Budget Friendly Beauty Breakdown: Nails

Okay, let me pause you right here... If you haven't read my first Budget Beauty Breakdown, go check it out. I give you the whole scoop in why I decided to start sharing these tips and I dive into the bank account shattering expenses of haircare. 

For round two, we're going to talk nails. I remember when I got my first manicure when I was 7 years old, my mom told me that she didn't have her first manicure until she was 35. Now, doing the math, I realize that her first manicure was maybe a year before I came home demanding someone professionally paint my nails. This seems crazy to me because I have been getting regular manicures for the entirety of my adult life. When I was working in the events industry, it was an expectation that your nails were well kept and polished. That expectation has stuck with me ever since and now, like clockwork, I see my favorite nail tech, Tracy, once every 3 1/2 weeks. It makes me feel put together and honestly, I really like trying out new styles, colors, and designs that are "me". 

Nail upkeep is not, at all, a cheap endeavor. I do have some tricks that I implement to make the whole nail situation a lot more affordable and I'm here to share......



For nails, SNS manicures (otherwise known as the dip powder), are the way to go... If you find someone who can do it well, your manicure can last for a really long time. I usually can go for 3-3 1/2 weeks without them looking bad when I get the SNS. It doesn’t chip or peel like gel does and it give your nails strength so they are less prone to breaking. Usually I pay between $40-$55 per SNS manicure depending on if I get designs or an ombre or something. Compared to what I would spend to get a gel manicure that would last me maybe a week, this is a not only a cash saver but a time saver as well. You will only have to be in the nail salon once a month instead of a couple times a month at least.

Pick a light color... This is a trick I use especially when I’m about to be traveling. The last thing I want to stress about while on a trip is how my nails look and I’m definitely not taking a day out of my plans to get them redone/ touched up. Thats why I will go for a light color instead of a bright hue or funky design. With light colors it is way less noticeable when your nails start to grow out and any chips are easily camouflaged. Like I said, this is great for traveling as well as when you are going long amounts of time between touch ups.


Stock up on Vaseline... This one I thought was super weird until I tried it. Vaseline reminds me of my grandma, smothering it all over my face before I went outside in the winter. I definitely can say it hasn’t ever graced my must have list. Until now. Vaseline is the ultimate cuticle moisturizer. One of the first things that will start to annoy me when I haven’t gotten my nails done in a couple of weeks are my cuticles. As soon as they are dry and start to crack and peel away all hell breaks lose and I’m frantically texting for a nail appointment. Vaseline actually helps to moisturize your cuticles and even if you start to have pesky pieces of unruly skin, it smooths everything down, making it way more bearable. Vaseline is also way more cost effective than fancy cuticle oils and, in my experience, works even better.


Opt for a Polish Change... This is a game changer in the toe nail department. This is such an easy swap for a pedicure that saves both time and money. If I’ve gotten a pedicure in the past month or so and my feet are looking and feeling good, with the polish being the only problem, this is my answer. I’m a fan of moisturizing my feet and hanging out in aloe socks so often times I can make a full pedicure last a while. That doesn’t mean the polish always lasts as long though or I want to keep the same color. Asking for a toenail polish change at the nail salon let’s you refresh the paint job without the whole shebang. It usually runs anywhere between $12-$20 depending on the type of polish/where you go and it takes a fraction of the time. I also love this trick in the winter when my feet don’t get a ton of out and about action but I could use a freshen up for an event. I also ALWAYS recommend getting gel on your toes. First off, it lasts longer, and they eliminate any chance for oopsie moments that will mess up your polish since you leave the salon with them dry.


Wear gloves... As a Maryland girl I love picking crabs. Seriously, summer is not the same without Old Bay doused crabs that you pick yourself out on the back deck. What also is not the same is the state of your nails after you’re done a crab feast. I was complaining about this to my nail tech, Tracy, and she looked at me like I was crazy and said “why don’t you wear gloves?”. WOW. How had this never come to me before?! Now I wear gloves for most messy activities that can cause wear and tear on my nails. Whether it’s handling potent spices, painting, or gardening, I keep gloves (you can do medical or catering gloves, both work) on hand at all times. This has really increased the longevity of my nails and preserves the color/polish for much longer.


I hope these tips help you to stay within your beauty budget while still allowing you to indulge a bit. Drop your favorite nail tips or polish preferences below!

​xx