I’ve always loved going out to get my nails done, but at home, I’ve always avoided going to the salon. My mom is an all-or-nothing person when it comes to getting her nails done, so we’d go out every two weeks for a new polish, though I was more than happy to stick to hand and cuticle products, as many polish experts say it’s essentially the same product.

At the time I started wearing makeup, my skin wasn’t as good as it is now, so I rarely did my own makeup on the days that my hands got dirty from my makeup, so I wouldn’t have any chance to be doing my nails. I’d get manicures, but with my older sister’s boyfriend, I’d get a manicure every three weeks. While I never loved getting my nails done, I know firsthand that you can learn something new with different brands. And with so many nail care brands out there, it can get overwhelming — most of them are just another big leap into nail polish. So when I heard about Olive and June, I actually started hearing how great their salons were, where they had warm, cozy chairs and treatment stations where you could touch your hands and the products. When I started using their new O&J Oxi Gel and Rose Oil Nail Salve ($15) when I brought my hand and nail doctor to get a DIY blood testing, I was blown away by how “at home” the experience was.

The oat milk gel was extremely creamy, leaving my skin soft and moisturized. It was an uplifting, low-risk product that was safe for regular use, but also easily absorbed by my hands. I even tried one on my thumb to see if it relieved the pain in my nail beds, and it totally did. I was so happy to apply it before bed to make sure I didn’t have any poor nail care habits. It was light enough that I was still able to get some good quality sleep, too.

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After using the gel on my small amount of nails, I applied my elder sister’s Rose Oil Nail Salve ($17) directly to my nails and left them there for 10 minutes before gluing it onto the gel. It helps control oil, making the nail polish fade at a more gradual rate while also leaving your nails oil-free. It was also available in a range of shades — fun colors that I could only find in my mom’s at-home salon. She even makes it in her own signature color, green, which was way more fun than my pale-green mom’s shade.

While this brand is only one that I’ve tried, I would definitely recommend it as a great option if you’re a fan of woodblock or paper-based nails. If you’re new to nail care, and especially if you’re sensitive to your usual salons, you can choose a brand that provides you with a safe, effective treatment.