If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know I’m obsessed with all things nail related. I’ve always loved nail polish but I’m also really interested in keeping my nails and cuticles healthy and strong. I’ve tried countless nail products so I’m always keen to give suggestions on products so yesterday I asked twitter if anyone had any questions or wanted any product recommendations for a post. Here are the questions and some product recommendations. FYI – these are all products I’ve used and I thought were good but everyone is different and what works for me might not work for you.
@emsypickle and @life_looks wanted some advice on how to strengthen nails and prevent flaking.
My absolute favourite product for strengthening nails in OPI Nail Envy Original. I know its really expensive but I started using this a few years ago when my nails were really weak and breaking a lot. After I started using, I noticed results after about three weeks, my nails were stronger and they never broke or peeled and I felt they grew faster. I also think using a nail oil helps because it’s hydrating the cuticle and helping the nail while it grows. My favourite nail oil is OPI Avoplex which is also really expensive but a bottle lasts for ages, I’ve had mine for about a year and there is still lots left.
http://www.boots.com/en/O-P-I-Original-Nail-Envy_12618/
@mypaleskinblog and @louiseisloving wanted something to prevent nail polish from chipping.
I have a few tips for preventing nail polish chipping. Firstly, before you paint your nails, wipe the nail with nail polish remover (acetone-free but not containing conditioning properties or oils) even if you’re not wearing anything because it will remove any dirt and oil from the nail plate. Secondly, the best type of base coat is one which dries matte because nail polish grips better to a matte surface than a shiny one. My favourites are Orly Bonder which is a rubberised base coat which adheres the polish to the nail. I use this almost every time I paint my nails and I can get about five days without a single chip. Another good base coat is the CND Stickey Base Coat which also dries matte. Also when you are painting you nails, paint each layer very thinly because thick layers of polish are more likely to chip off.
http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/creative-nail-design-stickey-base-coat.html
@delight00 wanted some tips on how to treat dry cuticles.
Cuticles seem to be a real issue for a lot people, @beautycrowd noticed a lot of people wanted information on looking after cuticles and which oils to use. Most people want nice, moisturised, tidy cuticles and its really easy to achieve. I don’t have good cuticles naturally, I really have to look after them so I have lots of advice and recommendations on this topic. The best way to look after cuticles is using an oil day and night or as many times a day as you can. My favourite cuticles oils are OPI Avolplex and CND Solar Oil. Both intensely moisturise the cuticle and prevent hangnails and help the nail grow stronger and quicker. If oils aren’t for you or you find them too messy, I recommend the Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. This is a little tin of products which can easily be applied on the go and it isn’t sticky or tacky. Also using a hand cream really helps the cuticles. Each time you apply hand cream, massage the cream into the cuticle. If dry cuticles are a real problems and nothing seems to be helping, I resort to massaging a little bit of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream into my cuticles before bed.
http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/creative-nail-design-solaroil-cuticle-oil.html
http://www.boots.com/en/Burts-Bees-Lemon-Cuticle-Cream-15g_52134/
@deborahhzeberaa was looking for some recommendations for brittle nails.
Brittle nails are a nightmare but there some tips and tricks to get your nails back to health again. Firstly, there are some things you should avoid e.g. buffing nails with a buffer, using any form of nail enhancements like gels or acrylics. Using a hand cream and nail oil regularly will really help, again I recommend OPI Avoplex and for hand cream, I really like the Defence Cream for Hands and Nails. One of my favourite treatments for brittle nails is the Mavala Nailactan which is used just at night. I think this works best being applied to bare nails. Secondly, a good nail strengthener like OPI Nail Envy or more specifically the formula for dry and brittle nails.
http://www.mavala.co.uk/nails/nail-products/nailactan
@auroradustblog asked for some recommendations how on to make to nails stopping splitting and just grow.
I know I must sound like a broken record but OPI Nail Envy and OPI Avoplex Oil with a hand cream.
@Dannielle_js wanted some tips on nail polish staining despite using a basecoat.
Some people’s nails are more prone to staining than others but there are some things you can do to help. Mavala do a few products for staining and yellowing. The Double Base is formulated to prevent the polish touching the nail and therefore stop staining. I use this when I paint my toenails. Mavala also make a Lightening Mask with a nail brush which is designed to get of the dead cells on the nails and the cuticles, you apply the cream and leave for a few seconds before buffing it off with the nail brush provided. I used this a while ago when I used a really dark polish and it left nails in a but of a mess.
http://www.mavala.co.uk/nails/nail-products/nailactan
http://www.mavala.co.uk/nails/nail-products/mavala-002-double-base
What do you think of this type of post? Is it something you want to see again? Do have any questions I can include in another post?
My Beauty Notes 
Thanks for this :)! I’m off to buy your Mavala recommendations xx
You’re welcome! These products worked for me, I hope they work for you too! 🙂