Cracked cuticles, dry skin, gloves...The reasons to abandon your mani routine in winter seem as endless as the cold weather. But why sacrifice style over a little shabby weather? With a few key products, and a couple of new shades in your arsenal, you’ve got the means to pamper yourself, and keep your nail game as sharp as ever.
Before you paint, you’ve got to prep the canvas. Having a tube of lotion on hand at the office or in your purse – the richer the better – is a must for keeping your skin supple. Look for formulas with beeswax to lock in moisture, SPF to keep your hands youthful and spot free, and of course, vitamins E and B for that extra boost of resilience during cold snaps.
Don’t skimp on the extra steps. Exfoliating hands with a mildly abrasive product, such as an oatmeal scrub helps with dead skin and cell turn over. Your cuticles are particularly sensitive to damage when the cold weather hits. A moisturizer may not be enough to keep your nail beds in tact, so invest in a cuticle cream or oil for an extra protective punch.
You’ve put in the work now it’s time to play. The shades of the season are varied and dramatic. Reds are deepest garnet, in nearly purple and black. Gunmetal replaces past years’ basic black. And metallic gold and silver finish off any look. Nail art remained a runway fixture, but with subtle ombre or sleek stripes replacing the over the top talon look.
A little elbow grease does wonders for your hands. Keep these tips in mind for an enviable mani no matter the weather.
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