I Tried 3 Vegan Nail Polishes Created By WOC
Over time, I'm learning that a lot of favorite products aren't really good for me.
In fact, a lot of brands use harmful chemicals in their products that can have some serious effects on our health. Lately, I've noticed that my nails were becoming super brittle and broke off with the slightest touch. In efforts to achieve good nail health, I cut out tips and acrylic and took it back to simple manicures. While on the hunt for ways to heal my damaged nails, I came across vegan nail polish. If you're like me, then you're probably wondering, what's the difference? Well, many vegan nail polishes contain vitamins and minerals that can help your nails become stronger and more durable, helping it to serve as a more suitable option. It doesn't contain any of the toxic ingredients found in regular nail polish, like DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), Toluene, Formaldehyde/Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor. These ingredients can cause skin damage and irritation among many other harmful effects.
Vegan nail polish is a healthier and safer way to do your nails. If you're thinking about making the switch, check out these vegan nail polish brands created by women of color and what I thought about them.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Pear Nova
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Pear Nova is a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free nail polish brand created by mompreneur Rachel James. Pear Nova is the perfect mix of function and fancy and is committed to celebrating the strength and beauty of women everywhere.
Nail Color: Ginzaholic
Price: Originally $11.50 | On sale for $9.75
Thoughts: I tried the Ginzaholic, which is a mixture of grey and purple, and I loved it. Usually, when I shop for this color combination, it's either too light or it blends in with my skin complexion without any pop. But this wasn't the case. Ginzaholic is a soft color that works for the fall and winter season. So if darker colors aren't your cup of tea, then this is a great option.
As for the formula, it is five-free, meaning it doesn't contain five of the most toxic nail chemicals. Pear Nova polish has a long-lasting shine and applies very easily. While I wore it, I didn't experience any dullness or color fade. I learned that when I apply the Pear Nova top coat, after getting it done the first time, it will extend your nail polish wear. That top coat is a must if you want your nails to last even longer.
Breukelen Polished
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Breukelen Polished (which I assume is the luxury way of saying Brooklyn) is a luxury vegan nail polish brand straight out of Brooklyn. They cater to the the health conscious while also representing the grit and evolution of Brooklyn.
Nail Color: Cocoa Bread
Price: $10.00
Thoughts: Cocoa Bread is a really pretty dark nude color. I don't usually do nude because it's hard for me to find a shade of nude that fits me and my skin complexion, but this is the perfect nude! It seems like it has more hues of brown in the formula and it has a really shiny finish. Speaking of the formula, this is an 11-free polish, which means it doesn't contain the standard five toxins nor Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Acetone, Parabens, Wheat and Eggs. Breukelen Polished is also pigmented, chip-resistant, and I really loved how fast the nail polish dried. The website didn't claim to be a quick dry, but I was out of the salon in no time and you know regular polish takes a bit longer.
As for shipping, I think they can improve a bit. I understand this is a small business but I ordered all my nail polishes on the same day and this one was the last to arrive. I order my polish on October 12 and received it on October 19. The website said it will take 1-3 business days and I paid $7.05 for shipping (their shipping cost was also the most expensive). Don't get me wrong, I will still shop with them again, I was just a bit surprised by the shipping experience.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Law Beauty Essentials
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Law Beauty Essentials is a vegan polish line that encourages self-love and woman empowerment. The founder, Tanisha Lawrence, made it a mission to create pigments that are high shine, chip-resistant, and serve as a healthy alternative for self-care.
Nail Color: NETWORTH HOW MUCH?
Price: $7.00
Thoughts: When I first saw this color, I immediately thought of fall and Christmas. It's such a pigmented and smooth green— it catches your eye instantly. The name is also very catchy and cute, it's like each polish comes with its own vibe. As for the formula, I can attest to it being chip-resistant and shiny and it is also five-free. This polish also takes a bit longer to dry.
I think it's only right to include my shopping experience because I was very impressed. The shipping is very quick (my products came in two days) and they keep you informed of each step via text and email. And, what I loved the most is that shipping was only $3. I mention this because, due to this not only being the most inexpensive one, the shipping cost was low and it influenced me to buy more.
Overall, I loved all of the nail polishes. Each brand has a unique vibe and set of colors. All three are definitely inclusive, and every nail color is perfect for all skin complexions and shades. This is my first time trying any vegan nail polish and I will most likely use this moving forward. I initially thought using vegan polish would be more expensive, but it's the same price as any good quality polish.
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Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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