Any time of year, when the weather outside is frightful, you might be tempted to tend to your mitts more. But let’s face it: your fingernails are your longest accessory and can leave a mark on a warm weather season. When you get some — if not all — of your summer manicures done professionally, you may be tempted to save money on some of the things you should consider on your own. But trust us: that pretty manicure you just paid $8 for is worth it for the quality of the work and the fresh-scrubbed finger. If you want your mitts to look the best throughout the rest of the season, follow these tips that will make your fingers look hydrated and in tip-top shape.
1. Primer in February
Nail polish only lasts one season, and the sooner you pick a neutral color to keep your hands looking pretty throughout the season, the better. Sometimes you’ll just want that extra layer of protection — but unfortunately, you can’t buy a bottle of mineral vitamin-enhanced primer like Balm by GHD, which gives every nail surface the ideal level of shine in the Winter months. So start priming now with their Russian Pink Corrector Balm ($32). Two weekends in a row? Check out Two weekends in a row? Check out Suave Professionals All-Natural Warm Natural Oil Oil ($15) for added moisture and protection from dirt and sand. 2. The right talcum powder
The last time you used the bathroom aisle for your stash of talcum powder, chances are you went into a store that offered olive-oil or green-tea based options, perhaps with a few zeroes off the price tag. Remember that the budget-friendly spray version that you use on the weekends is no more effective than the creamy pot. On weekends, stick to the ones you’ve already tried, like Baby Baked Healthy Nail Polish ($7). On weekdays? Skip the drying process altogether by freezing or piping cold — only a matter of minutes before your bottom-lipicles are just begging to be primped. 3. Oil-based scrub
Oils generally do the trick for natural looking nails, but don’t use oils as a sticky alternative to a cleaning product. We’re talking after you’ve read about sulfates in your arsenal, but the key is to use an oil like Suave Professionals Healthy 100 Method ($18) sparingly and dabbing it on the outside of your nail, not the middle. Once the polish is done, moisturize gently with a couple drops of Suave Professionals Medium Moisturizing Hairspray ($14) for extra shine and a bit of added color protection.
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4. Using a cleanser with aloe vera
Our all-time favorite natural makeup remover is just a spray bottle, and always comes in a one-click, “one-drop” recipe with only one hint of pressure. Suave Professionals Magic Gel Lotion ($16) is equally sensitive and never comes in a tiny, obvious squeeze dispenser. Use it sparingly to clean up your entire nail bed to keep your best nude nails forever looking their best. Oh, and just in case your nails go to seed just after using aloe gel: brush off the residue, brush back on some dirt, then scrunch up the old gel and rub it around gently to clean up the leftover polish.
5. Yoga or massage
Sure, massage isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth noting that acupuncture has been proven to be among the most effective and short-term nail treatments, despite the fact that it’s not actually a treatment that can be found in your neighborhood nail salon. The key is a combination of gentle pressure with gentle body contact: a hands-free, non-intrusive massage that’s just subtle enough to get to the roots of your pain without irritating or stripping your skin. During a foot massage or a 90-minute yoga class, you can take your hands off for nearly half a minute at a time — without worry of hurting yourself, which will keep your nails looking smooth and polished. You should also keep a bottle of Chinese Salves ($10) handy for your polish. 6. Intense night-time pampering
The last thing you want is for your nails to be left covered in all those dry patches during the night hours — during which you never should wear socks. So get a toner (regular lotion at this point!) that doesn’t have emulsifiers like parabens and andyl parabens that will strip your skin of nutrients and hydration. Pair your toner with alcohol-free remover (soap works too!) so that your oils from the day can dry evenly.
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