I decided to write a page on what I do to look after my hands and nails and didn't realise it would be so long! I don't use these ALL the time, but certainly they all come into play at one time or another.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
I think the most important aspect of my hand / nail care is moisturising (if you didn’t already get that!). It keeps my cuticles from getting unruly, prevents my nails from getting flaky and brittle, and as a result, also makes my manicures last longer. I use a number of products (I have them lying all over the place!):
Cuticles
I am lucky to have fairly cooperative cuticles, but I am prone to hangnailage (not the painful ones, just the annoying little sticky outy ones that look so untidy on a manicure). I am averse to cutting them (though I have had it done a few times with a manicure), so just use products to keep them in trim.
Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover Maximum Strength
I use this once every few weeks, pushing them back with a cuticle pusher, and then wiping off with a rough flannel. Followed by lashings of my CND Solar Oil!
Treatments
Nail Envy Original
I don’t use this completely religiously, but will use it under my nail polish here and there. I am blessed to have fairly strong nails, but use this to maintain them. If I’m really good and have a mani on for more than a day or two, I put a coat of this OVER my polish.
Nailtique Formula 2
This was the first nail strengthener I used, that started me off on the whole nail worship thing. I haven't used it in a while, but it did let my nails grow for the first time and strengthen up remarkably. I don't know if there's much in it between Nailtiques and Nail Envy, but they are both worth a mention - without either, I wouldn't have the strength in my nails that I do now.
Shaping
I keep my nails square, with a hint of squoval. It’s the strongest shape and also what I think suits my hands best.
Crystal Nail File
I adore my OPI Crystal Nail File. If you haven’t tried a glass/crystal files, get one (doesn't have to be OPI - I think they are generally all much of a muchness, if you buy a good quality one)! The difference between one of these and a traditional emery board is outstanding. No raggedy bits after filing, lovely smooth edges, no weakening of the nail and it smooths the nail edge like butter. As long as you don’t sit on it…. (I must buy another, just in case).
Base Coat
I’ve been flirting with a few lately;
CND Stickey
This was my go-to base coat for a couple of years. I have a massive bottle (that is still only half empty) and my manicure does seem to last. However, lately I have also tried:
Orly Bonder
I may have to change allegiance – this stuff rocks! It has a rubberised feel which is meant to “bond” the polish to your nail, and it really does! Lately I’ve been feeling guilty about removing still-perfect paint jobs!!
Top Coat
CND Super Shiney
As per the Stickey base coat, I used this exclusively for a good couple of years (another only half empty bottle). It gives a lovely glossy finish, but isn't quick dry. Okay if I am not going anyway for a while.
Seche Vite
I am getting the hang of wrapping the tips now and this does give a super, super shiny finish. But the shrinkage is annoying and the ingredients do concern me….
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri
Sally Hansen never pulled me in as a brand in the UK (we don’t get all the gorgeous polishes like our US cousins – at least, not where I’ve seen them) but I grabbed this after reading good things about it. I think this is my new favourite top coat! Dries in minutes and is lovely and shiny. Good stuff!
I think that is everything in my nail arsenal kit. Broken nails I used to try and repair, but to be honest, my nails grow so quickly, it is easier just to suck it up, file it down and let it grow out. This list I am sure will chop and change, so I will keep it updated!
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
I think the most important aspect of my hand / nail care is moisturising (if you didn’t already get that!). It keeps my cuticles from getting unruly, prevents my nails from getting flaky and brittle, and as a result, also makes my manicures last longer. I use a number of products (I have them lying all over the place!):
OPI Avojuice Hand & Body Lotion
Currently using the Ginger Lily flavour – I keep a big bottle of this on my desk and use it about 3-4 times a day. As do my colleagues…. Smells gorgeous, absorbs really quickly and has extracts of soothing avocado and aloe vera.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand & Nail Cream
This is my handcream I use at home (too expensive to be nicked by work colleagues!). I love Elemis – it is one of the few ranges that doesn’t upset my rather sensitive face, and when I got this in a gift set from my BFF, I loved it too. Sinks in quickly and leaves my hands silky soft, with the added bonus of being anti-aging! I mean, I don’t have age spots yet, but there’s no harm in being prepared!!
CND Solar Oil
I use this a good few times a day as well – normally when I’m travelling (on the bus, on the train) or watching TV. I slather it on, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then massage it in all over my nails and cuticles. I love this stuff – smells like marzipan. Yum!
Lush Lemony Flutter Butter
This seems to be a bit of a cult product and I can see why. It really is the texture of butter, lasts FOREVER and absorbs well (although it stays a little greasy for a while). I use it – when I can find it. I swear my handbag is the bottomless pit.
Cuticles
I am lucky to have fairly cooperative cuticles, but I am prone to hangnailage (not the painful ones, just the annoying little sticky outy ones that look so untidy on a manicure). I am averse to cutting them (though I have had it done a few times with a manicure), so just use products to keep them in trim.
Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover Maximum Strength
I use this once every few weeks, pushing them back with a cuticle pusher, and then wiping off with a rough flannel. Followed by lashings of my CND Solar Oil!
Treatments
Nail Envy Original
I don’t use this completely religiously, but will use it under my nail polish here and there. I am blessed to have fairly strong nails, but use this to maintain them. If I’m really good and have a mani on for more than a day or two, I put a coat of this OVER my polish.
Nailtique Formula 2
This was the first nail strengthener I used, that started me off on the whole nail worship thing. I haven't used it in a while, but it did let my nails grow for the first time and strengthen up remarkably. I don't know if there's much in it between Nailtiques and Nail Envy, but they are both worth a mention - without either, I wouldn't have the strength in my nails that I do now.
Shaping
I keep my nails square, with a hint of squoval. It’s the strongest shape and also what I think suits my hands best.
Crystal Nail File
I adore my OPI Crystal Nail File. If you haven’t tried a glass/crystal files, get one (doesn't have to be OPI - I think they are generally all much of a muchness, if you buy a good quality one)! The difference between one of these and a traditional emery board is outstanding. No raggedy bits after filing, lovely smooth edges, no weakening of the nail and it smooths the nail edge like butter. As long as you don’t sit on it…. (I must buy another, just in case).
Base Coat
I’ve been flirting with a few lately;
CND Stickey
This was my go-to base coat for a couple of years. I have a massive bottle (that is still only half empty) and my manicure does seem to last. However, lately I have also tried:
Orly Bonder
I may have to change allegiance – this stuff rocks! It has a rubberised feel which is meant to “bond” the polish to your nail, and it really does! Lately I’ve been feeling guilty about removing still-perfect paint jobs!!
Top Coat
CND Super Shiney
As per the Stickey base coat, I used this exclusively for a good couple of years (another only half empty bottle). It gives a lovely glossy finish, but isn't quick dry. Okay if I am not going anyway for a while.
Seche Vite
I am getting the hang of wrapping the tips now and this does give a super, super shiny finish. But the shrinkage is annoying and the ingredients do concern me….
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri
Sally Hansen never pulled me in as a brand in the UK (we don’t get all the gorgeous polishes like our US cousins – at least, not where I’ve seen them) but I grabbed this after reading good things about it. I think this is my new favourite top coat! Dries in minutes and is lovely and shiny. Good stuff!
I think that is everything in my nail arsenal kit. Broken nails I used to try and repair, but to be honest, my nails grow so quickly, it is easier just to suck it up, file it down and let it grow out. This list I am sure will chop and change, so I will keep it updated!
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