We all have a beauty routine we can’t get enough of, whether it’s based around skin, brows or hair. For me it’s nails, and I’m obsessed with a pamper session.
For years I have had a regimented nailcare routine, which includes applying cuticle oil when I first wake up and just before I go to bed (twice a day for best results). My obsession has meant I’ve been on the lookout for the best cuticle oil ever since I started my routine.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with lots of different cuticle oils from a range of brands including Margaret Dabbs, OPI, Dior, Typology, Sally Hansen and The Body Shop, not to mention, asking lots of questions about the different oils used at nail salons at the end of a mani.
However, the best cuticle oil I have used so far is Nails Inc’s Superfood Repair Oil, £15, Boots. It smells absolutely delicious; some cuticle oils can smell like chemicals, which is something that always puts me off.
Applicator-wise, I tend to stay away from brushes and instead prefer pens or droppers. Nails Inc’s product has a clever little dropper that’s pressed down with a button at the top. This way, just the right amount of oil is applied, and no product is wasted.
Nails Inc Superfood Repair Oil: My verdict
- Price: PRP £15.00
- Ingredients: a natural blend of five rich reviving oils (sweet almond, argan, castor, soybean and rosehip oil)
- Benefits: a hydrating and light weight oil with vitamins and antioxidants that encourages healthy, strong and fast-growing nails
Why do you need to use cuticle oil?
Firstly, just like how you moisturise your face during your skincare routine, your nails also need to be hydrated.
Cuticles can become damaged from the cold, excess sun during the summer, and when in contact with salt water or chlorine from swimming pools and the sea. This can cause them to dry out and crack, so it’s important to protect your cuticles against trauma and to keep them as hydrated as possible.
Nails Inc’s cuticle oil has sweet almond oil as one of its primary ingredients, which is great for naturally restoring nail health and protecting against peeling, cracking, dryness and breakage.
If you have stubborn nails which won’t grow as quickly as you would like them to, massaging your cuticles with oil will increase circulation, which in turn stimulates nail growth. If your nails are also prone to breaking, then using cuticle oil can toughen them up, making them less vulnerable overall.
Cuticle oil will also help to improve the health of your nails. A mix of vitamins and antioxidants is essential for maximum health benefits.
Alongside sweet almond oil, this product features argan oil and rosehip oil. The latter includes high levels of vitamin A and antioxidants, which strengthens and regenerates nails.
Argan oil is another hero ingredient when it comes to nailcare, as it deeply nourishes the nails due to its high nutrient density.
How do you work cuticle oil into your routine?
After washing your hands and pushing your cuticles back, apply the oil directly to your cuticles on each finger and rub it in. I do this every morning and every night, leaving out the grooming stage unless I plan to paint my nails.
If I am painting my nails the evening before an event or party, I would put on my nail polish, let it dry and then apply the cuticle oil to both the cuticle and the nail. The oil is also good for creating shine and for protecting the polish so that it lasts longer.
It can be hard to remember to apply cuticle oil twice a day when you are trying to adjust to a new routine, so I recommend placing it either on your bedside table or in your bathroom next to your toothbrush. Both places you will look at in the morning when you wake up and as you go to sleep.
How long does it take to see results from a cuticle oil?
You need to stick at it for at least three months, while remembering to apply twice a day. I noticed my nails were much stronger (I get shellac done quite frequently which can ruin nails) after using the cuticle oil for between three to six months.
They also grow much faster with only the occasional breakage.
Although it’s an extra routine to think about (and it might not be the most exciting one), it’s worth it for long, healthy looking nails that will make everyone else jealous.
;
