DIY Cuticle Care

Hi ladies! This is a review of sorts, using a method I found at the blog here. I was in search of a good cuticle remover, since the one I've designated for that is really more of a cuticle moisturizer and doesn't do much to remove dead cuticle from my nail beds. But, it was 11:20pm and I didn't want to run out for cuticle remover, so I did a google search to improvise.

The method is simple:

1. Soften your cuticles, using a cuticle oil, olive oil, etc. She also lists butter and milk as options, but I used the cuticle "remover" I purchased from Sally's, Nail Life Jojoba and Tea Tree Oil Cuticle Remover. 
2. Leave this on for a few minutes to soften cuticles. I left it for about 3-5 minutes, because this stuff begins to penetrate and I wanted to have some oil left on my cuticle.
3. Use sugar to exfoliate gently. She didn't go into detail how, but I took about a tablespoon full of sugar and dipped my finger in water then sugar, then used my sugar-coated finger to massage the sugar around my cuticle area for about 10-15 seconds. 

I bet you're wondering the big question now: did it work? And the answer is: yes! This method did do the trick to remove the dead cuticle on my nail that pushing with a cuticle stick wasn't doing.

No, I didn't take a before picture... because that would have been really smart. But look how good my cuticles looked for this one picture! It's a testament to this method's success, I promise.

Other cuticle tips (no pun intended..):

1. Don't pick at or bite cuticles. Do as I say, not as I do, as I'm guilty of doing this when I'm bored or nervous. Doing this not only makes for an appearance concern, but also damages your cuticles which directly impacts how well your nails grow and look. 
2. Avoid getting product, such as growth stimulators or acetone on your cuticle. Growth stimulators and other specialized base coats often contain chemicals such as formaldehyde for the purpose of strengthening your nails, but it's not good for cuticles. Try to keep it away as much as you can!
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keep a cuticle moisturizer by your bed and do it before you go to sleep, or in your desk at work to pamper yourself a bit when you need a few moments to rest. Either way, keep them as moisturized as you can! Handy tip: Chapstick is a good moisturizer for cuticles, and the stick application is super easy to swipe on. I keep it in my car for my lips and if I happen to be at a red light, I put it on my cuticles too.

Hopefully this was helpful! Do you ladies have any handy tips for cuticle care or go-to favorite products for this?

xoxo,
 Amanda