Quarantine life is yet another reminder that “living your best life” is not about perfection. As the weather warms and we enter strappy sandal season, this jetsetter is bidding “adieu” to the days of dry hands and cracked cuticles. But despite salons being shutdown during the current pandemic, I was reminded during week #8 of the lockdown that my nails can still be perfection. Over the years, I have learned how to use my nails as a way to speak my style without having to say a word. I must say that there’s no better feeling than getting your nails done…..even if it is virtually.
Last week, I participated in a “Mocktails & Manis” event hosted by lifestyle influencer, Donna Hendricks and Shoo Cosmetics founder & CEO, Shawanda Harris Vickers. As the founder of “EXTRA IS MY ORDINARY,” Donna created the virtual DIY nail event as another way to use her platform for offering insight and services geared towards the type of self-improvement that helps others create the life they envision.
Her main vision is to empower others to unleash the extra that lies within to live their lives unapologetically! And that’s exactly what attendees did from the time that they opened their Mocktail & Manicure bundle that was carefully curated by the two bold brands for a fun evening of sipping and networking, while learning nail tricks from manicurist, Anadalie Neal. Being on lockdown for weeks with no access to my local nail salon, my nails needed a little extra TLC and I love how Anadalie patiently guided us with demos over Zoom to create perfect quarantine nails.
As an avid traveler I have grown to appreciate how our nails differentiate a hand from one country to the next. I couldn’t help but notice the negative space nail designs on a trip to South Africa, the sticker nail art on hands that peaked through carefully covered arms during a Pink Girls Run The World to the UAE and French rose glow manicures in between baguette holding in Paris. No matter where you are on the globe, navigating nail trends can almost be as tricky as navigating with Google Translate.
With her vivrant personality, words of encouragement and her signature smile, Donna reminded all of us that
being extraordinary cannot be contained and should be celebrated…even in quarantine(well I’ll toast to that!)
NAIL TRENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Germany: Baby Boomer Nails – modern take on the classic French manicure
Sydney, Australia: Abstract Metallic Nail Art
Seoul, South Korea: Lipstick Shape Nails (slightly slanted tips)
London, England: Print Blocking Nail Art
Bangkok, Thailand: 3D Nail Art
Australia: Marble Nails
Spain: Multicolored Nails