Just when you think winter is over – it snows in Toronto more than 10cm! I’ve had enough of winter and am ready to move to spring and summer but clearly Mother Nature isn’t on my side on this topic.

As I’m anxiously awaiting warmer temperatures, I realised that it would be a good time to share my top 5 nail care must haves to help get our nails ready for summer.

Number 1 Must Have: A Good Base Coat

I am utterly surprised by the number of people that don’t use a base coat (not mentioning any names – you know who you are). Unless you’re using CND’s Vinylux System, you should be using a base coat. A base coat is an essential component to good nail care. It protects your nails from any staining from your nail polish. If you’re not wearing nail polish, it’s also a good layer of protection from things like detergent and cleaning products. So….ALWAYS WEAR A BASE COAT!

I like Essie protein base coat because it creates healthy, strong nails while also protecting nails and leaving a smooth finish. The wheat protein enriches healthy nails for strength and elasticity while also ensuring a long lasting manicure. I love how quickly it dries too so I can apply polish almost immediately following base coat.

Number 2 Must Have: A Fast Drying Top Coat

Top coat is an absolute must. It helps protect your manicure from chipping, and for those nail artists, it helps seal in the design and bring the colors to life (especially for many neon and bright colors). My top coat of choice (yes I have a small drawer full) – is Glisten & Glow HK Girl Topcoat.

This top coat dries so quickly, it’s unbelievable. Honestly, in about 3 minutes my nails are dry to the touch, and in 15, they are completely dry!  Glisten and Glow has really perfected this product to a tee. They also have large re-fill bottles so you can always have top coat on stand by for when you have to refill. Another benefit is that this top coat doesn’t get nearly as thick and gloopy as other fast drying topcoats do when you are only half-way through the bottle (like Seche Vite).

Number 3 Must Have: A Good Cuticle Oil

After all my manicures are complete (either on myself or when I do one on someone else), I always finish with cuticle oil (I even apply a little cuticle oil half way through my manicure service as well). Cuticle oil helps keep your cuticles hydrated and rejuvenates some of the natural oils in your skin. It is an essential component to a good nail care regime.

The new Nicole by OPI Oil to Go is absolutely amazing. This easy to apply gel formula (no more spills or leaks all over your favorite bag) delivers nutrient-rich moisture to your nail beds & cuticles. It has a brush applicator, so you can actually get it into the hard to reach cuticles very easily.

Number 4 Must Have: A Good Cuticle Balm

Winter days are cold and dry so it’s essential to keep your cuticles constantly moisturized. Although I will use cuticle oil directly after my manicure and before bed, I always keep a good cuticle balm in my purse, for easy non-greasy and non-oily application throughout the day.

Glisten & Glow cuticle balm  is one of my new favorites. It’s non-greasy but gives just the right amount of moisturizing at the same time. It also has some fabulous ingredients including: shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, beeswax, sweet almond oil, castor oil, argan oil, vitamin e oil, acai berry botanical extract, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, tea tree oil and fragrance (you can choose any of about 15 difference scents – I love using the pina colada scent in the middle of winter). Don’t worry, if you prefer fragrence free, that’s also an option.

Number 5 Must Have: A Good Hand Lotion

If you’re going to miss out on anything on my list (and I would highly advise against this – I mean these are your hands after all – you use them all day) don’t leave out the hand lotion! Always apply after you wash your hands (or do the dishes).

There are so many terrific lotions out there but by far my favorite is L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand cream. I have a large size that I keep by my bed and a small one that I keep in my purse. I love the formula as it’s non greasy and penetrates the skin quickly so i don’t feel like I have slippery and greasy hands (which is often what happens with some low grade hand lotions).

I hope you found this my nail care routine helpful. I would love to hear what’s in your purse and your nail care “must haves”. Now don’t leave it any longer, get your nails ready for summer now!

Until next time,