As i've been slacking with my general nail care of late, I thought i'd do a mini review on a couple of products that I feel have been really beneficial in improving the quality and condition of my nails. Because of my job and college, i'm never able to paint my nails *sad face* which I absolutely hate, because I LOVE experimenting with different polishes and trying out various nail art patterns... and by trying out nail art, what I really mean is I watch videos on YouTube of what should be an easy and simplistic design to copy, but instead it tends to resemble what would happen if Mr Blobby took a shit on my hands. The struggle is well and truly real.
The downside of being a beauty therapist that no one ever tells you about is that your hands and nails always end up looking like they've shriveled up and died because of all the different products. Now my skin is usually quite dry anyway, especially during the colder months, so keeping my cuticles and hands moisturized can be a constant battle...
OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil Pen (beautybay.com - £6.30), Avon Nail Experts Cuticle Conditioner (Avon - £6.00)
If you're like me, and you notice that your cuticles and the skin around your nails tends to get dry and flaky, the OPI cuticle oil pen is amazing at re-nourishing the skin and softening the cuticles. The applicator is a fine tipped brush, so when you squeeze the tube, the product comes out through the center of the brush (awful explanation, but you get the gist, right?). Very easy to apply and a little goes a long way. At this point I should also mention that i'd advise against removing any excess cuticle yourself unless you know what you're doing, as the area is extremely delicate and any nicks and cuts to the skin could easily lead to infection, so please leave it to a professional! :)
Another product i've also been loving is the Nail Experts Cuticle conditioner from Avon, and what I love about this product is the application. It literally goes on like a nail varnish, so it's really practical to keep with you if need be. The only problem I have with this is the consistency... unlike the OPI pen it's more liquid based than an actual oil, therefore it can be messier to use (not great if you're clumsy like me). However I do feel like it's a good, slightly cheaper alternative to the OPI pen. Like with anything it's the case of trial and error and seeing what you prefer and what works for you.
OPI Natural Nail Strengthener (beautybay.com - £6.60), Avon Nail Experts Diamond Strengthening Complex (Avon - £5.00)
As I do suffer from dry skin and pretty dire looking nails at times, i'm always vigilant when it comes to applying a strengthener to them. Flaky, chipped nails are not hot. My all time fave at the moment has to be the OPI Natural Nail Strengthener just because it applies flawlessly, and leaves the nails looking shiny and strong after just one coat. I just love it, and will definitely re-purchase when it runs out.
I also have the Avon Nail Experts Diamond Strengthening Complex which i'm less then enthusiastic about for a few reasons. The smell. Okay, so it's not THAT bad, but too me it just smells weird and like some kind of cleaning product, and I just find that completely off putting. The application. So it goes on like a nail varnish... no problem. However, the brush only has a few bristles so you find that you're constantly having to get more product onto the brush just to cover a nail and that really, really irritates me! Unlike the OPI polish, this absorbs into the nail and drys almost immediately. I probably wouldn't re-purchase this again, but I may try and stick it out and use it for a week, just to see if I notice any difference?
Barry M Nail Paint (Boots - £2.99)
I decided on this Barry M color in 'Blue Moon' which is a cute pastel blue. Trying to keep them Summer vibes' alive as we move into Autumn!
K
xoxo
