We all need a beauty pick-me-up now and then, right? And what better way to treat yourself than with affordable nail care products to polish and pamper your nails.
ALSO SEE: 12 easy steps to flawless skin, eyes, lips and nails
The truth is, you don’t need to spend hundreds of Rands every month maintaining your nails at a nail salon. The key is to invest in the right products to maintain your hands and nails every week at home.
Our round-up of nail care products are ideal for treating your hands and protecting your at-home manicure with affordable cuticle oils, and treatment-infused base coats. Plus, we’ve included this season’s hottest nail colour.
See our pick of the best and most affordable nail care products on shelf…
Best anti-ageing hand cream
Healing Hands Advanced Protection Hand Creme, R46,99 for 75ml is certainly affordable luxe for your hands and nails. A handbag must-have, the cream is enriched with lime seed extract and grape seed oil to keep your hands smooth and moisturised.
A brightening base coat
If we told you our favourite base coat costs only R39,95, would you believe us? Essence Pro Active White, R39,95 is the best we’ve tried by far. It keeps nails really white, even after using bright and dark polishes and is ideal for toenails too.
The high shine top coat
Don’t ruin a perfect manicure by not finishing it off with a top coat. Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish Top Coat, R89,95 gives nails that professional finish – but at a fraction of the price! Plus, it keeps nails chip-free and glossy for longer.
Nourishing hand wash
Rich lather, beautiful scent and nourishing for dry hands, what more could you want from a hand wash? Vinolia Luxury Hand Wash in Vanilla, R46,99 for 290ml, delivers all this and more. It’s the best hand wash for delicate hands as it doesn’t strip the skin of moisture.
ALSO SEE: Tips for healthy winter skin
The best cuticle oil
Bee Natural Cuticle Oil, R44 for 10ml, comes as a nifty roll-on bottle and helps to instantly soften and nourish dry cuticles. It’s also a really good product for dry, brittle nails, so don’t be afraid to use it liberally. The bonus? One of it’s main functions is to promote healthy nail growth. We love it.
A statement nail colour
Swap pretty nails and natural nails for more statement dark coloured shades and experiment with a pop of pink, deep burgundy, black or purple this season. Yardley has an amazing range of long-lasting colours. One of our current faves is the Gel Lac Nails in Pink Party, R58.
Your essential hand care kit
Follow these four steps for beautifully manicured hands you’ll want to show off…
Easy exfoliation
Soften your hands with Sorbet Spa Escape Renew Salt Polisher, R55 for 250g – the rich vitamin and mineral complex in this seaweed-enriched formula make it gentle enough to be used on dry, sensitive skin.
Shape
Buffing and filing keeps your nails from splitting and snagging. The Body Shop Big Bunny Ears Nail File, R60, does the job nicely.
Make it last
Invest in a good top coat to stop nails from yellowing and extend polish longevity. Try Morgan Taylor React No-Light Extended Wear Top Coat, R219.
Perfect protection
IQ Derma Treat SPF 60 Hand Cream, R44,95, has a high SPF and nourishing ingredients to rehydrate the skin and prevent uneven skin tone.
ALSO SEE: 6 ways to make your hands look younger
