Rubber Base vs Gel vs Polygel vs Acrylic: Which Nails Are Best for You?
Rubber base, gel overlay, polygel or acrylic? A clear, honest guide to how each looks, lasts and costs — so you book the right nails in Cape Town.
Welcome to Marvelous
Everything under one roof, with every price shown upfront. Book in under a minute on WhatsApp.

Gel that lasts up to 3 weeks
Xpress gel manicure from R200
Why clients switch to us
You make time for yourself, and you pay for it. So it’s frustrating when the result doesn’t last. We built Marvelous around fixing exactly that.
Our services
Eight treatment menus, one welcoming space in Lansdowne. Every starting price shown upfront.

Gel, rubber base, polygel and acrylic that stay glossy for weeks.
from R100

Soft, smooth feet and toes that stay polished — Xpress to Medi.
from R100

Classic, hybrid and volume sets — wake up with lashes done.
from R100


Quick, clean face and body waxing — including Brazilian & Hollywood.
from R50

Head, back, full body and foot massages from 20 minutes.
from R100
Knotless, bob and long braids, cornrows, weaves and treatments.
from R200
Our treatments: Lashes, Gel Nails, Brows, Waxing, Massage, Braids, Pedicures, Facials.
Signature results
Every photo here is real client work, done in our Lansdowne salon. Tap any photo to see it up close.
Showing 8 photos
How it works
No apps, no forms, no waiting on hold. Five simple steps from browsing to beautiful.
Browse our services and prices. Everything is listed upfront, so you know what you're paying before you message us.
Tap "Book on WhatsApp" — your message is already written. We confirm your date and time, usually with a quick reply.
We start with a quick consultation: shape, colour, length, allergies, and a skin or lash check where needed.
Sterilised tools, quality products like Gel-It and BG Superior gel, and no rushing. You can relax — we've got it.
We tell you exactly how to make your results last, and when to come back for a fill, touch-up or refresh.
Why clients choose us
Every treatment is priced on this site. We confirm your quote before we start — no surprises at the end.
Sterilised tools and a clean, prepared station for every client. Your health comes first.
Time for a proper consultation and a treatment that isn't rushed. Your hour is your hour.
Careful prep, quality products and honest aftercare advice, so your nails, lashes and brows keep looking fresh.
Real results
Clear prices
No "price on consultation" games. Here's what most clients book — tap Book and your WhatsApp message is ready to send.
Nails
Xpress Manicure – Gel
Popular
R200
BookXpress Manicure Gel on WhatsAppNails
Rubber Base – Application
Popular
R250
BookRubber Base Application on WhatsAppPedicures
Deluxe Pedicure – Gel
Popular
R300
BookDeluxe Pedicure Gel on WhatsAppLashes
Classic
Popular
R400
BookLash Extensions Classic on WhatsAppLashes
Lash Lift & Tint
Popular
R300
BookLash Lift & Tint Lash Lift & Tint on WhatsAppBrows
Threading / Wax / Blade
Popular
R50
BookBrows Threading / Wax / Blade on WhatsAppWaxing
Body – Brazilian
Popular
R200
BookBody Brazilian on WhatsAppMassage
Swedish Full Body
Popular
R400
BookFull Body Swedish Full Body on WhatsAppFacials
Hydra Facial (Normal)
Popular
R300
BookFacials & Skin Care Hydra Facial (Normal) on WhatsAppHair
Knotless Braid
Popular
from R500
BookBraids & Cornrows Knotless Braid on WhatsAppPrices may vary with length, design and add-ons. Confirm your quote when booking.
Beauty advice
Straight answers on what to choose, what it costs and how to make it last.
Rubber base, gel overlay, polygel or acrylic? A clear, honest guide to how each looks, lasts and costs — so you book the right nails in Cape Town.
Gel should last 2–3 weeks, not 5 days. Why gel chips or lifts early, and 9 simple habits to keep your manicure glossy for longer — from our Lansdowne salon.
Classic, hybrid or volume lash extensions? How each set looks, what it costs, how long it lasts and how to choose the right one for your eyes and lifestyle.
The quickest way is to tap any "Book on WhatsApp" button on this site. It opens WhatsApp with a message already written for you — just send it and we'll reply with available times. You can also call 084 586 9432 or 074 887 1550.
A gel manicure usually lasts 2–3 weeks when the nail is prepped well and you look after it — gloves for cleaning, cuticle oil daily and no picking. Gel on toes often lasts 3–4 weeks because toenails grow more slowly.
Extensions fall out naturally with your own lash cycle, so most clients book a fill (R250) every 2–3 weeks to keep their set looking full. Keeping them dry for the first 24 hours and avoiding oily products helps them last longer.
A Brazilian (R200) removes most hair from the bikini area and usually leaves a small strip or shape at the front. A Hollywood (R250) removes all of the hair. A standard Bikini wax (R150) tidies just the bikini line.
All our prices are listed on the site. Some prices can change with length, design, hair fibre or add-ons, which is why those are shown as "from". We always confirm your quote before we start — no surprises.
Send one WhatsApp message and we'll reply with the next available times. No forms, no apps — just a quick chat.
Prefer to talk? Call 084 586 9432Quick reply on WhatsApp · All prices shown upfront · Message us on WhatsApp for today's availability.
Visit us
Easy to reach from Claremont, Athlone, Rondebosch, Wynberg and across the Southern Suburbs.