Beauty Investments: Manicures That Last Two Weeks…and MORE!
I’m the editor of a site with the latest in fashion, beauty and all sorts of style, but like you, I’m also a frugalista, recessionista, independent woman…whatever you want to call it, I’m all about saving time and money. Which is why I do my own mani/pedis (obsessed with Essie!) and my own hair color (Clairol nice ‘n easy Perfect 10 in Medium Auburn, a whopping $8.99 at Walgreens, thank-you-very-much). So with some skepticism, I took a deep breath and told myself it was okay to invest in my appearance and treat myself at Angelo David Salon in New York City.
First was a chip-free Shellac® manicure with Marjana. Usually I hate spending any amount of money on a mani. I’m notorious for chipping my nails, so why not paint with my own polish? But the crew at Angelo intrigued me with the promise that my Shellac manicure would last two weeks. Yes, the Shellac® runs $45 at Angelo, but think of all the nail polish and time I’d be saving with a perfect mani for half a month. The manicure was cured with a UV light in just two minutes for the ultimate in staying power. Almost one week later and my dark Fedora shade is staying strong!
Next up was my horrendous hair. Clairol Perfect 10 Medium Auburn, it’s not you…it’s me. You’re an amazing color with stay-put power and you take just 10 minutes. I respect that. But with thick, wavy, way-below-the-shoulders hair like mine, I’ve botched up a few spots in the year (s?) since my last professional hair coloring. Color genius Meaghan Frayne (pictured above) and her assistant Mariano to the rescue! I’m happy to report that my hair is now one beautiful, shiny color of auburn and I can’t wait to visit them for a touch-up.
Can we also talk about how personable and friendly the staff was? Everyone was treated like a VIP and Angelo David himself came around to chat with all the clients. A down-to-earth staff that I can actually talk to is so refreshing. And they offer so many other treatments like waxing and private rooms for their much-renowned hair extensions.
So yes, even the biggest money-pinchers (guilty!) should look at beauty treatments as investments instead of expenses. We wear our hair every day and a good manicure is crucial for all of those business handshakes. Plus, taking some time off to be pampered always feels amazing. My fellow DIY divas, stubborn savers, change-jar-chicas—I urge you to indulge every once in a while. Shellac manis and a good pro color are worth it—especially at Angelo David.
-Cait Rohan
GIRL TALK TIME: What beauty indulgences do you allow yourself? What do you do and where do you go? Are you a DIY type of gal? What do you trust yourself to handle…and what would you only let a professional do?
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35 Comments
Post a CommentThere are some fascinating deadlines in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further.
I had a Shellac manicure yesterday for the first time. I can’t wait to see how long it lasts and how it keeps my nails healthy. Especially during the winter.
I get my eyebrows done at an eyebrow studio where they specialize in waxing not just brows, but everything! They’re great and I love them. I also get mani/pedi’s. It’s just easier to have someone do my nails.
I think I will try the OPI on my next trip to the Salon. I do my own pedicures because my feet are sensitive. But nails and eyebraws. Only at the shop
WOW sounds great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love a good mani and pedi! It is very relaxing!
Can’t sacrifice the hair – the money is totally worth it! Nails are great, too, but I only indulge in mani/pedi’s occasionally.
I wish a mani can last that long
I treat myself to pedicures all summer long. The salon-spa I go to gives a foot and leg massage as part of the basic package so it’s a double treat to myself. During the winter I do not go unless I have a fancy function to attend. My eyebrows are always done by a professional – High school was tragic when I did them myself!
a good pedicure should last 3 – 4 weeks
I keep saying that I’m going to start treating myself to mani/pedis but I never really get around to it!! I end up just painting my own nails really fast and calling it a day!!!
I am obessed with OPI. I get a mani/pedi every two weeks no matter what! I feel there is nothing better than getting your nails done and every girl should treat herself!
I love OPI and esssie.. Howevery no matter where I go my mani does not last me two weeks,… Cleaning the house and washing dishes (domesticated house wife) no matter what i use or where I go chips the polish. My toes last me 2 weeks always so I just do pedis..
OPI has a two + mani product too! My Nails in Roselle, NJ only charges $35 for the service. If you’re really careful, you can make it last more than two weeks. That’s worth it in my book.
i will like to try it. they have pretty colors.
I would try the nail polish if it doesn’t take too long to remove. They have really pretty colors.
i’m a diy type
The manicure does last a long time but it takes FOREVER to get off. You need to soak your nails in acetone for 30 min. Not worth it
cuteeeee!!!!
I usually splurge on my hair and nails although I need to get back into getting facials but I love alot of the Opi nail colors need to pick me up some colors for the fall and winter