The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Beauty Review: Kiss Manicure Salon Kit

I was recently asked to review the Kiss Manicure Salon Kit of professional and portable nail tools, and this couldn't have come at a better time. For one, I have my nail-biting habit under control and I really needed the proper tools to maintain my nail shape and such.

This kit is great. It's cheap ($9.99), it's widely available at drugstores, and it will save you money on professional manicures. But if you're not willing to give up those manicures (and we all have our little indulgences), then you can actually tote this kit to the salon to keep germs at bay. Sanitary and a money-saver!

My only qualm was that the nail file grit was a little coarse for my liking. I prefer a very fine diamond dust grit for my sensitive nails. The clippers and scissors, however, are nice and sharp, which is critical. Nail clippers and scissors that aren't sharp are worthless, IMO. Also, believe it or not, I actually feel like my nails are stronger after using this kit a few times. Must be similar to trimming split ends, which helps strengthen strands of hair (I'm no beautician but this is what it seems to do.)

I don't have tons of experience in the way of manicure kits, but I've received some in the past as gifts that were totally useless, and this Kiss kit surpasses them all. The package says you can also ship back any tool for free sharpening (just pay shipping/handling). Good to know, even though I probably won't take advantage of this service (too lazy). All in all, I think the Kiss Mani Kit would make a great gift for any girlfriend or as an at home spa party gift.

Here's what's in it:

  • Nail Scissors

  • Nail Brush

  • Nail Clipper

  • Cuticle Nipper (I'm scared to use these on myself so I didn't try them, but the tool looks solid!)

  • Cuticle Pusher & Cleaner

  • 4-Way Buffer

  • Nail File

  • Manicure Sticks



The Kiss Manicure Kit is available at all major drug store chains and other mass retailers. To see the full collection, go to www.kissusa.com

Win Cool Stuff: BeautyTicket.com Giveaway

And the winner is... #15 Rayna! Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered!


BeautyTicket.com giveaway

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

Kick off your week with a chance to win beauty supplies from BeautyTicket.com, a fabulous site which brings you premium beauty brands at deep discounts! BeautyTicket.com is your VIP pass to beautiful deals. Find brands like Stila, Prescriptives, Smashbox and much more, all at drugstore prices!

But getting back to that giveaway: The prize is a makeup case by Italian luxury luggage brand Roncato surrounded by brand name beauty products* with a retail value of $100. Sweet!

To enter, post the brand(s) you would like to see at BeautyTicket.com in the comments.

Oh and one more thing: Shop now at BeautyTicket.com and save 10% off your entire order until May 1st with coupon code THEBUDGETBABE or click this link: http://beautyticket.com/index.aspx?dc=THEBUDGETBABE

Good luck!

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Your information will NOT be shared or used for any other purpose besides contacting you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Saturday April 11 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Monday April 13.

* Assortment may vary.


New Store Spotlight: BeautyTicket.com

Exclusive Deal Update: Beauty Ticket just caught wind of my post, and has generously offered Budget Babe readers a special discount! Get 10% off your entire order until May 1st with coupon code THEBUDGETBABE. Or, just use this link: http://beautyticket.com/index.aspx?dc=THEBUDGETBABE Yeehaw!




Beauty lovers rejoice: There's a new discount beauty supply store on the scene, and it's called (drumroll please) BeautyTicket.com.

BeautyTicket.com carries premium beauty brands (like Smashbox, Stila, Prescriptives, etc.) at deep discounts. The brands are constantly changing, and the prices are dirt cheap. No drugstore brands on the site, only drugstore prices!

Here's a sampling of the great products I've found so far (click any image for details). Check out the site (http://beautyticket.com/about-us.aspx) and let me know what you think. If anyone is brave and orders a "mystery bag" let us know what's in it! Oh, and while you're at it, sign up for their newsletters to get the latest scoop on promotions, deals, new products and more.




Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Duo in "Caviar/Thunder" is perfect for creating a sultry, smokey-eye look. MSRP: $22.00 Your Price: $6.49





Smashbox Lip Gloss in "Melt" literally matches EVERY skintone. MSRP: $15.00 Your Price: $3.99





Stila Color Push-ups in "Nude Flash" gives skin a healthy glow in a jiffy. MSRP: $22.00 Your Price: $6.49





China Glaze - 6 Piece "OMG 2BKEWL" Nail Polish Collection will have you wearing a different color every day of the week. MSRP: $45.00 Your Price: $17.99





Mirenesse - 3 Piece "Power Lift" Skin Care Kit promotes younger looking skin. The eye serum purchased alone currently retails for more than $60! MSRP: $89.00 Your Price: $14.99





Prescriptives Lip Polish in "Ardor" will give you a luscious red pout without looking overdone. MSRP: $18.00 Your Price: $4.99