The nail edit · Care

Cuticle oil and daily nail care: a simple routine

A minute a day helps any manicure — salon or DIY — look better for longer.

Updated October 2026

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A simple daily routine

  1. Oil once a day. A drop of cuticle oil on each nail, rubbed in. Bedtime is easy to remember.
  2. Between gel sets, strengthen. Give nails a break and brush on a strengthener.
  3. On regular polish, top coat. A fresh top coat adds shine and helps against chips.

Cuticle oils

#P09Care · Salon brand

CND SolarOil Cuticle Oil

The cuticle oil nail techs use: jojoba, vitamin E, rice bran and sweet almond oils.

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#P10Care · Budget

Cuccio Naturale Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil

Lightweight, fast-absorbing oil for daily use.

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Strengthener

#P11Care · Salon brand

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

Brush-on strengthener for the weeks between gel sets.

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Top coat

#P18Care · Salon brand

OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat

Classic OPI top coat for shine and chip resistance on regular polish.

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