Nail care has come a long way since the first manicure salon opened in New York in 1878. First considered part of the medical and hygiene industry, manicures were only for the rich who favored short, round nails as a symbol of wealth. Despite it’s origin, manicures are now widely available, inexpensive and more creative than ever.

Innovation in the nail care field has seen manicurists push the limits of what can be realistically done to nails. Bubble, sculpted and embellished nail art are seen both on the runway and in your barrio. Themed nail art is an especially popular trend and is designed to express individual style.

What better way to express that style than with nail art specifically designed for Latina-themed manicures?

These creative Latina-inspired manicures  have your girls asking where you got your nails did.

1. The perfect match for your concha craving.

Credit: topknotnails / Instagram

Is there anything better than a fresh-baked concha? How about getting those pretty pastel pastries without worrying about your diet? This concha nailsart offers just the sweet manicure you need. These handpainted nails come courtesy of TopKnot Nails in Portland Oregon.

2. Nails fit for a queen—specifically the Queen of Tejano music.

Credit: naildbycassiechaos / Instagram

Selena has been an icon since she first stepped up to the microphone. Show your devotion and immortalize the superstar with your next manicure. These nails, designed by San Antonio’s Cassie Chaos, add even more glitz and glamour to iconic images of the Queen of Tejano music.

3. Nails for you Dominican dolls.

Credit: allthingsada / Instagram

Show your love for your Dominican roots with this manicure featuring the country’s muñecas sin rostro. These colorful dolls are created without facial features to showcase the diversity of the Dominican people. This lovely nail art comes from master nail technician Ami Vega.

4. Manicures like this will protect you from the Mal de Ojo.

Credit: amivnails / Instagram

Your mama, tías and abuela have been warning you about the dangers of the Evil Eye all your life. Now you can take the protection of the Mal de Ojo with you wherever you go. This killer mani is another masterpiece to come out of Ami Vega’s New York shop.

5. A mani that’s just plain ingenious.

Credit: amivnails / Instagram

These nails completely capture the vibe of Mexico and the Southwest. Based on the beautiful artwork of ingenous_, these nails feature colorful depictions of cacti, Day of the Dead-styled skulls, and a tiny Frida. Furthermore, this mani is another incredible handpainted work of art by Ami Vega.

6. Let’s Taco-bout these nails.

Credit: nails_by_kait_ / Instagram

Do you wish that everyday were Taco Tuesday? With this manicure, it can be! First of all, we’ve gotta taco-bout this mani’s punny message. The colorful palette and handpainted artwork is courtesy of the creative Nails by Kait.

7. Rep these raspas next time you hit the salon.

(Insert insta)

This mani will take you back to those summer days outside the refresqueria. You can practically taste the sweetness when you look at these gorgeously embellished raspas. Nail artist Ka Yee is responsible for this refreshingly unique manicure.

8. A perfect offering for Día de los Muertos.

With these nails, you can celebrate Día de los Muertos every day of the year. This manicure features traditional imagery, like sugar skulls and flowers, to observe the festival of the dead. These hauntingly beautiful nails are the creation of irienailsllc.

9. This manicure is meant for Mass.

Credit: ddawn122 / Instagram

No doubt, your overly devout grandmother will gush over these works of art. Catholic iconography and bling collide to create the baddest mani this side of Sunday Mass. With this mani, making the sign of the cross never looked so good.

10. These nails will match your cutest Pueblo dress.

Credit: mc_dingbat / Instagram

Delicate florals, lace, and embroidery are mainstays in Mexican fashion and art. So, we’re not surprised to see these images make their way onto our manis. This Pueblo-inspired design comes to us from the artists at Florida’s s Nail Art Lounge.

11. Where this sweet mani when you get all dolled up.

Credit: nails.15_beautyinyourhands / Instagram

These sweet Mexican rag-dolls will take you back to your days as a little girl. You’ll never be alone when you display these darling dolls on your nails. These cute memories of our childhood were created by Nails 15 in Baja California.

12. Inspired by the beauty of Mexican ceramics.

Credit: missbettyrose / Instagram

Your friends will think they wandered into a Mexican market when they see you sporting these clean and colorful nails. Looking like the ceramic tiles you’ll find adorning our cities, this manicure uses delicate handpainted brushwork to replicate the look. This nail art was created all the way in Sydney, Australia by Miss Betty Rose.

13. When you want to wear your heart on your sleeve (or at least your nails).

Credit: rosebnails / Instagram

In Mexican Folk Art, there are a few images that are essential to depicting the genre. The Sacred Heart, crosses, skulls, and cacti are all essential to an authentic piece. With those guidelines checked, this mani is a true work of Mexican Folk Art. Miami’s Rose B Nails is the artist behind this handpainted masterpiece.

14. Show you’re crazy about cacti with these nails.

Credit: lluvia_stampingnail / Instagram

Cacti can be found across the Southwest United States, down through Mexico and across Latin America. Whether we’re growing succulents in our gardens or grilling up napoles, cacti have become a symbol of our cultures. This stamped manicure is a true Mexicana original designed by lluvia_stampingnail.

15. Rock these if Guadalupe is your homegirl.

Credit: alicemcnails / Instagram

Ever since La Virgen appeared to Juan Diego, she became the OG homegirl. Hand-painted to perfection and decked put in dazzling embellishments, these nails are the perfect tribute to the Queen of Queens. The nail tech behind this heavenly design is London’s Alice McColm.

16. You need these for your next night of Loteria.

Credit: chachacovers / Instagram

Are you feeling lucky? Well, maybe you’ll feel a little more fortunate with nails like these. Everyone’s favorite game is now an awesome manicure. Featuring Loteria images like La Sirena and El Corazon, the decals for this mani were created by Cha Cha Covers.

17. Because Avocados are life.

Credit: melvglam / Instagram

Daily reminder that avocados are the good kind of fat so eat up, gente. We’ve had the delectable Latin American native as guacamole and sliced inside a torta but we’ve never had it on our manicures. These cutie ‘cados were hand painted by Colorado nail technician Melinda X Vang.

18. This mani will make you feel like you’re on a Mexican vacay.

Credit: amivnails / Instagram

During these cold winter months, we could use a vacation to somewhere warmer. However, if you can’t sneak away down south, your nails can at least say “I’m ready for Spring Break.” Yet again, Ami Vega brings a Latinx-vibe to nail art with her hand-drawn chilis, maracas, and tacos.

19. A manicure to that will have you singing “Recuérdame.”

Credit: chachacovers / Instagram

We still haven’t gotten over the feels from Disney’s Coco. It’s cool, though, because we can turn our manis into makeshift ofrendas to honor Mama Coco and the familia. These decals from Cha Cha Covers make us go “Un Poco Loco” over this look.

20. Man-Go get this mani, ASAP.

Credit: nail_paintings_by_rupa / Instagram

Vibrant and irresistible. Do you think we’re talking about the fruit or describing this cool mani? The build-up of greens, red and yellows create nail art almost good enough to eat. This delicious artwork comes all the way from Bangladesh where Nail Paintings by Rupa creates next level manicures.

Read: The Very First Latina Disney Princess Might Be Coming To The Big Screen — And This Megastar Could Have A Role In Its Creation

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As an Afro-Latina it can feel so liberating to celebrate the different aspects of my identity by expressing it through my clothing and hair. Experiencing both African-American and Latino cultures in America gives you permission to experiment with different modes of physical expression, beauty routines, and cultural traditions that come with being both black and Latina.

Shopping for products that elevate every aspect of our beautiful, individual, Afro-Latina experiences is, for us, another way to validate who we are. So in celebration of Afro-Latinas everywhere treating themselves this Holiday season, we’ve rounded up some incredible Early Black Friday deals specifically for Afro-Latinas. Get your wardrobe, haircare, beauty, skincare, and home needs all in one place, below!

Lord & Taylor

Out of the countless early Black Friday deals we came across, one of our favorites has to be Lord and Taylor’s–specifically, because it houses the clothing line of our favorite Afro-Latina Boricua, Lala Anthony. According to Lord & Taylor’s website, you can get up to 40% off their items during their Pre-Black Friday sale. All you have to do is use the code DEALS at checkout. As for us, we’re particularly excited about Anthony’s Puerto Rico relief tee, where 100% of the t-profits will be donated to the charity Unidos Por Puerto Rico. But you’ll have to hurry! The sale ends November 17th. Head over here to start shopping.

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask

Naturally, some of the best pre-Black Friday deals can be found at Walmart. This includes the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Treatment Face Mask. This innovative skincare technology is perfect for Afro-Latinas who suffer from acne-prone skin and hyper-pigmentation. According to Neutrogena, the light mask works by using Blue and Red LED. The blue lights kill acne-causing bacteria while the red lights have anti-inflammatory properties. Usually, this mask will run you around $35, but Walmart is currently offering it at $29.97. You can head over to Walmart.com to snatch this deal up before it expires!

Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner by Majestic Pure

Any Afro-Latina who has done a deep-dive into the science of natural hair care knows that Argan Oil is practically a magic ingredient. Amazon is offering 62% off their sulfate and cruelty-free Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner by Majestic Pure. That means that the duo–which is usually listed as $52–is now on sale for $19.98. Not only does these hair products contain hydrating and strengthening organic Argan Oil, they also contain Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil and Coconut Oil. Now that’s a powerful mix. Head over to Amazon to stock up on this product before they run out!

Biotin Gummies by Mr. Gummy

While we’re on the topic of hair care (and let’s be honest, when are we not?), why not commit to nourishing your strands from the inside out? The perfect way to do this is through biotin supplements. And not just any vitamins, but gummies. Usually listed on Amazon at $34.69, these Mr. Gummy Biotin Supplements are now on a special Black Friday sale of $19.29. That’s a 44% discount! What makes this biotin product better than the run-of-the-mill gummy vitamin is that it’s gluten, soy, dairy, gelatin and allergen-free. It also only contains natural colors and flavors. So you can treat yourself without any fear of toxic additives. You can buy it here.

Ancestry.com DNA-Testing Kit

Have you ever wondered the story behind your unique features and mixed family history? If you’ve always wanted to know your ethnic makeup, but the price tag of an at-home DNA-testing kit kept you away, then today’s your lucky day. Ancestry.com is offering a pre-Black Friday deal of 40% off their DNA kit. This deal is especially pertinent to Afro-Latinas of mixed descent who want a more in-depth peak into their family history (as opposed to your abuela’s tall tales). That means you’d only be paying $59 instead of ancestry.com’s usual $99 price. You can buy your own DNA kit here for the discounted price anytime before November 21st.

Pink Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

Another product of Majestic Pure cosmetics, this item is perfect for the Afro-Latina with dull skin and/or uneven skin tone. Like so many other brown and black women in Latinidad, we love to keep our melanin on fleek by regularly exfoliating. There’s no better way to experience a good deep scrub than by using this mineral-rich Pink Himalayan Salt scrub. This scrub is made with ultra-hydrating sweet almond oil and infused with protective Lychee Essential Oil. Usually $28, this body scrub is a full 50% off as part of Amazon’s Early Black Friday deals. You can buy a 10oz tub here.

New York & Co

As Afro-Latinas, we’re already huge fans of New York & Co because of their successful (not to mention, lucrative) collaborations with fierce women of color, Gabrielle Union and Eva Mendes. That makes us especially excited to hear that their entire stock is currently 50% off as part of their Pre-Black Friday Sale. No exclusions! We can’t wait to mix and match pieces from both Mendes’ and Union’s collections to create the perfect, personalized Afro-Latina outfit. Check out the sale here.

Chloe Perfume at Walmart

Perfume is one of those beauty decisions that can define the vibe you give off as well as establish the way you feel about yourself that day, depending on the scent. It’s also one of those purchases that has the power to break the bank, because a good perfume isn’t cheap. Or isn’t it? You’re in luck because at the moment, Walmart is offering an unbeatable Black Friday deal from the famous French fashion house, Chloe. Chloe Eau de Parfum, which currently retails at $105 at Sephora, is on sale for $66. That means you can be chic and frugal! Buy it here.

Cellulite Treatment Oil

Although we love every inch of our curves, we do admit that we could do with a little less stubborn cellulite on occasion. Pure Body Natural’s one of Amazon’s fan favorites, Pure Body Naturals is offering a 24% discount on the highly-rated Cellulite Treatment Massage Oil. This massage oil works to loosen the tissue of your especially dimply areas to appear smoother and more toned. As one Amazon review raves: “The cellulite on my thighs and legs look reduced and toned. Even if it is just the appearance..I’ll take it!”. Buy it here before the sale ends!

Online Courses at Udemy

This deal is perfect for the Afro-Latina that needs to brush up on her Spanish skills before spending Thanksgiving with her judgmental tías (we all have them). While most courses at Udemy usually cost $99, their Black Friday blowout sale allows you to purchase any course for $9.99! And Spanish isn’t the only skill you can acquire through Udemy; they also have courses on website-building, photography, and even “ethical hacking.“And the best part of it all? No student loan required. Browse their course catalog here.

Rapidlash

Give your lashes a break from the damaging extensions and grow them sky-high yourself! The cult-favorite magical eyelash-growing serum, Rapidlash is discounted 53% with Amazon’s Pre-Black Friday Sale. So, instead of spending $50 on the growth serum, you’ll only be spending $22.95. With almost 1,000 5-star reviews, one customer raves that she has “longer lashes than if [she] had extensions”. That mean’s it’s worth every penny. Buy it here.

Clarisonic

If you’ve been holding out on buying the life-changing skincare device that is a Clarisonic because of the price tag, then hold out no further! Amazon is offering a 15% discount on the face brush that Essence magazine calls a “miracle worker”. With black skin more prone to hyper-pigmentation caused by surface bacteria, it’s especially important to keep the surface as clean as possible to avoid the build up of acne-causing bacteria. A deep clean by a Clarisonic can help with that. Buy it here in three different colors.

Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter

Although we love our curls just as much as the next natural Afro-Latina, sometimes, we like to bust out the hot rollers to get a looser curl without the damage of a curling iron. Luckily, Walmart has a Pre-Black Friday sale going on with their Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setters. Usually $24, this hair rolling set is now only $14.86. According to the product’s description, the wax core of the curlers “allows the roller to retain high heat longer and create long lasting curls and volume”. Buy it here.

Stylestalker

This trendy, insta-friendly e-commerce site sure knows how to make a girl happy. 30% off select styles sitewide when you use the code HOLIDAY at checkout. With a selection of dresses, pants, and outwear that would make the staunchest Vogue-devotee envious, it’s worth a browse through Stylestalker’s collection to see if there’s anything worth purchasing during their Pre-Black Friday sale. Shop their collection here.

Retinol Moisturizer Cream by Radha Beauty

Like many Afro-Latinas, we can’t get enough of a good deal on high-quality skin care products. And the gold star of all skin care products is Retinol, a Vitamin A compound that’s renowned for boosting collagen and softening fine lines. That’s why you can’t pass up this Retinol Moisturizes by Radha beauty that’s been marked down to $18.95. Another one of Amazon’s fan-favorites, this regional face and eye cream is usually $40–that makes it now a full 35% off. Buy it here.

Ninja Coffee Bar

Get ready to battle the dark winter days with as much caffeine as possible prepared however you like. Right now, Walmart has the coffee bar collection on sale. Usually priced at $150, Walmart has rolled back the price tag to only $79. To make things even sweeter, this collection was co-developed by boss Latina Sofia Vergara, who also serves as its spokesperson. That means you are supporting a Latina businesswoman in addition to staying fully-caffeinated. Buy it here.

Chi Ceramic Rotating Curler

As Afro-Latinas, we’re addicted to exploring the newest crazy hair trend and investigating the trendiest beauty tech. That’s why we’ve been especially curious about the new trend of air-spinning your hair into curls that’s been taking over Youtube. Lucky for us, Walmart’s Pre-Black Friday sale has the Chi Air Spin N Curl Ceramic Rotating Curler marked down from it’s usual price of $140 to $89.99. By it here.

Nordstrom Fall Sale

Through November 18th, save up to 40% on Nordstrom’s online catalog. Additional, Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns, should you receive your purchase and realize it’s not what you expected. Browse their website for deals here. But make sure you do it quickly! You’ve only got until November 18th!

Paula’s Choice Travel Essential Trio

Amazon is offering a sale on the holy grail of science-based skincare products, the groundbreaking brand, Paula’s Choice. Usually $33, as part of its Pre-Black Friday sale, Amazon has cut the price to just $20. The travel-sized set of three includes all of your skincare needs in one kit: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Because this is one of Amazon’s infamous flash sales, there is only a limited number of items they’ll be selling at a discounted price. Buy it here before the deal ends!

Sheet Mask Variety Pack of 16

Right now, Amazon is offering a 64% discount on Dermal’s Collagen Essence Face Mask Combo Pack of 16. This is perfect for you or any Afro-Latina in your life who has unpredictable, combination skin. So, whatever your skin’s problem of the day is, you can attack it head-on. Feeling puffy? Try the calming Cucumber option. Skin looking particularly dull today? They have both a Vitamin C and a Pearl option to help you out with that. Buy it here and get your glow on.

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