20-07-2025
How I save over $600 on my 'recession nails' whilst still enjoying luxe manicures: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
I simply do not care if this sounds vain, but I live my life by the saying, 'If you look good, you feel good'.
In this economy, though? It's proving a little bit harder to look 'as good' as I once did because unfortunately, I am an adult, and I have to also pay a lot of bills.
It does sadden me a bit that many of us are rethinking the little luxuries we used to take for granted, especially when it comes to our beauty treats.
But for me, and I know I'm not alone, there's one small indulgence I've always found hard to give up, and that's getting my nails done.
There's just something about a fresh mani that instantly makes you feel more polished, more put-together, and more like you've got your life in order… even when everything else around you is chaos. It's self-care, sure, but it's also confidence in a bottle.
However, when I finally crunched the numbers, I realised my regular nail appointments were adding up to well over $1,600 a year.
That's basically a designer handbag or a return flight to Europe, sitting there on my fingertips, chipping away (literally and financially) every two to three weeks.
So instead of waving goodbye to the salon altogether, I got smarter.
I started looking into ways to stretch out the time between visits, reduce the cost of each appointment, and even DIY it when needed - without sacrificing the glossy, groomed look I love.
That's when I stumbled upon the term 'recession nails', and suddenly, it all made sense.
The idea behind recession nails is simple; it's any type of manicure or nail maintenance that's designed to either cost less up front or save you money over time.
It's the art of being a beauty budget queen by cutting back without feeling like you're missing out.
Whether it's choosing colours that grow out better, opting for techniques that last longer, or having clever tools and tricks at home to maintain the look yourself, it's all about getting more bang for your buck.
And in this financial climate, that's a beauty strategy I can get behind.
So if you, like me, still want to treat yourself but don't want to be caught out when your bank statement hits your inbox, please read on.
These are my tried-and-tested, money-saving mani hacks that'll keep your nails looking chic without sacrificing your savings.
Get an updated Russian manicure
I used to be the girl who'd roll into the salon every two weeks like clockwork, shelling out around $65 a pop for a fresh mani.
But once I discovered the magic of the Russian manicure with BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), everything changed.
This technique involves a super-detailed e-file cuticle clean (which is cleaner, neater, and way more precise), and the BIAB base gives your nails a beautiful, strong overlay that lasts.
Yes, it's a little pricier upfront - mine costs $90 - but I only need to get it done once a month, instead of fortnightly. Do the maths, that's a saving of $610 a year.
Not to mention, I've reclaimed my time and I'm no longer glued to a nail table every other weekend. Because seriously, who has the time.
Schedule fill-ins instead of full sets
If you're a fan of acrylics or gel extensions, you'll know how expensive those full sets can get. So, instead of starting from scratch each time, book in for fill-ins.
Most salons offer them for significantly less than a fresh set, and they take half the time.
Your nail tech will simply refill the regrowth area and reshape your nails. It's like a facelift for your fingertips without the big price tag.
For a quick fix, keep press-on nails handy
Gone are the days when press-on nails were flimsy bits of plastic from the $2 shop. Today's versions are gorgeous, and some even look identical to salon acrylics.
Before I was getting my BIAB, I'd always keep a pack in my drawer at home and at work for last-minute plans or when I didn't have time to get to the salon.
They take 10 minutes to apply (I even did mine on a one-hour flight to Byron Bay once), last up to a week when used with proper glue or sticky tabs, and come in every shape and colours imaginable.
It's the ultimate emergency mani, and no appointment necessary.
Stick to nude-coloured polish
A classic nude manicure doesn't just look elegant, it's also a genius money-saving strategy.
When your natural nails start to grow out, it's way less obvious with a soft pink, beige or sheer taupe.
Bright colours and bold nail art might look cute at first, but they'll betray your budget efforts pretty quickly.
There's a reason why 'princess nails', 'soap nails', and the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic are all over TikTok and Instagram right now. This isn't just about beauty trends, it's a sign of the times.
As financial wellness expert Nicole Victoria put it in her recent viral clip: 'These trends don't just appear, they signal something deeper.'
Translation? People are tightening their belts… but they still want to look polished doing it.
Take supplements to boost healthy nail growth
Qsilica Skin, Hair & Nails Capsules ($59), available at Chemist Warehouse
If you want your mani to last longer and your nails to grow stronger, start from the inside out. A good supplement routine can make all the difference.
Look for ingredients like silica, biotin, zinc and collagen, which are known to support nail strength and reduce breakage.
It's a small investment that pays off, especially if it means your nails won't peel, snap, or crack before your next fill.
Make your own cuticle oil – straight from your pantry
Save money by making your own cuticle oil from pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil
You know those tiny bottles of cuticle oil at the salon that cost as much as your actual manicure? Skip them.
You can make your own using pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil.
Just rub a drop into each cuticle every night before bed.
Trust me your nails will stay hydrated, your mani will last longer, and your bank account will thank you.
Use a high-quality top coat
If you're going full DIY, do not skimp on the top coat. A good one will make even the most amateur mani last twice as long and save you the frustration of chips within 24 hours.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat, $11.37 (on sale from ($18.95)
My go-to is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat ($18.95), it gives that ultra-glossy gel finish without the need for a UV lamp.
Just pair it with your favourite polish and you're good to go.
These little hacks have not only saved me hundreds of dollars a year, but they've also changed how I approach beauty in general.
It's not about doing less, it's about doing it better.
In the age of rising prices and economic uncertainty, 'recession nails' might just be the perfect combination of luxury and logic.
Because honestly? Life's too short for bad nails - and way too expensive for bad budgeting.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed in any way.
