WE SECRET-SHOPPED BEAUTY APP, RUUBY
Andrea
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The Haute Heel team has set out to test drive the top at-home beauty apps available in London. Any way to avoid the dusty underground system! This week, Fani secret-shops one of the first platforms for her regular manicure in this Ruuby beauty app review – one of the more popular options among Beauty Editors and influencers. It’s user-friendly, has a bijou interface and adorable illustrations that stand out from the rest of their competitors. Ruuby offers the full range of treatments, from massages (from £65), lashes (from £15) and even injectables (starting from £220), which is a first. There’s also a Black Label membership for high flying loyalists, where beauty experts will even travel alongside clients. Find out if you should’ve started booking on this mobile platform long ago, in this review.
The treatment
I get my nails professionally done every five weeks but sometimes longer to give my nails a ‘break’. The Ruuby treatment is more expensive (£50) than my usual nail appointment but it’s still comparable to central London salons that offer nail art. Without the glitz, the treatment will set you back £40. Gel removal costs extra. My beautician arrived on time and laid out all her kit including her lamp, LED lamp and colours – she even had her own extension cord.
We spent a few minutes looking at colours and my inspiration photos. I’d have liked to be able to find ideas from Ruuby’s Instagram but there weren’t any Christmas nails (I booked in December). The whole experience lasted 65 minutes.
User experience
The app is easy to use, you can see the dates and times and the beauticians available. I only faced two problems: firstly, it’d be nice to be able to search for a name so you can keep booking with the same person rather than having to screenshot their availability to have on hand. The second thing I’d like is to send a photo on the in-app chat, as my nail artist asked me for nail design references and instead, I had to describe them.
Registering was easy and so were payment options, where Apple Pay only takes a second. I like that each person has their rating and their reviews, and you can take those into consideration. I like the ease of use and that the beauticians come straight to your home. I’ve done that for years and find it easy and effective. The app sends you notifications as the beautician is on the way, and send you another notification when they’ve left, to remind you to review them.
My nail artist told me she’s been working for Ruuby for 2 and a half years and it’s the only such service provider she works for. She likes it’s easy to set up her schedule straight from the app. At some point she tried to work for another app too but didn’t have the time as she’d have to go on the app to mark out the times she’s not available.
Would you book again?
I’d definitely book again for nail art, as it’s a niche at salons and not many people do it well. Otherwise, I’ll continue with my normal nail artist who’s more wallet-friendly.
For our secret shopper lowdown on Blow Ltd, head here.
Words by Fani Mari, @fani_breakeven
Check out more of Fani’s beauty content on her blog, Breakeven
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