Cozy season is here. Guess what that means? Winter nail trends. We know that spring and summer typically mean bright hues like neons, yellows, and of course, white nails. Who can say no to white toes? On the other hand, fall means deep colors like moody blues and skin-matching nudes. So what does winter have in store as we sip hot toddies and snuggle under our favorite blankets? Well, some trending hues are to stay along with more calming colors that evoke calm and, dare we say it, a feeling of coziness.
To get the deets on winter nail trends, I went to an expert: Maia Alejandro, founder of FOR TMRW, a non-toxic nail polish brand. Keep reading for more on this season's go-to nail colors.
1. The Milk Bath
White after Labor Day no longer applies to our wardrobes. So it certainly doesn't apply to white nail polish. However, Alejandro says there's a trending upgrade. "A truly chic look I love for cozy season are milk bath nails," she tells xoNecole. "Creamy, white nails that mimic just fallen snow are the perfect addition to your winter nail look."
2. The Chocolate Glazed Mani
Here's the thing: We know the glazed mani has been around forever. OK, maybe not forever, but certainly since the '90s. However, like most things in beauty and fashion, trends make their way back around. And because of that, the glazed mani is one that's here to stay. To bring it into the cooler months, Alejandro recommends a warmer take. Think: browns and skin tone-matching nudes before adding a layer of glaze polish.
3. Red Nails
Whether you think red nails are for more seasoned women or not, the fiery hue is undoubtedly on trend (cc: the "red nail theory"). Red is this season's version of the neons and bright shades we often see as the weather heats up. "I think bright reds are a perfect way to enjoy this season with a bit of spice," Alejandro says with excitement. "They offer a pop of color for our winter wardrobes."
4. Grounding Greens and Browns
"Unconventional greens are so hot for cozy season," Alejandro shares. And she notes that you can do more with it than go solid. "This shade works perfectly as a modern French mani, plus it's so calming during this extra busy season." Additionally, she notes earthy browns are at the top of this season's nail color wishlist. "I love earthy browns for this cozy season as well. Nothing keeps you warmer than a grounding color that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life."
5. Chrome, Chrome, And More Chrome
Going chrome is more than just on trend this season. Chrome hues instantly say holiday and will match any outfit you curate this season. With chrome nails, you can go silver or gold (or mix them) to give your nails a metallic pop. For good measure, don't be afraid to add some extra bling.
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Yet, the 49-year-old's background sets her apart from other first ladies. Shaunie brings a unique perspective as a public figure, which stems from her previous marriage to NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and her experience in reality television.
In an interview with xoNecole, while promoting her memoir Undefeated, the Basketball Wives creator discussed what being a first lady means to her and how she has lived her life non-traditionally.
When asked if she had always been nontraditional, Shaunie revealed that throughout her life, she has made it her mission to better herself by learning from experiences and breaking harmful cycles.
Shaunie Henderson and Pastor Keion Henderson
Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
“I think that's just who I am. I can’t say I intentionally go against the grain. In the book, I talk about things from my childhood, like my dad being late all the time. I was totally opposite with my kids when they were in school. I was always there early. My mother is not affectionate, and she doesn't verbally say, ‘I love you,’ but she does things to let you know. That's the way she shows her love,” she said when describing her relationship with her parents.
“But because I missed that 'I love you' and hugging and kissing, I do that with my kids. I try to always give what I needed myself. There were basketball wives who weren’t very nice to me, so I went out of my way to make sure that once I was a wife that I didn't treat anybody else like that. No one was going to feel like that on my watch.”
Toward the end of the conversation, when discussing her first lady responsibilities and the pressures of upholding that image, the mother of five explained she isn't too hard on herself to fit the mold, given her significantly different background from most first ladies and her relatively new role.
“As far as being first lady, now, I'm not knocking how any first ladies decide to operate but I just knew that the idea of what that usually is was not me. And, to be honest, rightfully so. I'm probably the only first lady that created a reality show that has been on television since 2010. My life is not remotely close to that of most first ladies. We've experienced completely different things. Most of them have been pastor’s wives for a long time, this is all new for me. I come with an entirely different journey; that wouldn’t lend itself to being a traditional first lady,” she stated.
Shaunie's nontraditional approach appears to work in her favor, as she has been welcomed with open arms just as she is.
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