Editor tip: The bottle’s pump format is so convenient—just press with a cotton ball or pad and swipe without making a mess.
Key ingredients: acetone, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no
Best Cuticle Oil: Jinsoon Primrose + Honeysuckle Healing Cuticle Oil
Why we love it: With years of hands-on experience in editorial shoots, fashion week shows, and her always-booked NYC spas, founder Jin Soon Choi drew inspiration from her Korean heritage and the longstanding tradition of herbal remedies in Korean beauty to create the Jinsoon Primrose + Honeysuckle Healing Cuticle Oil. This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner features primrose oil and honeysuckle extract, both known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It nourishes and repairs cuticles, especially for people with mature nails who frequently wear nail polishes or get gel manicures.
Editor tip: Use this daily to keep your nails protected and hydrated. Don’t forget to apply it before removing nail polish to create a barrier that helps prevent the drying effects of polish remover.
Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, primrose oil, honeysuckle extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you take care of your nails as you age?
As nails age, they can become more brittle, dry, and prone to splitting, making care and maintenance even more important. “Aging nails require hydration, strengthening, and protection,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. Start by regularly applying cuticle oils and moisturizing hand cream to hydrate your nails and the surrounding skin. Incorporating a nail strengthener into your routine once a week is also crucial for addressing brittleness and promoting resilience. “Weekly use of a nail strengthener can make a big difference in reducing breakage,” she says. Also, don’t forget to protect your nails from your lifestyle habits—pop on some gloves when washing the dishes to prevent hands and nails from drying out. “Wearing gloves prevents exposure to harsh chemicals,” Dr. Collins confirms. By adopting these simple but effective habits, you can keep your nails strong, hydrated, and looking their best.
How do you get rid of buildup under your nails?
To safely remove buildup under your nails, soak your hands or feet in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to soften the debris. This makes it easier to clean them without irritating the skin around your nails. “Use a soft nail brush and avoid metal tools to reduce the risk of injury or infection,” says Dr. Collins. Gently scrub under your nails with the brush, using light, circular motions to remove dirt and residue.
Meet the experts
- Miss Pop, an editorial nail artist based in New York City
- Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, (TK)
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
