Caring for our nails

Caring for our nails is difficult at the moment. My nails are not the strongest at the best of times and they are currently not looking as though they need some TLC and nourishment. The only way that I can keep them in reasonable condition is to file them low in a square shape.

I have listed above some of the products that I use to nourish them and help to combat some of the dryness and chipping.

I have a Sunday afternoon ritual of doing a simple manicure. Firstly I take off any old polish with Vitry nail polish remover. I discovered the Vitry products in our local french pharmacy a few years ago and find them extremely effective, especially their sensitive nail repair. Luckily I can now buy it in the UK. Then I buff them (I know old fashioned but it does work). Next I use my Vitry nail repair as a base followed by two coats of Nailberry nail polish. To finish I use their shine and breath top coat. I like the fact that all the Nailberry products allow the nails to breathe. Lastly if I am in a hurry for my nails to dry I give them a quick brush with Seche Vite.

If you really want your nail polish to last about two weeks try this brand Drizzle nail system US. I can’t seem to find anywhere in the UK that sells it. Libby Wilkie of An eye for detail kindly brought over a box of their system when she visited London about a year ago. It really is miraculous for staying power.

Do you have any tips for how to take care of your nails?

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

Georgia says:

24th April 2020 at 16:44

Love to read "you" Josephine. I always put oil on my cuticles before I retire. They seem to be responding quiet well. Thinking of adding my toes to the ritual. Be well.
Margie - USA says:

19th May 2020 at 16:14

Josephine,
Somehow I missed this posting and am happy to read it. I also do my own nails and keep them short; it has been a Sunday afternoon ritual for the last 30 years! I have pretty good results using Orly Nail Bonder as a base coat, two coats of polish (either Essie or Opi), and Seche Vite as the top coat. I can typically get a good ten days without chipping. Since the stay-at-home order, I haven't had polish on my nails for the last two months so my nails are probably "breathing." But, not seeing anyone, I guess it really doesn't matter about a manicure. I also have a nail dryer which blows hot/cold air so using this together with the Seche Vite allows me to complete the manicure in just over one hour with nails that are touchable.
Love reading your blog; it's always interesting and informative. Thank you for doing our "homework."