Angela Simmons & Mastering The Art Of The Thirst Trap
According to Urban Dictionary, a thirst trap is "a sexy photograph or flirty message posted on social media for the intent of causing others to publicly profess their attraction. This is done not to actually respond or satisfy any of this attraction, but to feed the poster's ego or need for attention, at the expense of the time, reputation, and sexual frustration of those who view the image or reply."
Whoever wrote that definition sounds a little salty about it, but I see no lies. We're all guilty of posting a picture on social media, knowing that we'll receive a lot positive feedback. Thirst traps are never really about the prey, but more so about the well-deserved praise that's reciprocated.
Lately, Angela Simmons has been giving the 'gram something they can feel in her new pics honey, and we are here for it. As important as it is to starve your ego, praise from others can be a confidence booster and can serve as a source of motivation.
Her latest pics have garnered the attention of other celebrities like Romeo Miller and Yo Gotti and reminds us that the thirst is real and we as hardworking beautiful women deserve to hear it sometimes.
Angela announced yesterday that she is teaming up with her trainer to launch her new fitness program and workout plan, Built Not Bought, on Sunday that will include a blueprint for healthy eating and building your dream body naturally.
I'll have what she's having.
The 30-year-old reality star and walking thirst trap is living her best life and serving some major sex appeal on the 'gram and we ain't mad at it.
Women are often criticized for mastering the illustrious art of thirst trapping, but let's be real. When you feel good, you look good. Don't feel demonized for wanting to draw attention to your dopeness. Also, flexing on your ex is a thing.
You have an essence that only you can offer, and the thirst trap is an act of public self-admiration. Like a wise man named Aubrey once said, "You don't do it for the men, men never notice. You just do it for yourself; you the f*ckin' coldest."
It's important to have proper etiquette when thirst trapping if you want to do it effectively. I've taken the time to compile a list of rules to live by.
Do...
...Leave something to the imagination.
Burlesque and stripteases are sexy because they encompass fantasy and mystery. An effective thirst trap doesn't put it all out there. Whatever your level of sexy, give them something to think about later on. The internet is the elephant that never forgets, so remember to keep it classy.
...Practice regular self appreciation.
Thirst trapping isn't the only time you can get cute and make yourself feel good. Take some risqué pictures of yourself and keep them in your phone. Book a boudoir shoot, get the pictures printed, and keep them for yourself. Cook yourself a gourmet meal and draw a candlelit bubble bath to remind yourself how sexy you are. Self appreciation has many different forms, switch it up sometimes.
Don't...
...Let it go to your head.
Remember you're never as good as they say, and you're definitely never as bad as they say. People's opinion about you is largely based on how they feel about themselves in that particular moment. Try not to take anyone's compliments (or criticism) to heart.
...Feel pressured or ridiculed by advances.
Thirst traps also come with disadvantages. N*ggas will come at you sideways. You don't deserve to be approached with offensive candor just because you put out a thirst trap. No matter what you post or wear, you deserve your respect.
Whether you're like Angela and post a pic of you on the beach in a bikini, or snap a pic of you in your new leggings that make your booty look poppin; we see you out here trapping. We know why you do it. The thirst trap is never really about the prey. It's about feeling so sexy and confident in a moment that you deserve all eyes on you.
We see you, girl.
Featured image via Angela Simmons/Instagram
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
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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It’s spring, and it’s time to blossom into our favorite pastel nail colors. We can finally part ways with dark, neutral tones, looking forward to colors that make us feel lighter in spirit. Spring is a time to lighten the mood with floral designs and other aesthetics. Soon, our social media feeds will be filled with tons of nail inspiration, giving us many options. However, we can also understand how time-consuming it can be to find the perfect nail design.
We’ve collected 10 of the trendiest nails for every aesthetic. Warning: choosing one of these designs may cause every girl to ask you where you got your nails inspo from. In those moments, it’s advised to remember us. You’ve been warned.
Subtle Pastel Girlie
So, if you want to ease into your pastel colors, we get it. This nail art is perfect for getting into the nail season without fully committing. We love the subtle flower design with nude undertones. This color palette is ideal for anyone looking to keep their “clean girl aesthetic” without being too dull. If the solid pink color is still too much for your liking, try opting for nude on all the nails and allowing the two floral design to have their moment. There are many ways to get into the season without stepping outside our comfort zone.
Chrome Flower Girl
This nail design is an absolute show-stopper! Make everyone blind every time you wave hello with this incredible chrome art. This design is unique because of the gorgeous mix of purples, pinks, and yellows. This design is for the girl ready to move on from winter and enter her “spring girl era.” As if the colors alone weren’t enough, the two floral designs are the icing on this already captivating work of art. Live spring out loud with this masterpiece!
Yellow Mellow
Yellow is a signature spring color. This design honors the season with various yellows, making it stand out. Each pigment adds contrast to the design. This color scheme makes us want to break up with the typical nude aesthetic that has been around for way too long. Move forward and be the spotlight with the incredible yellow design.
Short But Mighty
Calling all of my short-nail girls! Yes, the rumors are true - we can have fun too. Short nails get a bad rap for not being as flashy as long nails. This design put those rumors to rest with its adorable pastel nail aesthetic. We love the hint of green complimented with pink floral nail art. This design is fun, classic, and refreshing for the upcoming season. Must have short nails for your job? No problem! Don’t lose out on feeling like that girl with this not-so-subtle nail art.
Pastel Anyone?
Gorgeous, gorgeous girls wear pastels! Can’t pick one pastel color for your next nail appointment? No worries! The beauty of nail art is that there are no rules. You can wear each pastel color on your fingertips with no regrets. This nail design proves just that with its impeccable color scheme matched with chrome to make things more interesting. Don’t stress yourself trying to find a design or pick a color. Do it all! You only live once, after all.
French Tip With A Twist
We love a classic white French tip as much as the next person, but in 2024, we are stepping it up! This pastel French tip will have all the girls screaming. Become mesmerized by the swirls of pinks, blues, and yellows across your tips. With this nail design, you’ll have anyone under your spell.
Easter Treat
Easter isn’t over until we say it’s over! This adorable Easter-inspired design will have you leaping into spring. Just look at those cute bunnies complimented with Easter eggs! The colors, design, and festive aesthetic have us jumping for joy. This design also has a nice balance of nudes, which can be great for anyone who wants to have fun with their nails and stay committed to neutral tones. This design has something everyone can appreciate, from the nail art girlie to the neutral girlie.
Simple Spring Chic
We have the perfect nail inspiration for you if you want to keep things clean and classic. This simple nail color eases into the season while still maintaining a classic touch. Let your jewelry be the glam when rocking this clean nail color.
Flower Girl
This design truly captures spring without words. From the colors to the flowers, there isn’t a part of this design that isn’t refreshing. The hues of pink alone give us soft girl Barbie vibes. Let your hands do all the talking with this perfect nail art.
Seeing Things Clearly
Finally, winter is behind us, and the spring sun allows us to see things clearly - just like this nail design! Clear nails have not gotten enough respect until now. These gel x clear spring nails are all you need to set the tone for the season. Colorful flowers are the main vocal point of the design while remaining simple. This design is a breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for. Welcome to spring!
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Feature image by Justin Lambert/ Getty Images