In winter, we lavish attention on dried-out cheeks and chapped lips, yet the delicate skin around our nails often goes overlooked. But now it is high time to revive those frayed, neglected cuticles and bring them back to life
In winter’s beauty hierarchy, a few essentials always top the list: a solid skincare routine to lock in moisture and an appointment with the hairdresser to keep our hair hydrated, for example. But cuticle care? That often slips further down our self-care priorities.
For those looking to prevent breakage and encourage strong nail growth, cuticle oil is just as essential as your winter lip balm. "In colder temperatures, the skin, cuticles, and nail plate get dry and brittle," explains celebrity nail artist Frida Selkirk. "Applying cuticle oil daily softens the cuticle, keeps it elastic, and prevents the nail plate from peeling." To apply, Selkirk recommends holding your finger upright, the nail facing away, and applying oil just behind the free edge. “Let it drip through the sides before massaging it into the cuticle,” she advises.
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Even luxury brands like Hermès have tapped into the demand for this often-overlooked step in nail care. Recently, the French Maison launched Les Mains Hermès Nourishing Oil in Scandinavia—arguably the most luxurious (and, whisper it, most expensive) cuticle oil yet. Beyond its pleasing minimalist packaging, the oil boasts 100 per cent certified cosmos natural oils, including white mulberry extract and vitamin E.
For everyday use, we recommend keeping a lightweight cuticle oil — like L:A Bruket No.047 Jojoba Oil or Maria Akerberg Myrrh Nail & Cuticle Oil — in your desk drawer to replenish lost moisture, particularly after your commute. Before bed, elevate your hydration routine with a richer balm-to-oil formula, such as Karmameju’s multi-tasking Calm Balm. Infused with lavender and chamomile essential oils, it nourishes cuticles overnight and enhances sleep quality thanks to a nurturing blend of calendula, argan, and meadowfoam oils.
