1. Lush Lemony Flutter - This stuff really is all it's cracked up to be. It is super hydrating and has staying power; it doesn't absorb instantly. It has a pleasant (to me) lemon scent. The little 1.5oz tub was around $15 but I've had it since September and haven't even made a dent in it yet. It does have an expiration date on it however, which I'm not too crazy about but overall I think it is worth it. If you have a nail buddy you could go halfsies on it and decant half.
When I first bought it, the name led me to believe it would have the consistency of whipped butter or something, but it doesn't. It is dense and waxy almost, not waxy like Burt's Bees Cuticle Creme (which I no longer use because I prefer Lemony Flutter by a landslide) Some may find it a little bit greasy, but if you don't want that you could use any type of lotion which will absorb much quicker.
2. China Glaze Cuticle Oil - I suppose this could be a fill-in-the-blank for any type of cuticle oil, I just think it's important to own at least one. I use it for taking pictures as opposed to regular application. I wash it off before photographing (of course) and it gives my cuticles a little bit more life and moisture instantly. I always make sure to let it sit a little before washing it off, too. I know some people use it regularly but I find the extra step of washing it off a bit of a pain. As far as the China Glaze Oil goes, they're scented (one peppermint, the other 'holiday berry') I don't mind the scents, they're subtle.
3. Lotion - For me, the brand isn't that important. Using any type of moisturizing lotion is helpful. The Walgreens one is cheap at 99 cents while I think the Aveeno may have been a couple of bucks more. Both affordable and effective. Lotion is important especially in the winter. I wash my hands constantly and soap dries them out. Having cracked skin can lead to infections just as any other open wounds can.
4. Hand Sanitizer - If you're using this, the lotion is again important. I use it to cut the grease that Lemony Flutter sometimes leaves behind. I carry these as well as lotion in my purse to make sure my hands don't dry out but stay clean at the same time.
I realize that I don't have the best routine or skin but what I do works for me. My normal regime for swatching goes as follows (this is after my nails are painted and I'm ready to photograph):
1. Lemony Flutter
2. Cuticle Oil, I rub it in and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. I wash my hands with Dawn to cut the oil.
4. Some more Lemony Flutter.
5. Hand Sanitizer
6. Lotion
When I'm not taking pictures, I use Lemony Flutter + Hand Sanitizer + Lotion, sometimes just the Lemony Flutter. If you maintain a moisturizing regime, then it's easier to manage and feels like less of a "chore".
Stay hydrated! (=
Great collection of things there! I don't have Lush yet, but I do use Burt's Bees because it's small and I keep it in the car to use during my drive in to work every morning. LOVE Aveeno. I don't use hand sanitizer because it dries my skin out horribly!! I might have to keep my eyes open for the ChG cuticle oil - especially the peppermint scented one!
ReplyDeleteCan you explain the your rationale for washing off the cuticle oil for pictures? Too shiny otherwise? I'm curious because I don't own any cuticle oils. I just use BB.
ReplyDelete@Megan - i prefer the peppermint one too. theres something inherently "clean" about minty scents. if you get the chance to try lemony flutter (the macys i bought it at has sample jars open) you should! its not as tiny as burts bees but its pretty portable!
ReplyDelete@Panda - haha sure, im not sure if anyone else does this but i've always done it. i dont really like the ultra shiny look in pictures, and since i rub the oil in before i wash it off, it does a good job of hydrating. also, the oil i use is red, so if i left it on for pictures it would show.