HAUTE TIP: How I save BIG on my beauty routine

Photo Credit: Red Carpet Manicure Instagram

Without even trying.

Just as it goes with fashion, I’m a big believer in high/low spending when it comes to your beauty routine as well.  It’s worth it to spend relatively lavishly when the product quality is significantly better, or when the item will last forever if you’re willing to dole out a bit more.  But I’m not willing to dish out the equivalent of a car payment on things that I can easily save on, especially if I don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness.

One of the areas I’ve applied this philosophy to is my nail care.  It’s easy to drop $50-$100 on a manicure and pedicure at the salon, and returning every couple of weeks for maintenance can add up faster than you can say “cuticle oil”.  Even so, painting them at home always left me frustrated at the quality and longevity of my manicure.  That is, until two Christmases ago when I finally made the leap and invested in a Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Starter Kit.  I say invested because at $75, it’s not like picking up a random bottle of Essie nail polish at Target and calling it a day.  But the kit quite frankly pays for itself in one to two uses compared to taking a trip to the nail salon.

The best part? You can find any Red Carpet Manicure nail color under the sun, including matte and glitter shades, to recreate just about any look that your nail technician would be able to.  And you can do it from the comfort of your own home, rather than having to make an appointment, find someone to watch the kids, and figure out when you can spare a few hours.  The kit even comes with everything to remove the gel polish, which lasts one to two weeks just like your salon quality manicure.  I also took the time to invest in a good pair of cuticle trimmers and pusher, which you can find at your local beauty supply store for next to nothing.  And voila! I can get a great gel manicure, that will last for weeks, and I don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars a year anymore.

Photo Credit: Red Carpet Manicure Instagram

My favorite shades are Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish in White Hot, Red Carpet Reddy, and Violetta Darling. You can purchase them at Ulta, online at Amazon.com, as well as restock on the kit basics when it’s time.  I’ve only had to replace a few items in the two years I’ve been using Red Carpet, so I’m still saving plenty compared to a full price mani/pedi.  It’s the same process you’re already used to, curing with an LED light in between steps, and once you have the routine down it’s even faster than waiting for your appointment at the mall.

So while I’m not willing to sacrifice when it comes to things like a great eyeshadow palette or a high quality red lipstick, I am more than happy to save some dough and time for an at-home gel manicure that lasts just as long as the salon version.  There are several brands of home pro kits to choose from, but for more information about Red Carpet Manicure you can visit their website here.  I’m not being paid to endorse them in any way, I just truly love this product, and I appreciate the savings even more!

XO,

A

P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using those links I receive a small percentage in return.  This review, however, is not sponsored by Red Carpet Manicure. Thanks for supporting Haute in Texas!