The art of a long lasting manicure is priceless once you uncover a few little secrets. While we invest in the time to have it done professionally and flawlessly, keeping those gleaming nails looking immaculate takes a little extra care. Chips, peeling, flaking and general dulling all amount to a total #nailfail, but help is at hand. Who better than the professionals to recommend a few essential post-manicure products to ensure that freshly manicured feeling lasts much, much longer. Read on to discover the tried and tested favourites they swear by.
By Emma Strenner
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1 Mavala - Cuticle Oil, £11.70
Best for: keeping cuticles neat and well conditioned
Expect to see this French classic proudly displayed on every self-respecting professional nail station around the UK. It's a must to soften and tidy up any scraggly bits of skin that may leave the nail bed looking unkempt after a manicure.Regular application will keep the skin hydrated and nourished, using the repairing properties of sweet almond, sunflower and olive oil. With easy to apply drops, try using at night before bed, your skin will make the most of the deep hydration and enjoy a nice little ritual to add to your evening beautification.
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2 Deborah Lippmann - The Cure Ultra Nourishing Cuticle Repair Cream, £18
Best for: long-lasting colour
This protein rich nail cleanser will create the ultimate flawless base for your manicure. A fast evaporating drop formula that will blast away any dirt, oil and residue from the nail bed, ensuring an even more receptive and even base for your polish. You only need a tiny drop on each nail before applying a base coat. Lots of therapists will give your nails the once over with this before starting your colour application, but you can also use it as conditioning cream for nails that quickly dehydrate. Apply once a day or as needed.
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3 Lano Lanolin - Everywhere Multi Cream, £11
Best for: super soft skin
There is absolutely no point in a beautiful manicure without super soft hands. Keep the skin looking plump, hydrated and nourished with this transformative cream that uses lanolin oil, vitamin E and milk to condition the skin. It’s a beautifully moisturizing formula that doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It's also worth noting it doesn't contain any of the nasties known to interfere with the finish of your polish. A handbag must.
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4 Sally Hansen - Diamond Shine Top & Base Coat, £8.69
Best for: durability
This the the go-to potion when it comes to sealing in nail colour and ensuring you have no chips to deal with,. Washing up and any impact on the nail will lead to chips, so this titanium infused formula will seal the polish and ensure your nails won’t give away any signs of wear and tear. It leaves a high gloss top coat finish that looks super professional too. Once a week apply a layer over your salon-mani to keep it stronger and shiner for longer.
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5 Nailtiques - Oil Therapy, £8.80
Best for: those needing a quick finish
Not only does this vitamin enriched oil hydrate and soften the skin around your nails, but when applied to a wet polish, it will boost drying time. If you have white spots and discolouration on your nails, it will even out the tone with regular application. A tried and tested in salon one stop solution for strengthening the nails and keeping them looking immaculate. Apply it as often you can in between manicures and enjoy a longer-lasting finish.