Beauty On A Budget: A Frugal Gal's Manicure

If I could go to the nail salon every two weeks to get a manicure, I totally would. But the penny pincher in me knows that it's a waste of money and also kind of a time suck. But that doesn't mean I don't like my nails to look fabulous!

That's where the "Frugal Gal's Manicure" comes in!

This might sound a little middle school-ish, but I've found that the best method for a professional looking manicure without the cost is by using glue-on nails. I can feel some of you thinking "Ummm...no." But trust me, they look awesome!

The product I like is Broadway "Real Life" Nails in "Real Short". I type A LOT, so I like them as short as possible to avoid damaging them on the keyboard. You can find this brand at pretty much every major drug store or retailer like Walmart or Target for about $6!

Each box comes with two sets of nails in varying sizes, nail glue, a small nail file, and a cuticle pusher..basically everything you need except for nail polish remover. For the best results start will clean and freshly trimmed and filed nails. Quickly swipe some nail polish remover over them (even if you don't need it) to help the glue adhere. You also want your real nails to be pretty short so they don't stick out under your fake nails and your cuticles pushed back for a more "polished" look...pun intended.

Use the file to "rough" up your nails so that the glue sticks better. Then apply glue evenly and in a thin layer to both your nails and the fake nails. Then stick em on and twist the tab off. File down any remnants of the pull away tab, and there you have it! A cheap, quick, and easy manicure!

(You have to admit, those look pretty darn good for $6!)

If you're like me, you may be a little more rough on them and have to re-glue from time to time. I lost two on my right hand and had to apply more glue, but I haven't had any of them break or crack. So you may not get two full sets out of one box, but for $6 dollars, it's still not a bad deal!

Well, there you go ladies, the "Frugal Gal's Manicure"! I hope you enjoy and feel fabulous with your new nails!