0
0
You may already have read about my previous use of fake nails.
Once I made the decision to wean myself off these monstrosities, I was then faced with the dilemma of how to restore my tattered, peeling nails to something resembling attractive tips.
Believe it or not, the solution came from my mother. A sometime QVC addict, she had discovered OPI products (“The Archers” must have been a bit slow that day) and was quick to pass it on. Thank God.
So, first up is OPI Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment. I have 30ml bottle that has lasted me for two years. A tiny spot of this is massaged into the cuticle, that softens it up nicely, leaving you able to gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick or the edge of a nail file. My nan has gorgeous nails and pushes her cuticles back with a hand towel every time she washes her hands. It works for her, but I think I’ll stick to my Avoplex!
Then, Nail Envy. I don’t know – or want to know – what’s in it, but it does reek. Just a coat of this and with frequent use, it gives you long and strong nails that don’t peel or fray.
The nail file. Please, please throw out your old emery files. Sawing from side to side with a piece of sandpaper is not, repeat not, going to do your nails any good. Instead, invest in a crystal/glass file. Not only is it washable (ie wipe-clean), it carefully shaves the edge of your nails in a smooth motion, not leaving any residue or peeling bits. I got mine in Tesco – by Barbara Daly. Two notes of caution though – don’t drop it. And be careful when you file as a little goes a long way.
In terms of nail varnish remover, I’m not posh. Tesco Nail Polish Remover pads with ProVit B5. I don’t know about the added vitamins, but what I do know is that they are a nice size, strong, and do the job without you getting wispy bits of cotton wool all over your fingertips. I do keep a babywipe handy though as they are somewhat…juicy, and don’t absorb all the polish so you need to clean up a bit.
There you go – it works for me!
Wow, two great tips (pardon the pun). I had some kind of false nails done about 6 years ago and my nails have never been the same since. Is it easy to get hold of OPI treatment and a glass nail file – I haven’t seen either for sale in Dubai and would invest in both to get gorgeous nails again!
Everything I’ve ever learned about Nails has been from Helen. Now I get Helen-by-blog and I’ll no longer have any excuse for my sad and peely nails.
Might just give that crystal file a go but so far I have not been that impressed with OPI products 🙁
Is it tricky to get beauty products in Dubai? Or is that a silly question – I really don’t know!
Why don’t you get David to bring you over a crystal file? I’m sure Customs wouldn’t think it at all weird!
Try E-bay – there may be a seller on there that will send stuff internationally? Not sure what the P&P would be though.
Some things are tricky to get in countries outside the UK and UAE is one of them, particularly if it’s a product with SPF. The climate is much hotter over there so they will stock products suitable for the level of sun exposure but you won’t be able to get the same items here! As much as Dubai has so many shopping malls, it doesn’t come close to the abundance of variety and stock available in the UK. Supply and demand, I guess.
Yay! And you must be able to get OPI cheaper in the US?
Bet there are some great beauty stores in Boston :0)