Manicures, etc.
Posted on July 27, 2005 8 Comments
I just passed a sign outside a salon advertising $10 manicures, but I did not go in. Even though the little lady at the counter looked very lonely, I did not go in. Even though my nails look uncouth, I did not go in. It was a great deal. Sigh.
Tonight I will do my own manicure and pedicure at home, followed by a nice eyebrow waxing. A “maintenance night” in. How sad!
I’m not sure if male readers will appreciate this, but I often wonder why women spend so much on maintenance and men spend so little. We don’t have to, I know, but ladies, have you ever stood next to another woman who is fully polished, waxed, dyed and glossed right before your next round of “maintenance?” I feel positively drab when I do. And it happens often – professional women in Chicago are beautifully well maintained.
Plus, trips to the salon are so relaxing, so fun. Bright nail polish bottles sparkle like candy, chairs massage and women gossip. I feel new, fresh, when I step outside.
Maybe it’s biology – instead of a plume of colorful feathers, we have make-up. Instead of a thick, shiny coat, we have big hair. (Funny though, peacocks and lion manes fall under species’ male versions!) A”manicured” look tells conveys power, confidence, wealth, attractiveness. Then again, maybe I’m reading too much into it. Maybe manicures are just girls being girls.
Regardless, no salon or spa for me right now – even at $10. I’m a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to beauty lately. If you don’t look too close, you might not tell the difference.
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8 Responses to “Manicures, etc.”
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July 28th, 2005 @ 1:59 am
A year ago I discovered facials and the funny thing is I have Queer Eye for the Straight Guy to thank(?) for it. I’m not a girly girl at all…no makeup and big hair here…but when I saw all those men getting facials and manicures and looking all nice and primped afterward I just had to get me some.
Facials where I go (in Boston) are $65 before tip so it’s a luxury I try to keep to only twice a year (GROAN!) and I am resisting trying a manicure lest I get addicted to that too.
I think it not only feels nice to feel “pampered” by someone else (even if you pay for it) but it IS nice to look your best. It’s a double whammy. Sigh.
July 28th, 2005 @ 3:27 am
In the animal kingdom the male of most species is more colorful and flamboyant than the female. Humans seem to be the prominent exception. I wonder why that is. It wouldn’t hurt a few men to groom more.
Anyway, good for you for passing up the temptation. It’s better than giving in and then kicking yourself later.
July 28th, 2005 @ 3:06 pm
how true! I started waxing my own eyebrows a couple years ago after a salon wax left me with red burns under each brow! It was difficult at first, but I think I do a much better job than the salon now, and it’s nice to know that I can do it in five minutes at home whenever I want, however often I want.
unfortunately, I’ve never mastered the art of applying nail polish with my left hand, so I will never have nicely manicured nails…
July 28th, 2005 @ 4:42 pm
Once a week DH goes out with friends after work. It always turns into beauty day for me. Eyebrows get plucked (never tried to wax hmmm), clay facial from Bath & Body Works, manicure & pedicure. I was even dying my own hair for a while but then it was looking dried out and had an orange tint so I’ve been going to the salon. I hate paying the $75 to them for it though!!
July 28th, 2005 @ 9:23 pm
Its hard to do your own nails. Get your boyfriend to help you out.
July 29th, 2005 @ 2:24 am
When I’m feeling absolutely drab, I’ll get a spa pedicure to pick me up.( But these are rare occurances) It ends up costing me $20 because I tip well for this small luxury. For manicures and facials,hair dyes and highlights, I get great deals at Beauty colleges. But, it is an all day event because I’m worked on by students. I still haven’t given up my professional eyebrow wax habit and that sets me back $10. But armed with Nads and Nair and I’m a do-it-your-selfer everywhere else! Also, I get great deals on haircuts because I go to Little Saigon(Orange County Calif) and they have so many salons competing for business. I can get a great cut for $15-30.( I bring haircut pics though, because sometimes there is a language barrier.) My cash stretches enough to have money left over for sandwiches.
July 29th, 2005 @ 9:10 pm
You girls should have makeup parties where you help each other to the nails and eyebrows and all of those funny things. That way each of you saves a lot of money and at the same time socialize, network, and gossip.
Money and Investing
July 31st, 2005 @ 4:19 am
Investing in yourself with a “maintenance night in” saved you money and potentially from a nail infection.
*******sacred not sad*********
I have come to love my spa day at home with my own tibetan chill music, fresh fruit, and comfortable surroundings.
All of those home beauty treatments have afforded me a beautiful new townhouse and luxury car.