I'm often being asked how I keep my nails so nice. It is certainly a regimented routine, but I love having long nails so to me it is worth it. My hands have always been quite old looking even when I was a teenager so keeping my nails looking nice (sort of) helps me feel better about my hands.
So, here goes, this is what I do on a regular basis.
CUTICLE CARE
I apply some sort of cuticle treatment at least three times a day whether it be oil, cream, balm or a softener. At the moment my go to product is 'China Glaze Orange Cuticle Oil',
I run the brush around my cuticles and massage it in. It smells divine and certainly does the trick. When I don't have this to hand I also use
Tiana extra virgin Coconut Oil and at times when I have got time to let it soak in (like on a car journey etc) I apply good ol' Vasaline.
About once a week I'll also use Seche 'Soft Cuticle Softener', it absorbs into the skin in under a minute, contains no caustic ingredients, so it's safe to use everyday to eliminate unnecessary cuticle cutting and delivers a vitamin boost.
This list is by no means exclusive, as I am always trying new products, but the main thing I'd say is, it doesn't matter what you apply, just make sure you do it regularly.
DIET & SUPPLIMENTS
Obviously it goes without saying and is common knowledge that if you have a good diet then it helps. I also - when I can afford to I like to take a Collagen supplement from
Proto-col which makes my nails really strong. They are quite pricey but really work.
FILE
I swear by the use of a crystal nail file and use
Leighton Denny's, you can use this in a sawing motion if you like and it won't damage your nails like metal or sand paper files can. I tend to file my nails at least once a week if possible.
BUFF
I rarely use a buffer as they tend to make my nails weak and then they split easily. However I do get ridges and so probably buff about every six weeks or so. I don't use a particular brand, just whatever comes to hand really.
POLISH
Before applying polish I apply some sort of nail treatment, my latest being Nail Kale from Nails Inc, but I also like A&E by Nails Inc too.
I then apply a ridge filler if I am not doing a textured mani, this is my favourite right now - China Glaze Ridge Filler.
As you are probably aware if you look at my blog regularly I tend to use Nails Inc polish, mainly because the quality is consistent, it is self levelling and long lasting, however I don't use this exclusively and love to try something new. I love Seche Vite 'Dry Fast Top Coat' as it adds an amazing shine.
I don't know if this is true, but I seem to find that my nail health is better if I keep polish on most of the time.
NAIL SOAK
When I have bare nails or between polish application I try to soak my nails in hot oil or apply oil a number of times on the nail plate and underneath, something as simple and cheap as Almond oil is great for this.
HAND CREAM
I tend to use anything by Philosophy, however they seem to change their hand cream every couple of years or so, but at the moment I am using '
Hands Of Hope', which is great for me as I can't tolerate perfume and this product is fragrance free.
So there you go, this is my routine. If you have found anything that helps you then please do let me know.
