The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Beauty Review: Revlon Runway Collection Artificial Nails

Beauty Review: Revlon Runway Collection Nails

In an ideal world, we'd all have healthy, strong, natural nails. The Budget Babe's beauty pro Kiki Bella reviews what might just be the next best thing. —BB



by Kiki Bella
It's not news to anyone that the nail industry is big business. With a salon on every street it's pretty obvious that women (and many men) think a lot about how their nails look. Some, like myself, limit this to playing with color and doing at-home manis and pedis, while others take their nail beauty pretty seriously. Getting your own nails done (clipped, filed, painted) at a salon can be costly, but not nearly as costly as getting faux nails put on, which are more lovingly referred to as acrylics. A full set of acrylics (or gels, or whatever your salon does) can cost upwards of fifty dollars. They do last, and they can look pretty fierce. I personally have had an acrylic set more then once in my life, each time during my high school years. Are they worth it though?

My personal opinion is that they really aren't. They have a certain appeal, undoubtedly, but when weighing the pros and cons of this beauty ritual, my scale seems to be tipping to the no…

While one could argue against acrylic sets on many different levels (think green, all the chemicals involved wreaking havoc on the environment; think health, breathing in the toxic fumes while getting them done, which can take an hour at least; think nail damage, once you start it's hard to stop since the nail underneath has been filed down to make the acrylic nail on top look more "natural" and flush with the finger). Let's approach this instead economically: It's just really freaking expensive, ladies! You have to get a set (say $50 at a top salon) to start, and then get the set "filled" (about $20) as the nail grows out, let's say every two weeks so you don't look like a hot mess. Then repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, get a new set, repeat, repeat, repeat… you get the idea. This is money you could be using someplace else. New shoes, for instance. (cont. below)

Inspired By: Foley + Corinna City Tote



Foley + Corinna at ShopStyle


Foley + Corinna's City Tote has become a modern classic. I still hope to own the real deal someday! The one shown here goes for $485 at Bloomingdales.



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


If you love the look but can't spring for the real deal, Forever 21 has a similar looking bag called the Genevieve Faux Leather Tote in blue or black for $32.80. I bet this beauty will go fast.

Win Cool Stuff: Rachel Leigh Bracelet from Chickdowntown.com

And the winner is… #59 Brit! She wrote "Splurge: Christian Louboutin leopard booties $1375; Save: embellished tights - 2 pack at Target for less than $10!!"

Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone for sharing your Ah-MAZINGly creative ideas. xoxo, BB


Win Cool Stuff: Rachel Leigh Bracelet from Chickdowntown.com


Please note: This contest is now closed, check back tomorrow for the winner.

Chickdowntown made me an offer I couldn't refuse: The opportunity to award one of you lucky ladies a gorgeous Rachel Leigh 'Audrey' Gold Bangle! As you probably know, Chickdowntown.com carries mostly pricy brands like Loeffler Randall, Theory and Diane Von Furstenberg, but they also carry more moderately priced lines like BB Dakota, Free People and MICHAEL by Michael Kors. If you like being in-the-know when it comes to the latest designer fashions, follow chickdowntown on Twitter and check out store owner Amy's daily Twitter giveaways.

How to enter:
Tell me one "splurge" item and one "save" item you're wanting right now in the comments section below.

Contest Details:

  • Contest ends Thursday, October 15th at 12 noon EST. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, October 16th.

  • Open to both domestic and international readers age 18 or older, however, international readers are responsible for any customs fees.

  • One entry per reader

  • Be sure to add info(at)thebudgetbabe.com to your email safe list so you can be notified if you're the winner.


Good luck!!