Recession Nails Reality Check

When economic anxiety meets nail polish obsession

Hello, Gorgeous!

Let's have a frank discussion about recession nails, shall we? Back in April the Wall Street Journal reported on the ways women were tightening their designer belts. Suddenly, the odiously titled trend Recession Nails is all over the place. As a result, we're all supposed to give up on our everyday luxuries and instead reach for beige because apparently when money gets tight, our nail polish choices must reflect collective financial anxiety. And let’s face it, chipped beige nails don’t look as unflattering as chipped fuchsia nails do.

Here's my confession: I ordered four colors from Mooncat expecting to rotate through them like the polish maximalist I am. The haul included bright and summery treats like Mermaid Bait (exactly what you’d think), Midnight Drive (a glowing deep violet), and Merkitten (a perfect summer hot pink), all names that should have guaranteed obsession status.

Instead, I can't stop reaching for Petals for a Narcissist.

Why I Fell Hard for Petals for a Narcissist

While the name sounds like it should come with a therapy session, the shade actually delivers. It’s a delightful combo of a grey/white base color with subtle iridescent purple shimmer that reads almost neutral in some lights. And then, bam! It catches the light with this secret sparkle that makes you feel like you're hiding magic in plain sight.

Maybe that's what recession nails should actually be about, finding delight in even the most practical shade. Professional enough for Zoom calls with a little burst of happiness when you catch it in the right light.

Incidentally, this is all bringing on the nostalgia factor for me as well. There's something delightfully full-circle about doing your own nails again. I can’t think of how many hours I spent in high school sitting on my bedroom floor surrounded by nail products creating the perfect mani and design to match my outfit. Doing my nails now feels like an economical and indulgent medi meditative state.

Image credit: Mooncat.com

Speaking of perfecting the application, if you’re inclined to indulge, consider Mooncat's Universe Essentials Duo ($28, Mooncat.com). Whatever they've put into their Speed Devil top coat is pure magic. It dries without bubbles, doesn't chip for days (and days), and gives you that glossy gel-mani finish that makes people ask where you got your nails done. For someone historically terrible with top coats, this feels like cheating in the best way.

So yes, if we must, let's at least embrace recession nails on our own terms. With colors that feel like small luxuries while we're being smarter about spending. Right now, that might mean rediscovering the simple pleasure of taking care of yourself for $15 instead of $60.

Have you fallen for any unexpected shades lately? And what do you think about the whole recession nails thing? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋