Nailed it! The ultimate guide to self nail care (minus the salon prices)
Beauty treatments rarely need to be as expensive as salons make them which is why we’re all about home manicures. You’ll save yourself money and learn how to craft gorgeous nails for the future. Keeping your nails in good health is the first step towards any stunning manicure. Do you know the benefits of cuticle cream, exfoliator and nail hardener? Whether your goal is to repair damaged nails, strengthen your nails or protect them, these products can do wonders for your overall nail health.
In this guide to nail care, we’ll run through the products to watch out for and how they could enhance your manicure.
Nail cream
If there’s just one product in your nail care collection, make sure it’s a highly moisturising nail cream. Keeping your nails hydrated is like drinking water - it provides strength, durability and a healthy glow. Many of the Sephora nail creams are enriched with moisturising essential oils to give your nails the luxurious boost they deserve.
Hand and nail cream
Extend the moisture to your cuticles, fingers and hands with a hand and nail cream. Using this type of product regularly is a sure-fire way to repair damaged nails while keeping skin healthy and moisturised. A Sephora favourite is the Hand and Nail Cream by Caudalie. Using antioxidant grape extract and organic shea butter, it's a fast-acting nail treatment that will leave you feeling and smelling lovely.
Nail hardener
Is nail hardener on your radar? This innovative product aims to strengthen nails and harden their keratin layer. In addition, nail hardener effectively protects nails against chips and breakages meaning you can focus on more important parts of your manicure - like what colour varnish to choose! Simply stroke nail hardener on with the provided brush in the same way you’d apply nail polish. Use nail hardener twice weekly for a month and prepare to see and feel results.
Nail masks
Have you heard of nail masks before? We hadn’t until recently either. These revitalising nail treatments are applied before bed and work to protect nails while you get a good night’s sleep. The Knight In Shining Armour Overnight Nail Mask from Ciate London contains urea, an effective nail moisturiser that penetrates the tough surface. It strengthens nails and fights dehydration for healthy, gleaming results. What are you waiting for? Repair damaged nails with minimal effort!
Cuticle care products
Nail and cuticle health come hand in hand (literally!) so don’t focus on one and neglect the other. What would pretty, polish-perfect nails be with dried-out, flaky cuticles? The Sephora range boasts a wide array of products for healthy cuticles which include the following:
Cuticle balm
Cuticle care doesn’t get much more effective than Quickfix Moisturizing Cuticle Balm from Butter London. The balm smooths straight onto your skin and instantly enriches it with coconut and avocado oils. For a moisturising cuticle treatment, look no further.
Cuticle oil
The undetectable texture of cuticle oil is an essential product to have in your handbag. The So Rich Cuticle Oil from NCLA comes in ‘dark almond’ or ‘pumpkin spice’, both enriched with essential oils and Vitamin C. Apply regularly for silky smooth skin.
Cuticle exfoliator
While you might expect cuticle exfoliator to be rough on skin, it’s actually a gentle and effective method to soften your cuticles. The Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator from Butter London uses a waterless system to remove dead skin in moments. No clippers are necessary - just a stroke of vitamin-enriched liquid product.
Further tips for nail and cuticle care
As well as using these products, remember to trim your nails regularly to keep them tidy and avoid breakages. Use a nail file to wear down rough edges and even out bumps on the nail's surface. In addition, we'd recommend moisturising your hands frequently and giving nails a regular break from wearing varnish.
Looking for a little extra luxury? When choosing a nail treatment product, look out for one including essential oils. Follow these steps and you'll nail it!