As a nail swatcher and all-around nail polish enthusiast, I have to be on top of taking care of my hands and nails. I feel that I am lucky in that I have naturally strong nails, but I do tend to have very dry skin which obviously affects my cuticles. Many years ago, I used to bite my nails and cuticles to the point of making them bleed which is why I started wearing acrylics. Lucky, this helped me kick the biting habit but I also have to stay on top of avoiding hangnails and such because it will tempt me to bite them. Gross, I know! Well, today I have some of my favorite nail care products to share with you; these are items I use often to help keep my hands and cuticles well hydrated and soft.
For as long as I can remember, I have been using the Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle remover. It has a very gentle formula, but it does a good job of softening overgrown cuticles. I use this once or twice a week (usually right before I swatch) to help clean up my nails. Once I’ve left it on for a few minutes, I use an orangewood stick to push back my cuticles. This is very accessible and can be purchased at most drugstores. I usually buy mine at Ulta when I stock up on necessities.
The Nicole by OPI Oil To Go is by far my favorite cuticle oil. I can be extremely picky with scents because most strong scents give me a headache, but this scent is so yummy! I slather it on my cuticles and nails and then rub it in. It can be a little greasy and does take some time to sink in, but I don’t mind it. Sadly, since NOPI is pretty much gone, this oil is not easy to find. I buy lots of it on ebay and have had good luck with it. Some people have mentioned a concern with it being old and maybe going bad, but I haven’t experienced that and the oil always smells sweet, crisp and fresh. I know that eventually I won’t be able to find it so I’m glad I found another oil that I enjoy.
Another oil that I use is the KBShimmer Cuticle Oil Pen. Like the NOPI Oil To Go, this is easy to carry around in your purse so you don’t have any excuses not to moisturize. Unlike the NOPI, this is readily available and can be purchased at kbshimmer.com for $6.00. I like that KBShimmer offers a variety of scents. I have tried a few and my favorite is the Vanilla Raspberry. The oil is thin and soaks in quickly. I like the convenience of it and I never have issues with it. The NOPI container sometimes clogs up if the oil thickens but I’ve never experienced this with the KBShimmer pens. I highly recommend them.
The Vapid Nail Sauce is the newest product in my arsenal. I really like the consistency of this product because it is not too thick and not too thin. You do have to work it in to your skin for it to completely sink in, but I don’t mind the extra massage. I usually use this at bed time and feel it works great. My one complaint would be the packaging. I always dislike products where I have to dip my fingers into it so I would love a different type of packaging. I’ve purchased this in two scents: Wandering Rose and Rise and Shine. I will admit that I HATE the Wandering Rose scent. It has that annoying rose scent but it has something else…almost like cloves. I just can’t stand it and mainly use it when I swatch. Rise and Shine is supposed to be a citrus scent but it smells like the candy Smarties. I don’t dislike it, but wish it had more of a citrus scent. You can purchase this at the Vapid website here. This retails for $5 for a .6oz tub and $8 for a 1oz tub.
Lastly, Essie Many Many Mani Intensive Hand Lotion is currently my favorite hand lotion. It has a beautiful crisp clean scent. I like it because it’s thick and has a great scent. It is a little greasy, but I find that it sinks in nicely albeit slowly. I will admit that it is a little pricey. If you buy it at full retail, the large bottle will set you back around $20, but I got mine at a beauty supply for around $9.
So there you have it! Those are some of my favorite nail care products. Do you have any products to recommend? I’m always open to trying new things. Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I will talk to you soon.
Be my polish friend! Follow me!
Favorite Nail Care Products Favorite Nail Care Products Favorite Nail Care Products Favorite Nail Care Products
I love your suggestions – I really want to pick up that Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover – with this weird weather we keep having they need a little bit of extra help.
http://www.pink-purpledots.blogspot.com
I adore Polish ‘M’s cuticle oil in the doefoot applicators. They smell amazing and they make my nails feel so good. I’m not too picky on lotions, I do like the Gold Bond lotions for hands.
Jessica recently posted..CND Creative Play Pinkidescent nail polish swatch + review
The all sounds like really good products.
Lacky Corner recently posted..Reader’s Choice – Nine Zero Lacquer Igneo Pebblit