While that's happening though, I thought it would be a good idea to finally post about some of my favourite nail care products at the moment! I think I did a post similar to this way back when I first started my blog or within the first six months or so, which means it's definitely time for an update.
As you can see, these are a mix of moisturising products and some nail care tools. Let's go through them all (I will link what I can!)
I had wanted Lush's Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter for so long but couldn't really justify spending that much for something so similar to the Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream which I had multiple little pots of. But one day I just thought screw it, there's a lot of product and it'll last till it expires so why the hell not. I hadn't been using any cuticle cream for a while so trying something new was also my reasoning. I absolutely adore this stuff, I love any citrus smells so this is amazing, it's so light and moisturising as well. I not only use it on my cuticles but also occasionally use it on my toes, feet, and lips if nothing else is within reach. I generally apply this before I go to bed because it doesn't soak in immediately so if I'm laying in bed watching TV it doesn't bother me if it's slightly greasy for a little bit.
I am yet to invest in a glass nail file, so please excuse me for a while for still using these simple emery boards. I've been using these Manicare ones for years, they're pretty cheap so replacing them is no big deal and hey come in a pack of 8. Despite the criticism for these type of files I've had no problem with them, they do a good job of filing and shaping my nails. I honestly believe the problem isn't with the filing utensil, but with how you file and I think I do a pretty decent job of filing my nails.
The second product in the above picture is this cuticle pusher also by Manicare. As you can see in the link it also comes with a cuticle trimmer but I never, ever use that on my cuticles. I've only used it once on my toenails but I would never put it anywhere near my fingernails. The cuticle pusher however is something I always use whenever I use a cuticle remover product. I first use the black pointy end to scrape the excess skin off my nails and then go in with the red end to gently push my cuticles back. It's a simple tool, but I think everyone needs one, it's soft but still solid enough to do it's job.
These two products from Bliss Kiss, the Simply Peel Latex Barrier and the Simply Pure Hydrating Oil, are new additions to my collection but I liked them straight away. Simply Peel is amazing for doing messy nail art, like gradients or water marbles, with minimal clean up. It's easy to apply with the brush (and it's sent with a spare brush in case you wish to replace it) and even easier, and incredibly fun, to peel off after you've made a mess. I used to use basic latex for clean up but because that came in a pot with no brush or applicator it was a struggle to apply it smoothly and half of the pot dried up within a few months, so Simply Peel is amazing and simple and I love it.
The Hydrating Oil is just a really great cuticle oil. I originally got the starter kit in the link above, but when my pen ran out it basically just fell apart but not in the way that allowed me to refill it so I had to throw it out after trying desperately to fix it and now I just oil my nails once or twice a day from the dropper bottle. I've noticed a bit of a difference since using it, despite having a few breaks here and there. My nails were pretty good to begin with so there hasn't been a massive or huge difference so far, but it's definitely improved them and I know if I continue to use it, they're going to remain strong and lovely. Plus the crisp scent smells awesome and I love it. Just wish my pen hadn't broken because it was a lot easier to apply that way!
Thanks to Cristine from SimplyNailogical I discovered this little beauty that is the UNT Peel Off Base Coat. It's seriously amazing. It's not PVA Glue and doesn't have it in it as I believe most other peel off base coats do, but somehow it still peels off. It goes on clear and can be peeled off either straight away (if you mess up or are swatching) or whenever you want to peel it off. I have found that within a day and after a shower or two it starts to come off itself, but if you want your mani to last you shouldn't use this. I use it on days I want to do a lot of nail art or for glitter polish because we all know that's a bitch to get off normally. It's honestly so great and I'm in love with it!
This isn't my absolute favourite hand cream, I actually don't think I have one, but it's the hand cream that I keep on my bedside table. The smell is lovely and it's cheap so win, win. Hand cream is an essential in nail care and I always feel uncomfortable if my hands feel even a tiny bit dry so it's good to have a spare hand cream everywhere, I also keep one in my desk at work, in my car, and at my nail art table.
Lastly is my trusty clean up brush! I go through these every few months and generally buy these ones or a variation of them. All you need is a small brush, I like to go for the angled ones as you can see. Other people like to use eyeliner/small eyeshadow brushes too. My nail art would not be as crisp and tidy if it weren't for these brushes!
So there's a few of my nail art favourites, I hope you enjoyed this post and I promise I'll be back with some more nail art soon, it took me a few days to write this post and already my pinky is start to develop a free edge again so give it another week or with a lot of TLC and it might have caught up to the others!
Let me know if you have questions or comments about the products or anything in general. Thanks for reading!
- Melissa.