I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the #FindYourHealthy campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
I am a newly minted nail care addict.
Two things happened recently that made me this way:
- I redid my budget to fit my new career and had to eliminate one of my greatest girly pleasures: my twice-monthly gel polish manicures.
- YouTube very coyly suggested the channel Simply Nailogical to me.
Simply Nailogical, better known as just “Simply” in YouTube land, does easy to follow nail art tutorials with riotously funny voiceovers that totally caught me off guard at first and quickly won me over. I have watched every one of her videos within a span of two weeks. Wish I were kidding.
She talks a lot about taking care of her hands and nails, which take a beating because she paints them so frequently. Her nail care needs and methods are definitely more involved than mine are, but I do paint my nails about once a week, which involves using harsh and drying acetone and makes for some sad, dry phalanges, especially as the weather gets colder.
I realized that while I was already taking a nail, skin, and nails supplement, that was pretty much where my nail care ended. So I set out to change that!
So I present to you my simple winter nail care routine. Everything I’m using can be found at the glorious CVS Pharmacy!
You can watch this video on mute if you’re at work and it will still make sense. 😉 I gotchu, boo.
- Remove any nail polish or nail strengthener you have on your nails. I used the kind in the tub with a built-in brush because it’s so easssssyyyyy.
- Use a cuticle pusher with a cuticle softening gel to gently push back your cuticles.
- Wipe off the residue with a paper towel.
- Use a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil all over the nails to disinfect and strengthen!
- Use a new cotton swab to apply vitamin E oil on the cuticles to moisturize.
- File your nails into the shape that tickles your fancy. I have been loving the trendy stiletto shape lately! I use this file.
- Wash your hands!
- Moisturize with a hand lotion specifically for nail health like this one.
Done! You can reapply the tea tree oil, cuticle oil, and hand cream daily! Try to use nail polish remover sparingly, if possible.
Like I mentioned, the products used in the video can be found at the delightful and ever-so-convenient CVS Pharmacy. <3 you, CVS.
Ickle Pickle says
Oh my poor nails need some TLC they are all splitting at the moment 🙁 Great post, thank you. Kaz x
Cheryl says
CVS/pharmacy has everything! Thanks for the common-sense tips.
Melissa Vera says
wow I never thought of the beating my nails get from the all the polish. Thanks for sharing these important steps
Diane Sallans says
I love ideas for unique nail designs that can be done at home!
Dana Rodriguez says
These are some great tips.I had no idea you should use tea tree oil.I am def going to be trying this!
Marcie W. says
I used to get a gel manicure every month and then switched to artificial acrylics since the gel polish started to chip too fast. I have been debating on soaking off the fake nails and allowing my natural nails to rest and breathe during the winter. I think these helpful tips just sealed the deal!
Chanelle says
I’ve been loving it! It’s kinda fun to change the color as often as you want, and my nails are healthier.
vickie couturier says
thanks for this,my nails are horrible,,expically during the winter with my skin so dry
Priya Aurora says
With two kids and a full time job, it is really tough to take care of your nails. Thanks for the tips !
Tyra says
Okay that is epically amazing! Those colors and that design. I am loving this so much!
Lesley F says
Great tips. Thanks for sharing
Via Bella says
I wish I could say that I take good care of my nails- but I really don’t. I was thinking about that today. I like this. Maybe I will do tonight to give me some “me time” tonight!!
Pamela ::Still Dating My Spouse says
Thank you for sharing. It is so important that folks take care of their nails in the winter. The harsh weather can do damage to your nails and skin.
Sylvia Jules Kal says
Aha I am not one to bother with y nails I literally like them natural and clean cut, apart from a clear varnish.
I do polish and buff them so I hope that is enough lol.
BUT for xmas I will definitely try this YouTube channel you recommend. 🙂
Edye says
This was so helpful! Thanks 🙂
alissa says
Since I’m either doing art, typing, or doing dishes my nails seem to be a mess. I so need to try this. I have all the stuff to! I never thought to use tea tree oil on them.
angela@spinachtiger says
I want to start doing my own nails. I pay the big bucks for the gel fills, but I’m so over it. These are great tips. I need to get some tea tree oil.
Quirky Chrissy says
This is very similar to my nail care routine, but I use Argan oil to replenish my nails. I really should be taking a supplement though!
Bismah says
I have to start taking better care of my nails. It is just so hard to find the time with two toddlers in the home.
vidya sudarsan says
I use tree tree oil for my hair regularly.. but it never occurred to me to use it on my nails! I’m going to try this..
R U S S says
I will start including tea tree oil in my nail care regimen. I think it’s a smart move to do away with the twice a month gel polish. Your nails will love you for that.
Eileen says
I love this, I never thought to put tea tree oil on nails. I will be doing this now. Thank you for sharing
Denise C says
I really need to give my nails more love. I’ve been neglecting them since having the kids.
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
Sorry you had to give up the every other week routine, but the money you save will be worth it, even if you just spend it on something else 🙂 A while back I was at the saloon looking over the wall of great designs when I said, to myself, can’t I do that? And you know what, I can, and I bet most of us can. For things that I just can’t be steady enough on myself I share with a friend, I do you, you do me. Fun – some wine – and gorgeous. And all the little stones, etc, for NAIL ART are so dirt freaking CHEAP. I ordered all this stuff from Amazon – like 750 clear rhinestones for less than $2 and it included shipping and handling – granted it took 3 weeks to come – from China. In all I spent like $12 two years ago and I still have a lot left.
Crystal says
That’s a great idea! I should order a bunch for my daughter’s next slumber party!
Life as a Convert says
I’m always amazed at these girls that can do nails so well. Mine always turn out bad. I’m not artistic enough to make them look good.
Michele says
Even though my nails grow very long very quickly–they could use some TLC and this regime sounds easy enough–Everything at CVS makes it real easy for me to get started.
Colette S says
I do wish I had the time for my nails.
These are great tips
wheelchair mommy says
I definitely need to take better care of my nails, because it’s too pricey to go to the salon and frankly I tend to just ignore them. 🙁 Bad. I know. I love that you used store brand products!! Budgeting!
Nikki @ Tikkido says
I love those nail polish remover tubs with the wands! I haven’t seen them in YEARS though. (just the tubs with no wands) I’ll have to seek out a cvs.
Andrew says
I had no idea there was so much that went into taking care of your nails… I usually just bite mine off and call it a day… I do appreciate a woman who has nice nails though, I’ll be sure to appreciate them even more now! 🙂
Allie D. says
These are great tips. I can’t afford to get my nails done, so I’ve been doing it myself. I did not think to use tea tree oil on my nails to strengthen and disinfect! That is a brilliant idea. Will be doing that the next time I do my nails.
Karen says
I’ve been working at — and failing miserably — quitting the nail biting habit. I do okay for about a month, but then the cuticles get so dry I start picking. Then… well, you get the idea. I happen to have all the items on your nail care list… so off I go. Wish me luck! AND thanks for making it simple.
Jessica says
Good tips. My nails really need some attention these days.
Tammilee Tips says
Great tips!! It’s hard to remember to change our routines with the change in the season for our body needs.
Saidah Washington says
Winter nail care is much. Skin care in general. My cuticles are in need of some serious moisture right now. Can’t wait to watch your video later.
Rebecca Bryant says
I admit it I am lazy and actually get my nails done. That said these are some great products to keep my nails looking fabulous.
Scott says
I never thought about having to treat nails like that. I guess it makes sense – we condition our hair, why not our nails!?
Ellen Christian says
It’s really important to take care of your nails. That’s especially true in the winter!
Rosey says
My daughter is amazing with nails. I wish I had her talent. 🙂
We love CVS for beauty products too!
OurFamilyWorld says
My daughter, too. I seldom have my nails polished, but when I do, I always ask her to do it.
NYC SingleMom says
I am the worse with my nails. This is are practical and easy tips to keep them from going to crap in the winter.
Farrah says
I have a tendency to let my nail care go in the winter since I’m not out and about this much. Vitamin E oil is what I usually use too!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My nails are a hot mess in the winter. I hate when they break and look like I bit them. I need to follow your steps!
Eileen says
I love CVs as well, love the coupons. Love your nail care. I treat myself to the salon, but my daughters don;t always Telling them about this fantastic way of caring for their nails
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am at CVS at least 2 or 3 times a week for one thing or another. I am going to stock up on nail care stuff the next time I go!
Bri says
I know I can do this nail care routine to my left hand, but trying to do it to my right hand is going to take time and patience. I love that everything can be bought at one store.
victoria says
I wish i could do this in my nails. I am too lazy when it comes to my nails.
Shann Eva says
Thank you for the tips. I need to get some tea tree oil, as my cuticles are very dry.
coolchillmom says
I never thought of tea tree oil for my nails! I have to do your suggestions and care for my nails
rika says
wow… beautiful nail art! I need to take care my nails better!
Lesley says
I am guilty of not taking care of my nails the way I should. The winter time can be brutal on them.
Dogvills says
Oh, me too. I really need to follow these tips.
Jaime Nicole says
I need to learn to take better care of my nails myself. My budget could stand to lose the manicures as well.
Jeanette Mays says
Great advice. I usually ignore my nails until they look dull & boring, but I really need to take better care of them.
Ana De Jesus says
Great routine although for I would like tips for my toenails as I would like to know how to get rid of its ridges .
Heather says
You know I don’t do my nails too often. I wish I did them more. I love the sparkle in this nail color.
Mardene Carr says
This is great…will pass this on to my daughter….#bloggersrock
Rachelle says
I love doing at home manicures! It can save you SO much money!
Jeannette says
I so need to take better care of my nails! They get so brittle in the winter but these are fabulous tips. Maybe one day when I don’t wash dishes I’ll get brave enough to try some cool designs!
Emily Smith says
Tea tree oil and vitamin E oil save my nail beds and cuticles. I also really like coconut oil!
Valerie says
Thank you for this. I have recently stopped getting gel manicures too. I didn’t know that tea tree oil would be good for my nails but I will start using it!
Jessica Simms says
Thank you for the great advice, I stopped getting gel manicures back in july and have had to suffer from brittle nails. Thank goodness they grew out and my nails are stronger than ever! Doesn’t help that I bite them though, but I’m working on that.
andi says
all great tips – but first i gotta actually let my nails grow – i’m a bit of a nail biter…
Lisa Jacqueline Lewis says
Such a pretty set of nails! That was some great info! I’m sure many will appreciate it! Winter can do damage to be sure!
Elizabeth O. says
I didn’t know that so much goes into nail care, although it does look easy! This would be a nice thing to do, I don’t really pay attention to my nails unless I need to trim them.
Toughcookiemommy.com says
I have noticed that my nails need extra care during the winter months. This is some great information for taking better care of them when it is cold.
Lisa Jacqueline Lewis says
Nail care is so important, especially over the winter weather! Not to mention all those holiday parties! Thanks for the tips!
Tonya C says
I need to take better care of my nails. Thanks for the tips. I’ll be heading to CVS!
Amy Boyington says
These are great tips, and I wish I took the time to take care of my nails more. It just seems daunting at times to keep up with the supplies and time needed to do so!
MyTeenGuide says
I didn’t know tea tree oil can strengthen the nails. I can’t grow my nails long because they chip easily. I will try this.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This sounds like a fabulous nail care routine for the Winter. I have to take some more care of my nails during this time of year. With the cold weather, my cuticles tend to get dry- I need more cuticle cream!
Amanda Tempel says
Thanks for sharing this! I need some nail tips – Mine are really in need of a little TLC!
Rachel Mouton says
I love these tips and this look! I have been wanting to try the gel nail polish from the store myself 🙂
debra p says
I use my hands so often that even when I do my manicure, I end up ruining it! I need to take some of these tips and follow them, like using the tea tree oil to strengthen. It’s so good for so many things! Great tips!
Claire says
These are great tips for looking after nails. I would never have thought of using tea tree oil – thank you x
Toughcookiemommy.com says
I’ve never used Tea Tree Oil but I heard that it is great for your skin. This is some very useful information and I must put it to good use.
Marielle Altenor says
Great routine for your nails. I haven’t tried putting tea tree oil on my nails before (not a big fan of the smell lol).
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I haven’t tried using tea tree oil on my nails too. I must start doing so, if I want to keep my nails healthy.
Erica Brooks says
I used to go to get my nails done all the time when I was in the working world. I really need to get back into taking better care of my nails. This simple routine is a nice place to start.
Amber NElson says
I need these for my winter routine, for sure! My nails are horrible.
Sophie O'Reilly says
I always get Acrylic Nails but I do let my nails have a breather from them now and again. I’m totally loving the Hand Food hand cream from soap and glory, it’s amazing and leaves my hands soft.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
I love this! My nails need some TLC… since I gave up manis with the birth of my first. 🙁
Emily says
I bite my nails 🙁 I really need to get into a better routine, I will try the tea tree oil to strengthen!
Candice says
Love your post…I never use nail polish but I miss a good manicure and pamper… I do a similar routine with my nailcare but going to definitely give yours a try.. thanks
Aubrey says
I need to be better at doing my nails. I like it when they are done. I may need to find some time.
Sarah Bailey says
My nails seem to really suffer over the winter and my cuticles are in a right mess. I really must try and follow your tips. x
Kareema says
The tea tree oil is great tip. I don’t use polish on my hands, as I have eczema and tend to scratch. Thanks for sharing!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Thanks for the reminder. I need to do some pampering on my nails this winter season. They tend to get dry and before they split, I need to do something to address that.
Sarah says
Love your winter care nail tips. I never thought to use the cuticle oil, love that tip!
Heather lawrence says
My nails look horrible… utterly horrible!
The last time I had a pedicure was on the last day of school so it’s been awhile.
I tortured my nails with shellac and have been waiting for them to “heal” so I could do a manicure myself and apply a fresh coat of paint. It’s super dry here so my nails need all the TLC they can get!
Jessica Harlow says
A cuticle pusher is a must for my nails! I like to do my own nails to stay in our budget, but I’d love to find some funds to allocate to a twice-monthly nail salon visit! I think maybe that will be a 2015 goal of mine!
Jennifer says
Great tips! I use cuticle oil on a daily basis. It’s been great at giving me healthy nails and they’ve been growing out stronger than before. Pushing your cuticles back is also important which I do weekly.
Brandy says
I learned something new today, having always bit my nails growing up, I now have nice nails and would love to take better care of them. Thanks for sharing tips!
Mistee Dawn says
I wish I could do my nails like this! I definitely need a new routine!
OurFamilyWorld says
I want to try your nail care routine. I have not been taking care of my hands and nails lately because of too much work.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am going to try this nail care routine. My nails are so dry and started splitting.
Elizabeth Lampman says
My nails get dry in the winter. I love to wear polish but it always chips off the next day.
Crystal says
My nails look like I’m in middle school. I need to watch those videos and get inspiration. Then off to CVS I go!
Becca says
I haven’t had my nails done in so long. I would love to at least put some tea tree oil and vitamin e oil on them!
Danielle H says
I used to get my nails done… back before I had kids, hehe. I go with the natural look now, but definitely need to do a little better job at cleaning up the cuticles.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
I get my nails done so much, so I make sure to take care of them. Those are great tips!
Danielle says
I also do my own nails and stopped going to the nail salon about 3 years ago. I never really thought about how much care my nails really need though. I could definitely use some tea tree oil therapy. Luckily, I have some handy.
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all says
Oh wow! I am also a mani/pedi lover but have to watch myself as to how often I go to the salon! What a fun channel and what an easy nail care routine! I need to up my routine!
Dawn Lopez says
Looks like you are doing a great job taking care of your nails! Now I feel inspired to head to CVS and get some nail care products for myself. 🙂