Is It Worth It: Nordstrom Beauty Haven Londontown Nail Bar
In today's American economy, where tariffs are rising, inflation is relentless, and a carton of eggs costs $12—we're all rechecking our budgets, reevaluating our priorities, and rethinking every swipe of the card. The non-negotiables stick around: rent, streaming subscriptions, and that one sweet treat at the grocery store. But the negotiables? That's where the cuts start, and beauty and wellness are often the first to go. In a world where everything feels more expensive and our wallets a little lighter, the question lingers: Is it worth it?
Beauty services are often seen as luxuries, and some treatments? Ultra-luxuries. Getting your nails done, a fresh blowout, a facial, these all add up by the end of the month. So before you tack on another expense for something you might regret, Is It Worth It is your guide. This series puts beauty and wellness services to the test vetting and reviewing them to see if, in a world of $12 eggs and surprise charges just for leaving the house, they're actually worth it because beauty doesn't always have to mean pocket pain.
Nordstrom Beauty Haven NYC is a one-stop destination for all things beauty, from hair to nails and even facial workouts. It feels like a grown-up version of a childhood fantasy: a place where you can get a full makeover in a single day, Princess Diaries-style. One standout is the Londontown nail bar, which offers clean, expertly formulated polishes made with supercharged natural ingredients. Translation? Nontoxic nail color and FDA-approved gels that actually hold up.
Although it's not tucked into the middle of the massive Nordstrom store—it actually has its own dedicated floor—there's still a sense of casual chaos at Beauty Haven. What's missing is the calm, spa-like atmosphere you'd expect from a traditional nail salon. There's no champagne service, no soothing music, no friendly back-and-forth with your nail tech about who you're dating. The goal here is efficiency: get in, get out, and move on.
Courtesy of Londontown
Londontown is a women-owned, family-run business based in the U.S., known for its forward-thinking clean formulas and naturally derived ingredients. Their menu includes six manicure options, ranging from a bare-nail refresh to a Gel Luxe experience, with prices starting at $30 and topping out at $70. Pedicure services follow a similar structure, beginning at $35 for no color and going up to $70 for the gel luxe option. The upgrades are subtle—the 'luxe experience' includes a hand or foot massage and a mask, but don't expect anything too extravagant.
Yes: As a returning client of the Gel Experience (though I missed out on the luxe add-ons due to a time crunch), I can vouch for the polish: it's thick, glossy, and has the kind of flawless finish that rivals a press-on set. Even better, it lasts for a month or more, if you're diligent with upkeep. Compared to many local NYC nail spots, where gel manicures can run up to $90 in Midtown Manhattan, Londontown's $60 service in just 75 minutes (versus the standard two hours) feels like a steal. And if you're someone who leans toward clean, natural ingredients, this is a standout option, especially in a beauty category that often comes with a side of chemical anxiety. The only critique is they could offer a larger variety of colors and nail services, especially if you're looking for add-ons like ever-trendy chrome, designs, or nail extensions, they don't offer that.
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