue or purple undertones providing more sophisticated appeal than flat grey bases. Cool-toned colors complement natural mountain and countryside environments while providing sufficient contrast for clear photography definition.

14. Tropical Coral

Vibrant coral shades complement beach and island destinations with fun, energetic appeal perfect for summer honeymoons. While potentially clashing with certain outfit choices, these colors require quality application techniques to achieve even coverage and vibrant color payoff.

Coral pigment formulations combine red and orange undertones in varying ratios, with higher red content providing more sophisticated appeal and higher orange content offering brighter, more playful results. Vibrant coral colors may require multiple thin coats for even coverage due to the challenging nature of orange-based pigments in nail polish formulations.

Modern Minimalist Styles

These five contemporary options embrace clean lines, geometric patterns, and sophisticated simplicity perfect for modern brides seeking understated elegance. Negative space designs and single accent nails allow personality expression while maintaining versatility.

Minimalist nail art techniques focus on precision and clean execution rather than complex color combinations or elaborate embellishments. Contemporary nail designs often incorporate negative space elements that require careful planning and steady application techniques to achieve professional-quality results. These honeymoon nails ideas work particularly well for brides who prefer subtle sophistication over bold statements.

15. Negative Space Designs

Geometric patterns using clear polish and nude bases create contemporary elegance with trendy, artistic appeal. While requiring professional application for best results, these designs offer unique photographic interest and modern sophistication perfect for fashion-forward brides.

Negative space techniques utilize strategic areas of natural nail visibility to create geometric patterns and contemporary artistic effects. Professional application tools including striping tape and precision brushes are essential for achieving clean lines and geometric accuracy in negative space designs.

16. Single Accent Nail

Four neutral nails paired with one statement nail featuring glitter, patterns, or bold colors provide balanced versatility that allows personality expression. These beginner-friendly designs offer easy modification options while maintaining sophisticated appeal across various settings and activities.

Accent nail placement traditionally utilizes the ring finger for optimal visual balance, though modern applications may vary based on personal preference and hand shape. Color coordination between neutral base nails and accent elements requires understanding of complementary color relationships to ensure cohesive overall appearance.

17. Matte Finish Neutrals

Sophisticated matte topcoats over nude or soft colors create modern elegance with contemporary appeal. While requiring special topcoat products and showing fingerprints more easily, these unique texture choices offer distinctive visual interest perfect for fashion-forward honeymoon styles.

Matte topcoat formulations contain light-diffusing particles that eliminate shine and create velvet-like texture effects on nail surfaces. Matte finish maintenance requires specific care techniques since the textured surface shows oils and fingerprints more readily than traditional glossy finishes.

18. Geometric Line Art

Thin lines creating geometric patterns over neutral base colors provide modern, artistic appeal that serves as excellent conversation starters. While requiring steady hands or professional application, these designs offer moderate durability with distinctive contemporary sophistication.

Geometric line art requires precision application tools including fine-tip brushes and striping brushes to achieve consistent line width and clean geometric shapes. Line art durability depends on proper base preparation and topcoat application to prevent chipping at pattern edges where different polish layers meet.

19. Minimalist Moon Phases

Subtle moon phase designs using negative space and metallic accents create romantic, celestial themes perfect for evening photography. These unique design choices require detailed application work but offer distinctive appeal that combines minimalist aesthetics with romantic symbolism.

Moon phase nail art utilizes crescent shapes and circular elements created through negative space techniques and metallic accent applications. Celestial-themed designs require understanding of moon phase progression and proportional scaling to create accurate and visually appealing representations on nail surfaces.

Bold and Glamorous Options

These four show-stopping choices deliver maximum impact through cutting-edge finishes and luxurious embellishments perfect for brides seeking dramatic elegance. Holographic chrome and jewel-toned colors require professional application but create stunning photographic effects.

High-impact nail designs typically require professional application techniques and specialized products to achieve salon-quality results. Glamorous nail options often involve higher maintenance requirements and premium pricing but deliver exceptional visual impact for special occasions. These honeymoon nails make serious statements and photograph incredibly well in dramatic lighting.

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20. Holographic Chrome

Mirror-like finishes that shift colors in different lighting create ultra-modern, eye-catching effects excellent for photography. While requiring professional application and high-end pricing, these cutting-edge finishes deliver unmatched visual impact perfect for fashion-forward brides seeking dramatic elegance.

Holographic chrome applications require specialized powder application techniques over gel base coats to achieve mirror-like reflective properties. Color-shifting effects in holographic finishes result from light interference patterns created by microscopic prismatic particles embedded in the chrome powder.

21. Jewel-Toned Drama

Rich emerald, sapphire, or ruby shades create luxurious appeal perfect for formal dinners and sophisticated evening activities. While potentially limiting outfit coordination and requiring premium pricing, these sophisticated colors deliver rich, dramatic elegance ideal for upscale honeymoon experiences.

Jewel-tone formulations utilize high-concentration pigments to achieve deep, saturated colors that maintain richness under various lighting conditions. Deep color applications often require multiple thin coats and careful technique to prevent streaking and achieve even coverage across all nail surfaces.

22. Metallic Foil Accents

Gold, silver, or copper foil details over neutral or colored bases create glamorous, textured appeal with unique visual interest. While potentially catching on fabrics and requiring careful application, these designs offer distinctive metallic effects perfect for special occasion elegance.

Foil application techniques require adhesive base preparations and careful transfer methods to achieve smooth, bubble-free metallic coverage. Metallic foil durability depends on proper sealing with topcoat applications to prevent lifting and edge chipping during normal wear.

23. Crystal Embellishments

Small crystals or rhinestones strategically placed create ultra-glamorous effects perfect for special occasions and maximum sparkle. While potentially snagging on clothing and requiring higher maintenance, these embellishments deliver unmatched glamour ideal for luxury honeymoon experiences.

Crystal application requires specialized nail adhesives and placement tools to ensure secure attachment and prevent premature loss during wear. Embellishment maintenance involves careful handling to prevent snagging and regular inspection to identify loose stones requiring professional reattachment.

Artistic and Unique Creations

These two one-of-a-kind options provide completely personalized nail art perfect for brides seeking distinctive, conversation-starting designs. Watercolor florals and abstract art require experienced nail artists and premium pricing but deliver artistic sophistication with moderate durability and exceptional uniqueness.

Artistic nail designs require advanced technical skills and specialized tools to achieve professional-quality results with fine detail work. Custom nail art pricing reflects the time investment and artistic expertise required to create unique, personalized designs. These honeymoon nails ideas work best for brides who want something completely different and memorable.

24. Watercolor Florals

Soft, painted floral designs using watercolor techniques with gel polish create artistic, romantic appeal perfect for garden or spring honeymoons. While requiring skilled nail artists and higher costs, these designs offer distinctive beauty with moderate durability and exceptional artistic sophistication.

Watercolor nail art techniques utilize diluted gel polish applications and blending methods to create soft, translucent effects mimicking traditional watercolor painting. Floral design execution requires understanding of botanical proportions and color theory to create realistic and aesthetically pleasing flower representations.

25. Abstract Art Nails

Unique abstract designs using multiple colors and techniques create completely personalized, conversation-starting nail art. While requiring experienced artists and premium pricing with moderate durability, these designs offer unmatched individuality perfect for artistic expression and personal style statements.

Abstract nail art combines multiple application techniques including color blending, texture creation, and geometric elements to achieve unique artistic effects. Personalized design development requires consultation between client and artist to translate individual style preferences into wearable nail art compositions.

Artist and bride Maya collaborated with a nail artist to create abstract watercolor nails featuring soft blues and purples that reflected her creative personality. The design incorporated elements from her own paintings, with flowing color gradients and organic shapes that photographed beautifully against her bohemian honeymoon wardrobe. Though the custom design cost $150 and required 3 hours of application, the unique result perfectly captured her artistic spirit and became a conversation starter throughout their creative retreat honeymoon in Santa Fe.

How Each Style Performs Against Key Considerations

Performance analysis across all 25 options reveals clear leaders in specific categories essential for honeymoon nails selection. Longevity champions include French manicure variations, nude shades, and gel-based options consistently delivering 10-14 day wear, while photography standouts feature champagne shimmer, soft pinks, and holographic finishes excelling in various lighting conditions.

Durability testing shows gel-based applications and neutral color formulations provide superior chip resistance and wear time compared to traditional lacquer and bold color alternatives. Photogenic performance correlates with color saturation levels and finish types, with moderate saturation and shimmer elements providing optimal camera appeal across different lighting scenarios. These insights help you choose honeymoon nails that perform well throughout your entire trip.

Style Category Top Longevity Performers Best Photography Options Most Budget-Friendly Highest Maintenance
Romantic Classics French Manicure, Nude Perfection Champagne Shimmer, Soft Pink Nude Perfection, Soft Pink Pearl White, Classic Red
Destination-Inspired Desert Sand Neutrals, Mountain Mist Ocean Blue Ombré, Sunset Gradient Desert Sand, Mountain Mist Sunset Gradient, City Lights
Modern Minimalist Single Accent, Matte Neutrals Negative Space, Geometric Lines Single Accent, Matte Neutrals Geometric Lines, Moon Phases
Bold & Glamorous Jewel-Toned Drama Holographic Chrome, Crystal Embellishments Jewel-Toned Drama Crystal Embellishments, Metallic Foil
Artistic & Unique N/A (Moderate across all) Watercolor Florals, Abstract Art N/A (Premium pricing) Watercolor Florals, Abstract Art
Destination Type Recommended Styles Styles to Avoid Special Considerations
Beach/Tropical Ocean Blue Ombré, Tropical Coral, Nude Perfection Crystal Embellishments, Matte Finishes Salt water exposure, frequent swimming
City/Urban City Lights Glitter, Jewel-Toned Drama, Geometric Art Desert Sand Neutrals Evening photography, formal dining
Mountain/Nature Mountain Mist Grey, Soft Lavender, Single Accent Holographic Chrome, Bright Corals Outdoor activities, natural lighting
Adventure Travel French Manicure, Nude Shades, Short Length Crystal Embellishments, Long Length Durability priority, minimal maintenance
Luxury Resort Champagne Shimmer, Rose Gold Accent, Watercolor Florals Overly casual designs Formal occasions, spa treatments
Cultural/Historical Classic Red, Soft Pink, Minimalist Designs Overly bold or distracting Respectful appearance, photography

Professional Support for Your Perfect Wedding Look

Wedding planning overwhelm often extends to seemingly small details like honeymoon nails selection, where decision fatigue can make even simple choices feel stressful. Bridesmaid for Hire provides professional support through unbiased advice, practical consideration guidance, and emotional support during overwhelming planning periods.

Our experienced team accompanies brides to appointments, helps coordinate beauty timelines, and ensures every detail receives proper attention for your dream celebration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning decisions, consider learning about the difference between a wedding planner and professional bridesmaid to understand which type of support best fits your needs.

Professional wedding support services address decision fatigue by providing experienced guidance on beauty coordination, appointment scheduling, and detail management that busy friends and family often cannot offer consistently. Our team also offers guidance on managing wedding planning stress to help you navigate this exciting but challenging time.

Comprehensive bridal beauty timeline coordination ensures nail appointments align with other beauty services while accounting for honeymoon departure dates and maintenance requirements. We understand how all these moving pieces fit together and can help you create a seamless schedule that reduces stress and ensures everything happens at the right time.

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Final Thoughts

Your honeymoon nails represent more than just another beauty decision – they’re part of creating lasting memories that you’ll treasure in photographs for years to come. Whether you choose timeless elegance with nude perfection or make a bold statement with holographic chrome, the right choice reflects your personality while withstanding the adventures ahead.

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Remember that the “perfect” honeymoon nails aren’t determined by trends or others’ opinions, but by what makes you feel confident and beautiful during this special time. Consider your destination, planned activities, and personal style preferences, but don’t overthink the decision to the point of stress.

Most importantly, book your nail appointment well in advance of your departure date, allowing time for any adjustments or touch-ups needed. Your honeymoon should be about celebrating your new marriage, not worrying about chipped polish or maintenance issues.

Advance booking recommendations suggest scheduling honeymoon nail appointments 2-3 days before departure to allow for any necessary corrections while ensuring maximum freshness for travel. Long-term satisfaction with honeymoon nail choices correlates most strongly with personal style alignment rather than trend adherence or external opinions, making individual preference the primary selection criterion.

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