You can have the perfect blowdry, a flawless face and a killer outfit, but if you've got manky looking hands and nails the illusion wanes. I've always been obsessed with my nails - something I inherited from my mother (who to this day still changes her polish every other day and prides herself on her long and elegant nails.) Regular manicures aren't an option for most, so getting the right at-home treatments make the difference between a quick bodged job and a stylish salon-esque finish. These five nail care tools are products which I've become to love and rely on, knowing they'll help me some way to achieving a perfect manicure.
1. The Body Shop Hamp Hand Oil (£7.00)
Great for tackling extremely dry areas that simple hand creams can't fix, this lightweight oil provides instant hydration without too much of a greasy feeling. It works well well applied to hands, massaged in and left to sink in over night, but can also be used on the go (thanks to it's pipette dropper) to tackle specific problem areas.
2. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (£9.00)
A cult product for a reason, this relatively thick top coat helps nails to dry quickly whilst protecting the polish underneath from chipping. I always notice a massive difference when I apply this over my nail varnish, getting at least a couple more days out of the colour. You can even apply this again every day to help your nails look perfect for longer.
3. Sephora Express Oil (€8.50)
I picked this up while in Paris a couple of years ago and now always stock up when I'm near a Sephora store. It's essentially a cheaper version of OPI Drip Dry Drops, which help to dry polish in seconds and leave nails nourished. You need just a tiny amount, dropped onto each individual nail using the pipette, and your manicure will remain smudge free.
4. Nailtiques Cuticle Care Oil (£8.40)
Help to soften your cuticles and seal in moisture with this handy rollerball cuticle oil. The formula contains a nourishing blend of sunflower, safflower, avocado and hemp seed oil - together they provide a light and hydrating oil that really helps nails to look great. It's also the perfect size for taking out and about; simply apply a small amount every so often and massage into finger tips.
5. Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab (£6.95)
Great for when your cuticles are looking worse for wear, this gel-like formula helps to soften and smooth rough skin around the nail. It also makes it much easier to remove excess skin from the nail bed, while Vitamin E helps to calm and soothe irritated or swollen beds. I don't use this often, but when I do I definitely notice a difference.
What are your must have nail tools and care products? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. The Body Shop Hamp Hand Oil (£7.00)
Great for tackling extremely dry areas that simple hand creams can't fix, this lightweight oil provides instant hydration without too much of a greasy feeling. It works well well applied to hands, massaged in and left to sink in over night, but can also be used on the go (thanks to it's pipette dropper) to tackle specific problem areas.
2. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (£9.00)
A cult product for a reason, this relatively thick top coat helps nails to dry quickly whilst protecting the polish underneath from chipping. I always notice a massive difference when I apply this over my nail varnish, getting at least a couple more days out of the colour. You can even apply this again every day to help your nails look perfect for longer.
3. Sephora Express Oil (€8.50)
I picked this up while in Paris a couple of years ago and now always stock up when I'm near a Sephora store. It's essentially a cheaper version of OPI Drip Dry Drops, which help to dry polish in seconds and leave nails nourished. You need just a tiny amount, dropped onto each individual nail using the pipette, and your manicure will remain smudge free.
4. Nailtiques Cuticle Care Oil (£8.40)
Help to soften your cuticles and seal in moisture with this handy rollerball cuticle oil. The formula contains a nourishing blend of sunflower, safflower, avocado and hemp seed oil - together they provide a light and hydrating oil that really helps nails to look great. It's also the perfect size for taking out and about; simply apply a small amount every so often and massage into finger tips.
5. Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab (£6.95)
Great for when your cuticles are looking worse for wear, this gel-like formula helps to soften and smooth rough skin around the nail. It also makes it much easier to remove excess skin from the nail bed, while Vitamin E helps to calm and soothe irritated or swollen beds. I don't use this often, but when I do I definitely notice a difference.
What are your must have nail tools and care products? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
