Splurge or Save: Cuticle Care

SPLURGE OR SAVE? Verdict: Save!

Your cuticles are constantly craving moisture, but is there really a difference between high end ointments and their DIY counterpart? Yes, and no.

Most cuticle care balms have the same hydrating benefits, but it's the packaging and marketing that give them that luxe price tag. You can easily nourish your tips with items already found in your kitchen: Food-grade cooking oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, apricot oil, and almond oil. Decant these oils from bulk packaging into amber glass droppers and store in your bathroom for a homemade nail treatment. That said, if you want to splurge, there are some incredibly fantastic options available as well.

DIY Cuticle Oils

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

3. Sweet Almond Oil

4. Apricot Kernal Oil

Splurge on Cuticle Oils

Dr. Hauschka Neem Nail Oil

Neem is a vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of its eponymous tree, an evergreen native to India. While it's not suitable for cooking purposes, this eco-friendly favorite hydrates the nail bed and cuticles.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

We love this travel-friendly balm. Not only does this salve soften, the pomade-like texture smells like fresh lemon cake—divine!

Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails

This heavy, rich cream has developed a cult following. Slather it on and watch your dry cuticles disappear with this miracle balm. Formulated with apricot oil, the emollient texture increases growth and strengthens brittle nails.

Image Courtesy of Matt Caplin Photography