TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: Readers recommend this product for "brittle" nails that have undergone picking, biting and acrylics. "I used to have acrylics applied to my nails, because my nails used to break," a reader writes. "With this product, I no longer have to have acrylics. I apply two coats, which lasts up to four days without chipping, and my nails are longer than ever." Other readers say the product is "perfect for nail growth" and "keeps nails strong [with] a perfect natural sheen."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: Looking for "a little bottle of joy [for] dry cracked hands"? This is the stuff, say our readers. "This hand cream...sinks in fast and really moisturizes," writes one reviewer. "No greasy feeling but instant moisture, [and] it helps cuticles too." Overall, readers appreciate that it's "fragrance-free, non-irritating, non-greasy, fast absorbing and moisturizing" and delivers "instant relief and long-term results."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers can't stop raving about this nail product's ability to hydrate and make "feet pretty." When they're not admiring their pedicure-worthy tootsies, users are swooning over the nail care cream's "awesome smell" and convenient packaging for travel. "This is an excellent product for summer-ready feet," writes one reader. "It works well, smells great, is a great value and totally worth it because it works. You'll be happy you tried it."
Raise your less-than-TV-ready hand if you suffer from dry cuticles, hangnails or constant chips in your freshly lacquered manis. That's what we thought (you can put your hand down now).
Since you've been so honest, we'll do the same -- thanks to hundreds of women across web, we've drummed up a foolproof list of the best nail products on the market. Finally, winning the battle against those little troublemakers is at your fingertips.
Susan Nam, celebrity manicurist and owner of Polished Beauty Bar in New York City, weighs in on the truth behind nail care:
First, your cuticles -- Nam recommends not cutting them (since they protect us from germs and bacteria) and says to choose cuticle creams and oils that contain ingredients like jojoba and vitamin E. Also, remember: "You can get the same results from moderately priced items as really expensive ones," says Nam. "The most important thing to look for is the list of ingredients."
Our guru also advises using 240-grid nail files, since they are the least abrasive on natural nails. You definitely shouldn't drop a wad of cash on one of these, either -- according to Nam, "nail files should be changed every few weeks, because they are prone to grow bacteria."
Once you've filled your tool belt with the basics, there are a few things you can do to maximize the staying power of a manicure. "You should apply a coat of topcoat mid-week to keep it looking fresh and help prevent it from chipping," Nam says. "If you do your manicure at home, make sure to start with a clean, oil-free nail."
So, what are you waiting for? Let's clean up those suckers. Here are the best nail products you need in your mani toolkit.
