This is coming from a girl with VERY dry skin, so my main key is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Not only with my hands I have to really keep up with this on my face year round.
On a daily basis I work at keeping my hands moisturized, using the below products. Not all of them daily sometimes it depends on which is closest! I will go into more detail per item.
Moisturizers & Oils
CND-Solar oil Amazing! Smells so yummy! I use this every night and after I polish my nails (when I remember!) I rub it into my cuticles for 20 seconds each nails.
Lush Lemony Flutter- love love love.
Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
This stuff really, really helps! I wish it came with a difference scent (I dislike fake lemon scents!) but hey, it gets the job done!
Julep Roller Ball Cuticle Oil
Smells amazing (think Fruity Pebbles!) and best of all it is a freaking roller ball! So simple & easy to use!
Pretty Pricey though!
Virgin Coconut Oil
What isn't this good for? I bought this for my skin (face) and hair before I even blogged, but thought this must be great for cuticles too! It helps my hands and cuticles a lot! Makes them very smooth feeling. the smell was gross to me at first but I have grown to really love it. It is solid but if you just rub your fingertips in the tub for a few seconds it begins to melt. It is amazing for tons of things and you can also cook with it. I've had it for almost a year and barely have used any...and I use it often.
When I use any cuticle oil I apply it then rub it into each cuticle for 15-20 seconds each.
Then I apply lotion to my hands after a while and do the same.
Lotion wise I use ALL kinds cocoa butter ones work well and fast on my hands, no matter how cheap even I have a $0.99 one I got from Sally's that works wonderfully. I apply lotion to my hands at least 3-4 times a day. I wash my hands a lot, cooking, diaper changing etc. Right after I wash my hands and dry them I try to apply lotion asap to lock in the moisture. I'm a big Eucerin fan too!
Nail Care Tools
Cuticle Pusher
Cuticle Trimmer
I have since started using normal board type nail files from Sally's.
I use a 240/280 grit for taking off length. 320 for shaping, and a 400/600 for sealing the tips.
Cuticle Remover
Essie Disappearing Trick Cuticle Remover
This for me, is the BEST cuticle remover I have tried so far. Works great & I highly recommend it.
I apply it, leave it for 15-20 seconds push my cuticles back on all my fingers then use a cuticle trimmer to trim away the excess on each of them.
I also use the Blue Cross one from Sally's-Great and affordable!
I do this on a weekly Basis. I can look into making a video of how I do it if anybody has further questions!
Nail Treatments
Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator (NGS)
This for me has been my holy grail for nail strengtheners. Not only does it make them SO much stronger, it makes them grow much faster! I heard a ton of Hype about Opi Nail Envy so I bought it, the normal one and it made my nails so weak and peel badly. This kind of varies per person, but this IMO is 150% worth the higher price tag.
Lately I have been using Nailtiques Formula 2, but I do still switch with NGS on occassion.
They are both awesome!
*I recently started using Duri Rejuvacote I will update when I know how it works!*
Top Coat
My holy grail topcoat is Seche Vite Dry Fast TC
I will try to continue to update and work on this, but please if you have ANY questions do not hesitate to ask me!
