Hey all! It doesn't look like the sun's coming out anytime soon. I should just get a full spectrum bulb and build a light box. -_- Since I can't swatch, I thought it was about time I showed you my nail care routine. ^^ (Disclaimer: I don't claim to be a professional, this is just what I do/use to care for my nails. Also, all of these items were purchased by me; none of this is sponsored.)
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| Julep Crystal Nail File ($4.80-6) / Sephora Collection Nail Cuticle Tool (n/a) |
GLASS FILE
Besides clippers (which I didn't include since I figured everyone uses one), I use a glass file to shape my nails. I used to use those drugstore emery boards, but after using a glass file I could never go back. Glass files are less damaging to the nail, and file cleaner and quicker. They also last a lot longer, so I think investing in one would save you money in the long run.
CUTICLE TOOL/PUSHER
I bought mine when I spotted it in Sephora's sale section. It was only $3, so I thought 'why not'. There's a rounded edge and a square edge. I use it to push back my cuticles, get rid of stubborn cuticles on the nail, and to clean under my nails. This one's not available at Sephora, but other options might be orange sticks (found at Sally's Beauty Supply). Sephora also sells nail kits from their own Sephora brand, and also from Tweezerman.
BUFFER
Not pictured, because I don't have one right now. :( I've been searching for Revlon Crazy SHINE, but I can't find it anywhere. Have you tried it? If you have, let me know what you think about it and where you bought yours. If you have other suggestions for buffers, please share that too. ^^
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| LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter ($16.95) / Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover ($4.97) |
CUTICLE BUTTER
I've been using mine for almost a year now. You can find my initial review when I first got it here. It may seem a bit pricey, but after a year I still haven't made a dent in it. I put this on my cuticles after intense swatching sessions and before I go to sleep. Considering how long this is lasting me, I definitely think it's worth the price. I've also been using this on my ankles, since they get chapped easily. If you don't have access to LUSH, an alternate option might be Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6). I haven't tried this one, but have heard good things about it. It's also 100% natural, while the LUSH one contains parabens. I'm not sure how the two directly compare in terms of their moisturizing benefits. The Burt's Bees one is also much smaller, so it would also be great for the purse.
CUTICLE REMOVER
Yes, I used to trim my cuticles *collective gasp*. I heard that's bad for your cuticles, and there were times when I'd accidentally cut myself, and immediately after my cuticles would be kind of ragged and need major moisturizing. So I finally decided to move on and get a cuticle remover. This Sally Hansen one is the only one I've tried, so I don't know how it compares to other cuticle removers. First off, it works, but it's not as magical as I thought it would be (maybe my expectations were too high). It's definitely better than trimming though. I get the best results when I use it regularly (1-2 times a week, no more than twice weekly). After I finish this one, I think I'll give Essie Disappearing Trick a try as well and see which one I like better.
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| Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener ($25.60-32) / Julep Essential Cuticle Oil ($14.40-18) |
I never leave the house without cuticle oil and hand lotion! The ones I'm using right now were from my Julep Maven boxes. I like to carry them around since they're nice and small, and I actually really like Julep's cuticle oil because of its packaging. The rollerball applicator makes it easy to use on the run. However, I won't be repurchasing these because of the price. Also the hand lotion I own is sample size, so the full size would be too bulky for my purse. It's also be too light for winter. I'd probably go with something heavier then.
If you're wondering what my replacements will be, I plan on purchasing these: Soap & Glory Hand Food ($5) and Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6). I haven't tried either, but I've been wanting to. ^^
That's it to my nail/hand care routine! What nail care products do you use regularly? What products would you recommend? Let me know in the comments! :)
♥ Liz
I don't use my glass nail files like I used to... I'll pull one out the next time I have to do some shaping to see if I don't still love it. I'm a fan of their wash-and-reuse eco friendliness!
ReplyDeleteUlta still sells the Revlon Crazy SHINE buffers! :)
ReplyDeleteAHHHH thank you for telling me! ♥ I've been wanting one for forever. :P
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! In my Ulta, they're on the very bottom of the Revlon nail/eye implements section with the tweezers and callus removers, etc. They even have one that's got a full-size AND a mini! The mini is super cute! If your store doesn't have them, try the Ulta website. They sell pretty much everything in store and online. :D
ReplyDeleteI love that their washable as well! I imagine it's more hygienic, and you're right about it being more eco friendly. I haven't thought of it that way, so thanks for bringing it up! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for minis! I'll definitely check that out. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Lush's cuticle butter! I use this every night and during the day I use Sally Hansen's Cuticle + Nail Oil. Sally Hansen's Gel Cuticle Remover is a Godsend. I don't like to use it too often because people say you shouldn't mess with your cuticles too much blah blah blah. But I use this when my cuticles are looking extra ragged (is that the word?), so this might be every two or three weeks. Also, like you, I would never go back to a regular emery board since I started using glass and crystal files. They just give a much smoother finish.
ReplyDeleteI've been using the Burt's Bee's and I like it. I also use that Sally Hansen Cuticle remover. Would definitely not recommend cutting cuticles; I did it once and ended up with an infection for a year and it turned my nails all yellow and bumpy and nasty. They just now are rowing back normally after almost a year and a half!. So yeah, I'll never cut them again.
ReplyDeleteEek! Thankfully that hasn't happened to me in all this time, but that makes me doubly glad I switched to using a remover. Thanks for the warning!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Sally Hansen's cuticle oil before. Does it work well? I think I'll look into it for my next 'daytime' cuticle oil. :)
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