If daily push backs aren't quite doing the trick, a liquid cuticle remover is another a great alternative to cutting. Add a drop to each nail and let it sit for a few seconds. Then, use a clean spoolie or toothbrush to buff the cuticle area, moving in circular motions. Wipe off any residue, then buff again. "This is an ingenious trick that quickly makes the entire nail look clean and neat," says Holford, who recommends Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, $5. Just remember that you should always wash your hands after using a cuticle remover, since it can potentially irritate your skin if left on for too long, notes Kallens. Try this technique weekly, or anytime you want to make your nails look good, stat.
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Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
If you're pushing your cuticles back daily and using remover weekly, consider a more intensive sloughing session as a monthly or bi-monthly treatment. Wen likes using a Clarisonic brush paired with a charcoal-based soap to help completely remove any leftover dead skin, on both nails and hands. Try the Clarisonic Mia 2, $169 and Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap, $2.99.
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Moisturize More Overnight
You likely already have a set bedtime routine when it comes to addressing your complexion, but use the overnight hours to treat your nails and cuticles, too. Follow Wen's lead and go for more heavy-duty hydration while you snooze. "I apply a thick layer of both cuticle oil and a cream, like Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $6, then put on a pair of cotton gloves. Everything soaks in overnight and you wake up with moisturized nails and cuticles."
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Treat Cuticles While You Do the Dishes
It's common knowledge that wearing gloves while doing dishes is a must to protect your hands and nails, but you can even take it one step further and create a quick DIY treatment, says Kallens. Grab any oil you have on-hand in the kitchen -- olive, coconut -- and pour a little bit into a pair of latex gloves. Slip those on, top with a pair of dishwashing gloves, then get to scrubbing. "The warmth from the water coupled with the double-layered gloves helps the oil penetrate, leaving your hands and nails extremely well-moisturized," she says. We can't guarantee that this will make the chore more enjoyable, but your cuticles will definitely thank you.
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Carry Coconut Oil
The oh-so-popular panacea is a fan favorite among hand models, not only for how well it moisturizes, but also for its tropical scent and portability (seriously, is there anything this miracle worker can't do?). "Since it turns solid, I can scoop a little into a small jar that I keep in my purse and dab on all day long," says Covington. (We like Kopari Organic Coconut Melt, $36.) Adds Schell: "Anytime I'm cooking with coconut oil I rub some all over my hands and nails." Not into it? A cuticle balm is a good option, too, since it's less messy and easier to apply when you're on-the-go than an oil. Kallens uses Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $16.95.
