TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: "This stuff is unbelievable," one reader gushes. "My nails are thin, soft, weak, peeling, cracking ... But this cream made my nails smooth as glass in only two weeks." Other readers echo her sentiments, saying this "completely transformed their nails," even after years of peeling and biting.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this file "stays sharp forever" and makes nails "nice and smooth." It's also "long-lasting, portable and dainty enough for travel." One fan writes, "I have several stashed in different places in my house -- one in my car, one in my purse and one in my office."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: "It takes a lot of work to [maintain] nice cuticles," says one reviewer. "But this is a quick, easy step you can do any time that will...make them healthy and beautiful." Users say the formula, which contains "moisturizing agents like apricot kernel oil, aloe and chamomile," "live[s] up to its claim[s]." As one reader summarizes, "With regular use, hangnails will be a thing of the past."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: This cream is "rich and moisturizing, but not greasy, and it soaks in almost instantly," according to reviewers. One reader says that after using it, her nails "no longer feel soft and brittle" and "are also growing very nicely." Another reader writes, "This cream really makes my hands softer and my cuticles smoother, and the scent is unbeatable."
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."
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.
