How do you, and what do you use to, take care of your hands/nails?

[asecretlemonadedrinker]

My nails are quick growing, but brittle and bendy. I want to invest in a great set of products instead of every now and again paying up to £30 for a manicure which doesn't last (obviously :)) I am bogged down with all brands saygint ehy are the best - what do you use, if you do a thorough job yourself?

Thanks :)

I will be interested to see the responses to this,as like you asecretlemonadedrinker, my nails are crap!
What I have discovered though is this hand cream,which is the best I have ever used-and believe me I think I have tried them all!
And this oil for cuticles. It has really softened the skin around the nail. I file off the rough skin regularly now,and it makes my hands and nails look so much better.

I use jojoba oil on hands and nails most days - just a few drops, rub in really well and leave to soak in if you can. I also like Clarins Hand and Nail cream but whatever cream you use, rub into beds of nails really well, at least morning and evening. And always ALWAYS use rubber gloves when washing/cleaning anything - my nails have got much stronger since I stopped putting them in water all the time

I have weak bendy splitty flakey nails and Jessica nail treatments work a treat on strengthening them. You just paint it on like a nail varnish base coat every few days and when they've grown a bit and are healthier you can use it as a base coat under polish. Their website will probably recommend which treatment is right for your nail type.

Eat a cube of jelly a day. My friend has shit nails after having acrylics for years. She started doing this about 2 months ago and her mails are like rock.

Get a really good nail strengthener, I use OPI Nail Envy. Use this twice a week. Invest in a really good cuticle cream. I use Burt's Bees and Argan oil. Use a nail file that is no too hard and file outwards in. Never straight across as it will split your nails. I have a glass nail file which is good so far.

2nd rubber gloves for washing up/cleaning.