The DIY cold weather hands manual you simply have to master.
The winter chill can play havoc with skin, especially hardworking hands that are exposed to the elements all the time. Its easy for hands to get neglected. And nothing looks tackier than sporting cool, in trend nail polish on chipped, ragged fingernails. The first step to pretty pinkies is some TLC to pretty up your hands. Follow the four hand-saving tips before checking out Nykaas winter nail paint selection:
Tip 1
Hydration: Moisturize your hands every time you wash them. Your hands are no different from your complexion. Wouldnt you moisturize your face each time you wash it? Then why should your hands be treated differently? If youre in the habit of using a hand sanitizer several times a day, your hands need even more care because the alcohol in hand sanitizer can be drying on hands. Nykaa likes Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.
Tip 2
Night time pamper: Just as you lavish extra care on your face before going to bed, nighttime is perfect for applying a rich hydrating cream or treatment oil on your hands before going to bed. Massage your hands well concentrating on areas of dryness like the cuticles and nail beds until the cream/oil is absorbed fully. If your hands are extra dry, wear a pair of cotton gloves after the massage to help the product work its way into skin overnight.
Tip 3
Gentle exfoliation: Like the rest of your skin, your hands need exfoliation too to rid them of dead skin and keep them baby soft. Exfoliate your hands once a week using a gentle home-made scrub. Simply combine sugar, olive oil, honey and lemon juice. Gently massage into your hands keeping the mixture on for ten minutes before washing it off. Follow up with a moisturizer.
Tip 4
Protect your hands: Prevention is always better than cure. Wear protective gloves while doing housework especially while working with strong detergents, bleach and other cleaning agents to prevent reactions and over-drying. Avoid washing your hands with harsh soaps and opt for gentle hand washes like Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Sulfate Free Hand Wash. Dont forget to use sunscreen on the back of your hands too because direct exposure to sunlight is the number one cause for skin aging and sun spots. With regular care, your hands will be soft, smooth and ready to sport some trendy winter nail colors.
Here are my Top Ten nail polish picks for tips and toes this season
Rs. 350
Size: 11.7 ml
A deep burgundy with flecks of shimmer and a spicy cinnamon scent!
Rs. 75
Size: 7 ml
A glowing raspberry pink that looks stunning on every skin tone. Great color for toes as well!
Rs. 400
Size: 15 ml
A rich royal blue with a glossy gel finish. This looks very chic in winters!
Rs. 350
Size: 11.7 ml
An understated earthy rose for ladies who like to keep it simple and understated!
Rs. 350
Size: 7.68 ml
An edgy combination of matte black and pearly silver nail art!
Rs. 200
Size: 10 ml
A classy way to sport some bling with a pearly pewter shade. She is or she isnt?
Rs. 250
Perfect rich berry color to perk up chilly days. Rich yet bright, this is the perfect winter selection!
Rs. 85
Never underestimate the power of red! Such a great way to make a statement. Works well on toes too.
Rs. 145
Size: 8 ml
A classic creamy wine color; a little vampy yet sophisticated!
Rs. 125
Size: 6 ml
A trendy textured matte black polish with flecks of silver, just like a starry night!
By Ankita Chaturvedi, beauty blogger and author of Corallista.com, a one stop destination for beauty reviews, looks and tutorials