Mani Hydration Avengers
A major key to a long lasting, beautifully plump manicure is hydration, especially in the colder seasons. And if I had a penny for every time someone asked me about my favorite moisturizing products, I’d be able to quit my day job. Or probably just buy a matcha latte, but who’s counting! So, for those of you who have asked, this post is for you!
PREP THOSE CUTICLES
Hydration during mani prep is mostly about whipping your cuticles into shape to create a clean canvas for your perfect paint job. And as some of you might know, the best way to do that is not always by soaking your hands in a bowl of lukewarm, soapy water before you push them back. Instead of using good old H2O, I prefer to use products that will help break down my cuticles but also nourish my nails and skin.
Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator by Butter London is made with hydrating skincare ingredients like Irish Moss, and it works like a dream. I also love the Cuticle Remover by Olive & June. It is made with avocado oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil, which makes it super moisturizing! You can instantly feel the difference.
MAINTAIN THOSE CUTICLES
Many think their cuticle work is done once they leave the nail salon or finish their at-home mani. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cuticle maintenance during the week will help keep your manicure fresh and train your cuticles to behave in the future. I have several go-to moisturizing products to hydrate my cuticles on the daily.
Olive & June makes a fantastic, user-friendly Cuticle Serum. It comes in a fun little tube that makes for great portability and easy (and quite addicting) application. I have one in my purse, one in my car, one on my desk and one bedside. So, needless to say, I like this product.
If you need something a bit more substantial Olive & June has you covered there too. Their Cuticle Balm is so luxurious. Last but certainly not least, I love Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil. It’s rich with vitamin E, which happens to be one of my favorite ingredients for all things skin. With one little brush it transforms your cuticles right before your eyes. This one can also be found in multiple rooms of my house. I usually apply it right before bedtime.
MAXIMUM MANI MOISTURE
While I have products that I use every single day, there are a few that I reach for when I’m in need of some extra hydrating superpowers. These mega moisturizers turn your skin into satin. Starting with Aquaphor Hand Masks, they are actual perfection. They are the solution when your hands are screaming for attention. Ten minutes in these gloves will solve all your skin’s problems. By the way, they make them for your feet as well. I use both once a week.
This next combination is my favorite one-two punch just before bed. I start by applying Olive & June’s Overnight Hand Treatment (which I also use multiple times during the day, as my regular moisturizer) then I follow it up with the Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask by Fenty Skin. The name is doing the most, but I promise the product does too. The website says that you will wake up with cloud soft hands, and I am here to co-sign. It is an absolute dream! And she thicc. Lol!
SPA DAY FOR YOUR HANDS
I am obsessed with this anti-aging hand cream by Skinn! As you know, my hands are being photographed all the time, so I’m always trying to keep them looking moisturized, firm and fresh. This product is my favorite to apply literally always, but especially just before taking my pictures. It is packed with Hyaluronic Acid and peptides to help brighten and tighten your skin.
Not only is this product so delicious on your skin, but it is also a multi-sensory experience. It smells like you’ve walked right into a spa. Every time I apply it I feel a sense of calm come over me. Like pass me the eye cucumbers and cold towel. So, I use this at work, in my car sitting in Los Angeles traffic, and often before bed to help me relieve stress and unwind. It’s such a beautiful hand cream.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE
Now you’ve met my Mani Avengers. These products keep my hands looking and feeling their best. I use them all consistently in one combination or another. There is no wrong recipe here. They are all beautiful and I simply can’t live without them. Okay, I’m gonna go buy that matcha latte now!
