I’m back to spending GBP and boy is it tough to do after paying much less for things in the States. When we first moved here I adapted to the exchange rate quickly but the one thing I still cannot let myself buy/pay for in London is a mani-pedi from a salon. First, I’m extremely picky as to where I get my nails done. If I can smell chemicals or see wall-to-wall carpet on the floor, I’m not going in there. Second, I do care about ambiance. I don’t need a spa but I also don’t want to feel more stressed out than when I arrived after loud TVs or constant chatter becomes too much.
Back in LA I had two great go-to spots that were soothing, professional, and best of all very affordable at $25 a visit. In London, however, the cheapest places I’ve found (and I’m talking about the chemical ridden ones) are £30, so about $47. I literally spent the first three weeks I was here popping into every salon I saw to get pricing and a “feel” for each. I never found what I was looking for so the next step was to finally learn how to do my own. I’ve always painted my nails but charging towards my own cuticles with a sharp object sort of terrified me. A year later it’s one of my obsessions. I’ve mastered using the cuticle cutter and love the indulgent feeling of the almond oil stick from The Body Shop. The Priti NYC nail polish I use makes the whole process easy since it’s fast drying and non-toxic (and lasts so long!). I’m waiting for another sale on Pure Citizen to snatch up more colors because the price tag definitely matches the quality. Then again, I’ve saved so much money doing my own nails that I’m sure I can splurge on a few new hues for spring. Are there any beauty treatments that you can’t bring yourself to pay for or simply prefer to do on your own?
I am kind of the opposite with nails; I have always done my own and didn’t get a pedicure until a year or so ago and still have not gotten a manicure! When I did go, I felt that I could do a better job myself.
One thing I will splurge on is a good haircut.
It’s tough to let others do what you know you do well! And ah yes, a good haircut – you wear that every day so it’s definitely worth investing in.
You’ve inspired me to master the cuticle cutter once and for all!
xo
cortnie
Gah I need to do my own nails!! I never fork up the money for a mani – just can’t do it, but I soooo need to start spending the time on my own nails. It’s SO worth it!
I’m obsessive about doing my own facials…love the steaming with essential oils, exfoliation, deep cleansing masks, and a super thick cream to wear to bed. It’s almost like a ritual for me now!
I’ve grown to love doing my own nails (and my girls). You get pretty good at it after a while! I think I may have to get one of those almond oil sticks! You picked my favorite nail colors, btw; creamy blush white on the fingernails and a fun red on the toes!! ;-)
those are my go-to faves too! and really, i’m lazy about buying new colors so they’re two of three that i own :/ so sweet that you do your daughters’ nails too, they must love it.
Eek! $47 is so pricy! I just got a pedicure for $34 down the street. I tend to just do my nails myself. Especially because I jump to a new color as soon as I’m bored. I also try to avoid getting my haircut every 6 weeks. I drag it out to 10-12 weeks in between since I’m not drying/straightening/washing daily (I swear I’m not dirty haha). Hope you had a great weekend!
haha I feel ya on the hair thing. that’s one thing i splurge on but still try to drag it out as much as possible. $34 sounds like such a steal now!