Audrey Hepburn proudly proclaimed: “I believe in manicures” - a sentiment embraced by millions around the world who are dedicated to their nail care. But the perfect DIY mani isn’t possible without a slew of handy fingertip remedies. BD discovers the 10 brands that have cuticles covered, no matter the nail dilemma.
Cuccio
The final step in any manicure is the protective top coat, making Cuccio’s 7 Second Reactive Top Coat a fast-as-a-flash option for nail protection. The product’s formula contains photo initiators and monomers which help to increase durability with natural light exposure, all the while sealing in the lacquer.
SensatioNail®
While the cuticles form protection for the nail bed, these outer coatings need protection themselves from the elements, which can be found in SensatioNail® Cuticle Oil. The damage control offering soothes dry, cracked cuticles via an oily combination of vitamin E and a brush applicator.
As the name suggests, Sea Siren is a hand and feet-based range inspired by the ocean. The brand prides itself on crafting premium quality homegrown cosmetics. Sea Siren’s range of polishes, and hand and feet accessories are made free of toxins, dangerous synthetic ingredients and are not tested on animals.
1000 Hour Premium
A good buff transforms a set of fingertips from drab to shiny within minutes. The 1000 Hour Premium Nails 4-Way Buffing Block is gentle and easy to use, as well as adaptable for both natural and artificial fingernails and toenails.
Avon
Avon’s Nail Strips are adornments without the fuss of polish. The stickers are simple to use - just peel and place. The nail art is available in six different designs including Bows For You, Hot Pink Bling, Cheetah Pink, Sweetly Laced, Zebra Bling, and Crystalized Black.
Bio Sculpture’s claim to fame is its gel - the world’s first nail gel that offers long-lasting, smudge-proof colour that doesn’t damage the natural nail. The polyurethane-based gel is a non-toxic overlay that acts like a typical polish, drying instantly under UV light. Accompanying the brand’s gel offering is a range of pre- and post-manicure treatments to improve and protect the nails.
Kiss
These nail art stickers from Kiss have no drying time, are easy to apply to fingernails and toenails and can be shaped to fit different sizes. The added benefit of the range is it can be worn over natural and artificial nails, with each packet coming with 28 strips in 14 different sizes.
For the consumer who changes their polish as often as they do their shoes, there are brands like Rokk96. The nail polish creator is home to 96 different shades of lacquer for your fingertips, ranging from glitter through to fluoros and every colour of the rainbow.
One brand catering to every nail desire and dilemma is Cutex. The long-standing offering creates nail care products for a bounty of nail requests, from hand and nail cream to polish remover, cuticle oil and treatments.
essie
Renowned nail experts essie have a palette of 100 core products at their disposal and take pride in offering a shade for every mood, occasion or milestone. Seasonal collections abound for the brand, alongside a constant range of shades that skip through pastels to limited-edition numbers, as well as treatments for ridges and damaged cuticles.
