There’s a reason a good manicurist will spend a large amount of time on your cuticles before getting started with your colour; without good cuticles, your manicure will suffer too.
If you have damaged cuticles, your nail varnish likely won't stick well or last long on your nails. You may also notice more chipping, peeling or lifting of your manicure earlier than planned. The answer? A good cuticle oil.
Leighton Denny MBE says: “Cuticle care is hugely important for strong, healthy nails. You have to start with the cuticles – you would not put a beautiful picture in a scruffy frame, so keep them healthy and moisturised!
“Keeping your cuticles nourished will not only make your nails look better but a good cuticle oil will reinforce the nail bed, prevent hang nails and nail breakage and stimulate nail growth. Remember – you can never over moisturise your nails – so include a cuticle oil as part of your nightly routine to prevent dryness and dehydration.”
What should you look for in a cuticle oil?
Liana Thomson, beauty expert at Nails.co.uk, added: “Different types of cuticle oils will contain varying ingredients, but I recommend looking for one that contains a blend of natural vegetable oils such as avocado, coconut, and almond oil. These are known to successfully nourish and moisturise the nail bed.
“Additionally, you should reach for a formula that also includes vitamin E for maximum benefits as this can strengthen your nail bed, as well as soothe any minor cuts and scrapes around the nails.
“You could actually create your own home nail-strengthening treatment with three tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Massage this treatment into your nails twice a week for only five minutes.
“Olive oil is a natural nail hardener and provides moisture to your cuticles. Lemon juice will not only brighten your nails and remove stains, but it can also encourage nail growth due to it containing vitamin C which promotes the production of collagen.”
We’ve rounded up all of the best cuticle oils
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Manucurist Huile Verte
One of the most popular cuticle oils around, Manucurist’s Huile Verte is a one-stop-shop when it comes to bringing your nail beds back to their former glory. Manucurist is a vegan and cruelty-free brand who prides itself on swapping harsh ingredients for natural, eco-friendly alternatives that promote glossy, long-lasting manicures and healthy nails.
Manucurist’s Huile Verte is infused with a medley of nourishing oils to promote healthy-looking hydration like sweet almond oil, coconut oil and walnut seed oil.
Buy now £14.00, Cult Beauty
Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser
While Jessica’s Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser isn’t specifically designed for cuticles, it contains all the necessary ingredients to bring them back to life. This highly penetrative oil heals and intensively nourishes dry cuticles helping to keeps nails supple through its key ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba, sweet almond oil and rice oil. Better yet, its larger size means this oil can also be used on elbows, feet, knees and other areas of rough dry skin that needs deep moisturisation.
Buy now £9.50, lookfantastic
Beauty Pie Cuticle Therapy With Olive, Sweet Almond & Bakuchiol Oils
Beauty Pie is one step ahead when it comes to beauty bargains and the brand’s Cuticle Therapy With Olive, Sweet Almond & Bakuchiol Oils is no exception. This active-packed cuticle gel nourishes your nails with olive oil ferment complex, strengthening vitamin E, fortifying micronutrients from purple rice, hydrating sweet almond oil and the soothing, smoothing wonder oil - bakuchiol. Designed specifically for dull, weak, dry nails and cuticles, it promises to restore their shine and suppleness after just a few uses.
Buy now £18.00, Beauty Pie
SEPHORA COLLECTION Cuticle Care
The SEPHORA COLLECTION Cuticle Care does what it says on the tin: it’s a complete nail and cuticle care product that nourishes, strengthens and repairs in one step. The secret ingredient is camelia oil, which also acts on cuticles to soothe and moisturise, providing all the benefits of a complete nail-care product in a snap. Just a quick one-minute dip into the foam and nails appear repaired, nourished and strengthened.
Buy now £7.60, Sephora
L'Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil
It’s hard to top L’Occitane when it comes to gorgeous smelling, richly nourishing body care. And the brand’s Shea Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil is one of the finest for doing just that. A nourishing dry oil for stronger nails and softer cuticles, the Shea butter in this oil adds something a little extra special to restore that soft finish to your nails. Bonus points for smelling delicious too.
Buy now £14.50, lookfantastic
Essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil Treatment
Essie’s Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil Treatment might just be one of the most nourishing nail treatments around thanks to its impressive blend of apricot and jojoba oil. Formulated with all the good stuff, this miracle cuticle oil absorbs quickly to instantly condition and protect cuticles from dryness and provides nourishing moisture. Often called one of the most hydrating cuticle oils around, this is one you’ll want to stock up on.
Buy now £7.99, Boots
The Body Shop Almond Nail And Cuticle Oil
Some cuticle oil applicators can be a little messy. Not The Body Shop’s Almond Nail And Cuticle Oil. This handy two-in-one pen contains sweet almond oil to soften and maintain healthy-looking cuticles. Soothe and care for your nails and cuticles at the same time and watch as your nails grow faster and stronger with regular use.
Buy now £9.00, The Body Shop
OPI Prospa Nail and Cuticle Oil
Head to OPI not just for the brand’s impressive and long-lasting varnishes but also for the brand’s Prospa Nail and Cuticle Oil. A lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula that nourishes, it moisturises and protects and comes infused with nourishing sunflower, cupuaçu and grape seed oils. Better yet, its convenient dropper applicator ensures a mess-free use and it can be used on both hands and feet, if you’re prepping for manicures and pedicures.
Buy now £13.90, Lookfantastic
Leighton Denny Renovate Cuticle Oil
Leighton Denny’s Renovate Cuticle Oil is an 88 per cent plant-based formula and includes almond oil to help hydrate the cuticle area and avocado extract to help calm and soften the skin. A targeted cuticle treatment designed to replenish and restore dry, dehydrated and undernourished cuticles, it’s vegan-friendly and comes with a helping hand in the form of vitamin E to improve the texture and moisture content in the skin and panthenol, which helps to strengthen and improve overall nail health.
Buy now £14.00, Marks & Spencer
Nails.INC Superfood Repair Oil
Perfect for both a manicure and a pedicure, NAILSINC’s Superfood Repair Oil replenishes and rejuvenates with its nourishing treatment, paving the way for a flawless finished look. A top choice when you really want to smother your nails with a whole heap of moisturisation, this cuticle oil utilises an antioxidant-rich formula that smooths onto the nail to create a moisturising shield against daily environmental radicals. It’s infused with sweet almond, argan and rosehip oils, which collectively boost the nails full of hydration and vitamin A.
Buy now £12.75, Sephora
Verdict
If you're looking for a serious boost of moisture, there's really no better cuticle oil than Manucurist's Huile Verte. With a cocktail of six plant oils, this oil promises unbeatable hydration.
