Oh our poor hands, yes we all washed them before but now it’s to the point where they are left looking shrivelled and all dried up. We all know the new rules, wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds each time but do you take care of them after removing all those natural oils? It’s not just our hands, our nails are in the danger zone too, dry and brittle and hanging on for dear life.
In order to get my hands back to their former self I tested two tubes of Dr Paw Paw balms. Paw Paw is a brilliant multi use products that you can apply on hands, lips, elbows, hair and even as a beauty finish. But let’s stay with the hands as they are in need of a lot of love and care at the moment. I applied cream generously before going to bed, massaging in everywhere, between my fingers, cuticles and don’t forget the top of your hands. I even went as far as my wrists as they were very dry too. For best results you can wear gloves over night and let the cream really work and absorb. I didn’t have any but still noticed good results in the morning, I prefer to have it on overnight as I feel like I’m washing it all away during the day with all the security measures.
The balms are also very good for people who might suffer from eczema or pyrosis, the balms have amazing ingredients helping to soothe, nourish, protect and moisturise. During this time it really warmed my heart to read that Dr Paw Paw are helping the front line workers during this pandemic by dedicating a page just for them and giving away two tubes to any front line worker who wants to claim. So if you are one of them you should treat yourself to your own set.
Now my hands are happy and moisturised, let’s talk about nails. I am known to always have my nails perfectly groomed, rarely if even ever am I spotted with bare nails. This is not because I’m hiding something it’s just that I feel naked without my nails done. It’s just as much a part of my outfit as accessories.
I don’t have false nails, I had that moment come and pass in my twenties when the day came I broke the acrylic nail on my thumb during boxing practise and took that as a sign it was time to go natural. I like my nails slightly shorter anyway, and sometimes I feel darker shades look nicer when they’re shorter.
The first bundle of products I tested is for every nail craving one could have. Cuticle oil, base coat, protect and repair and growth and nail hardener. Theses are all from Nail HQ and look very shelf worthy. They have a wide range for those who want to stock up, nine core and four essential treatments to be precise and this is because there are more than just one to treat. There are different vitamins and proteins for different needs of your nail. I need all of them, but if I had to choose just one that I now have as a daily routine item it would be the Cuticle Oil. It’s filled with Jojoba Oil, Apricot Kernel oil and Beta Carotene. A problem I have had through the years is that the oils tend to absorb very slowly to the point where I feel sticky, this was not an issue here so I’m happy to put it on all through the day.
On top of these amazing oils and treatments for my nails I received two tools, one I have always wanted to try and that’s the Crystal Glass File from Brushworks. Super long lasting and it feels to me like it does not fray the tip of the nail if that makes sense. With some files I feel like I have to go over them with a buffer just to smoothen further. I also started to use a Cuticle Nipper, yes I know this is like the basics of nail care, but I just never thought of it, it all looked fine, or so I thought. I now get it, I understand why this tool is kind of great, especially for pedicures, never looked better!
For the finishing touch to my hand and nails I also tested a gorgeous base coat and hardening treatment called SOS Damaged Nails from L’Atelier Green Naked Collection in super cute square packaging. L’Atelier Green Naked Collection was created to be able to offer a healthier mani/pedi. It has gorgeous colours, base and top coat that are breathable, water permeable, Vegan and Cruelty free plus made with Bio Sourced, organic oils and superfood enriched and halal ingredients. I mean it’s a total feast for your nails isn’t it? Just knowing that they are breathable had me sold. I liked that they had a very subtle scent, a wide easy applicator brush and quick drying formula.
Now with all these hand and nail goodies I am totally ready to show off my healthy nails and smooth hands when we are yet again allowed to socialise properly.
