Find time for great nails!

You can save money by finding time to do your own nails at home. I know many of you lead busy lives, but it only takes a few minutes several times per week to get healthy and strong nails. The best way to find the time is to incorporate mini steps into your daily routine. Here are some tips for great nails!

A coat a day keeps the manicurist away! Keep nail strengthener by your coffee pot or somewhere you will see it and quickly put on a coat before leaving.

Get shine with ZERO coats of polish. Try the TRIM Buffing Block ($3.69). You won’t believe how shiny and healthy your nails look without polish.

Nix colored nail polish. Sometimes it’s fun for special occassions when you have the time, but clear is easier and quicker to maintain. Mistakes aren’t as noticeable. I like to use nail strengtheners with light pink hues, such as Sally Hansen Hard As Nails ($2.29) in Natural Tint. Creamy light pink colors give the illusion of a french manicure without the salon price or hassle. Try Sally Hansen Hard As Wraps ($5.49) in Sheer Pink Gloss.

Nourish. Nails and cuticles get dried out easily from daily hand washing. Use a nail and cuticle oil such as Sally Hansen Vitamin E Oil ($6.49) nightly or several times per week. When my bottle ran out, I decided to fill it up with olive oil after hearing of its benefit to nails from many sources. I’m happy to report it works just as well. Nail oil is also a great alternative to polish/strengthener if you’re pressed for time. Also, keep a bottle of lotion handy in your purse, bathroom or office desk. I love Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($4.59). This formula is fragrance free and can also be used on very dry patches of the face without risking breakout.

Drop those cuticle scissors! I was addicted to cuticle trimming until a visit with my manicurist convinced me I needed to let them grow out. This Glamour Beauty post shows I’m not the only one! After several weeks of sitting on my hands, I noticed they actually were getting better. In fact, using my thumb to roll the cuticles down after showers soon revealed that they fell off easily sans scissors. There is only one cuticle trimming tool I’ve been able to master, and I use it sparingly. Try the Tweezerman SPA Squeeze & Snip Hangnail Trimmer ($19.99), but be sure to only cut dead skin. If you can feel the trimmer blade, you’re cutting too deep.