For the past year, I’ve either been doing my own gel manicures at home or getting tap gel in the salon. Unsurprisingly, that took a real toll on my nails, so at the beginning of this year, I decided to give them a long break to let them recover.
Along with time, I’ve been using a few things that have genuinely helped speed up the repair process, so I wanted to walk you through what’s been working for me. Some of these overlap with the post I did last week about what's helping my skin get through this cold weather and dry air!
I'm not going to quit gel entirely, I do love the way they look, but I am definitely going to give myself more time in between for my nails to breathe and stay healthy!
This is not a traditional hardener, but instead, it works more like a bond repair for your nails, helping to reinforce weak, peeling nails over time. The formula is very lightweight and flexible, so it doesn’t leave nails feeling like there is a 'coat' on the nails.
It can be worn completely on its own or used under polish without affecting wear. I’ve found that with consistent use, my nails feel stronger, thicker, and smoother.
When my nails are in rough shape, I try not to manicure them too much. I keep the cuticles trimmed and filed as needed, but otherwise I just let them grow. Once they're back to 'normal', I'll be more precise with my nail tools. These two tools are all I really need, and they are so high quality. This brand, in general, makes really great manicure tools.
This nail polish really sets itself apart for a few key reasons. First, there’s no need for a base coat because the color itself does the work. The shades are all very wearable, neutral tones; Vanity and Babydoll are my favorites, and they’re beautiful mixed together as well. Second, the color coat also replaces a ridge filler, which makes nails look noticeably smoother without needing a separate product.
The formula is self-leveling, similar to gel polish, so it naturally evens itself out for a glossy, smooth finish. You do need to work quickly since it dries fast, but that’s also part of what makes it so convenient. Most importantly, it truly lasts.
My mom swears by Dazzle Dry, but it has never held up on me. This one lasts about five days, which is the longest I’ve ever gotten from a 'regular' polish. I’m very hard on my nails, and I love that keeping them polished keeps me from picking at them, which has been a huge plus for my nail health overall.
I've been using this for years. A little goes a long way. It comes out onto a brush, making it easy to apply. It has that iconic, light, powdery scent that L'Occitaine is known for, which is always nice. I keep this in my nightstand drawer and apply the hand cream, then the cuticle oil. It's the best!
This cream stick is less messy than cuticle oil, so you can stow it in a handbag or travel bag. I actually have one of these in one of my kitchen drawers and like to use it after I wash my hands. You don't have to wait for anything to sink in; you can just move on quickly.
There are three things that set this hand cream apart from many others I love, and that make it my default. First, the container is adorable, so you can set it out on your counter or nightstand. Secondly, this hand cream dries instantly. You can apply this and, in one minute, do whatever you need to do; it will have either completely dried or soaked in. Third, this contains skincare ingredients such as retinol, panthenol, and colloidal oatmeal. I swear I have the driest hands ever, and this truly helps. I put it on every single night.
Daytime Hand Cream use code SYDNEYCS15
This is a hand cream I've been buying for years. It has a smooth, creamy texture that really hydrates my hands and sinks in quickly. The scent is incredible. Even their website cannot seem to explain the scent well. It is just so light and pleasant! I just finished a bottle last week, but was so glad to have another waiting in the wings!
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