Sally Hansen Polish Remover for Artificial & Sensitive Nails: For years I thought that it did not matter what polish remover I used. I just wanted one that worked, worked quickly and easily. I’ve made my own with plain old acetone and glycerin. Acetone melts polish off instantly, and glycerin keeps skin from drying out. One day the drugstore was out of acetone so I grabbed this Sally Hansen remover. It’s not super strong – I needed more of it to remove polish, and a little elbow grease. But suddenly, my nails were growing – enough that I could shape them. I love short nails but lately they’ve been peeling like crazy. Suddenly they weren’t. I ended up getting more acetone and BOOM. My nails started peeling again. So I’ve gone back to Sally Hansen for Sensitive Nails and so far, so far good – no peeling!

Cicaplast Baume B5: Amazing healing goodness, as only La Roche Posay Cicaplast can do. It heals cuts, hangnails (chapped lips and acne scars too!) so I have a tube handy all the time. If you have and love  Cicaplast, you need this too. From their website:

A triple-action complete formula:
• Optimal skin recovery
[Madecassoside] + [Copper – Zinc – Manganese]
• Soothing of dry, irritated areas
[5% Panthenol]
• Skin protection
[Rich, nourishing texture] + [Antibacterial Agents]

Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover: Simply the best for the money. Why pay more when this one does the trick? Lasts forever and would likely dry up before getting used up.

Christian Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails: A classic cuticle treatment that I have loved for years. The lovely retro Bakelite style Dior jar feels fancy, and it’s full of yummy apricot scented and enriched salve to enrich your cuticles and nails. It feels like an elegant ritual – also makes a great gift! We all love a little Dior on our bedside tables.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Passionate Jasmine Hand Cream: A limited edition version of the beloved Shea Butter Hand Cream, this yummy jasmine scented one is lovely and a treat for jasmine lovers! They also have Rose and Violet – get them while you can! I got mine in a little set with a jasmine lip balm – divine!

Sephora Crystal Nail File: The only kind of files that touch my nails are glass and crystal. They are gentle and last forever. A quick rinse under the tap and they’re good as new.

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil: Everyone needs a cuticle oil! I love this Essie one because it smells so good and I love the way it works. Keep it with your polishes and apply after your manicure. Apply in between manis around the nail bed, and my little winter trick is to apply it under my nails. I’m a moisturizing fiend, as you know.

Jin Soon Top Gloss: I am loving this top coat! The wise ladies at Gee Beauty in Toronto told me their clients said they had incredible wear from this line – almost like gel nails! And I have to agree. It stays super glossy and wears beautifully. I wish it was a quick dry but I still love it!

Revlon Colorstay Base Coat: I’ve been reading rave reviews of this base coat for awhile now. For around $8 at the drugstore I figured it was worth a try. Verdict? Loving it! I’m tempted to try the top coat as well, but it’s the base coat that gets the raves. Now I know why!

What are your favourite manicure tips and tricks? Share!