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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During the Los Angeles tour stop, which spanned three dates on May 21, May 23, with the finale on May 24, xoNecole had the opportunity to test out the glosses included in this soft launch, as SZA revealed in a statement that "this is just the start of other lip products, including plans to launch stains, liners, and creams all inspired by SZA's “infamous layered lip combinations.”
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So, what is included in the first Not Beauty launch?
The current Not Beauty products available are lip glosses that come in three shades: In the Flesh, Strawberry Jelly, and Quartz.
During my visit to the first LA Not Beauty pop-up activation, I not only had the chance to purchase all three glosses but also took a peek inside the blow-up log tent. Inside, fans got to experience SZA’s love for nature and her fascination with bugs, which are prominently featured in her performances for this tour. At one point, she even had human preying mantis prancing across the stage y'all.
There were blow-up photos of the beauty that is SZA for fans (myself included) to take photos, but in wooden-like tree trunks were a deeper dive into some of the ingredients featured in her products and their benefits.
For example, the glosses feature Hi-Shine Lip Jelly and Shea Butter as key ingredients and some of the listed benefits included are:
- Shea Butter - “A powerhouse ingredient, offering both functional and nourishing benefits.”
- Hi-Shine Lip Jelly (featured in the In the Flesh shade) - “Formula glides on with perfect adhesion to the lips without stickiness).
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What are in the products?
Featured in an orange package, with images of a bug and flower on the side, the back of the box reads: “It’s NOT BEAUTY, it just works. Developed by Solána “SZA” Rowe.
As someone who never leaves home without a good lip gloss, I loved how compact the wood panel packaging is. Perfect to slip into my purse, or in the case of the show at SoFi Stadium, into my pocket when I’m not carrying a bag.
Because I’m a sucker for a good black and brown lip liner and clear gloss combo, I decided to wear the Quartz flavor on night one of the Grand National Tour LA stop, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit, it’s light weight feel made me nervous because it felt like there was nothing on my lips. However, when I checked my lips in my compact mirror several times throughout the night, I was shocked to find that my gloss was still intact. I only reapplied once out of the habit of looking cute and applying my gloss, but not necessity.
Here are some of the ingredients featured, but not limited to, in the Quartz flavor.
- Polyisoubutene
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
- Tocopherol
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Lip prep
I’m a simple girl who loves to stay true to her roots. So ahead of the show, I stopped by a local Inglewood Beauty Supply store and grabbed a Black and Brown shade lip pencil for just under $2 a piece.
Shading the outline of my lips with the black pencil first, I used the brown to lightly fill the inside of my lips before applying my Quartz Not Beauty shade gloss.
How to apply
There’s truly no right or wrong way to apply lip gloss (in my opinion), with this being a brush applicator sort of product, I simply untwisted the top and swiped the gloss around my top and bottom lip generously.
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Results
Again, my Not Beauty Quartz product stayed on my lips from the start of the show, which began with a fire DJ set from LA’s very own, Mustard, to the conclusion when Kendrick and SZA reunited on stage to send us home to their duet, “luther,” featured on the rapper's GNX album.
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