My cuticles can go from zero to ragged in 3.5 seconds, especially in winter. During a recent visit to French Pink Kara, my nail saviour/manicurist, suggested I try Scholl's Eulactol Cuticle & Nail Cream Gold. It's an emollient cream that works to keep the cuticles hydrated.

Before going to bed every night I pop a small amount on the pad of my index finger and massage the nail beds and along the cuticles until the cream has been completely absorbed.

The biggest test for me was my visit back to the States and going two whole weeks without a manicure. The horror, I know. To prevent my cuticles from drying out, I religiously slathered this stuff on in an effort to keep my nails as happy as possible.

It's been close to two months since I first started using Eulactol Cuticle and Nail Cream Gold and I've noticed a major improvement. Manicures last longer (less chipping), my two problem nails (right index and middle fingers) no longer peel, cuticle trimming is almost a thing of the past and pulled hang nails heal in record time (note to self: stop pulling them).

The only slight downer is the scent, it smells like old lady perfume. If you can get past that, your cuticles will go from this (said in my cheesiest infomercial voice):

Slightly dry cuticle situation bringing down this awesome mani (wearing CND's Vinylux in Cake Pop and Black Pool) — Slightly dry cuticle situation bringing down this awesome mani (wearing CND's Vinylux in Cake Pop and Black Pool)

To this:

I went three weeks without having to trim my cuticles (wearing Sephora's Devious over Essie's Midnight Cami)

I was so happy with the results I even left a tube with my Dad to help treat his troublesome nails.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Scholl's Eulactol Cuticle & Nail Cream Gold:

$9.99 AUS

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

10 out of 10 bags — works hard while I get my sleep on.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

I'll be getting multiple back-ups.

Sporting Illamasqua's Marquise over OPI's Where Did Suzi's Man-go? (nails by me)

I l-o-v-e getting manicures, it's probably my biggest treat. In order to reign in my spending I cut back on weekly manicures, thankfully I took loads of mental notes and pictures and I think I'm now well equipped to paint my own talons every now and again.

My one takeaway tip from watching the pros do what they do is properly wiping off excess polish on the rim of the bottle before bringing the brush to the nail. A giant glob of polish is far more difficult and messier to deal with and takes entirely too long to dry.

To keep my cuticles in fighting form (especially in winter) I invested in a bottle of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil. Simply dab a small drop where the nail meets the cuticle and gently massage in. I find that if I keep the bottle near the sink it serves as a gentle reminder for me to apply it before hitting the pillow.

Another favourite product of mine is OPI's Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment. This mighty tube of goodness helps to prevent hangnails by keeping my cuticles properly hydrated.

Elemis' Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream

For those times when I don't have cuticle oil in close proximity, I count on moisturiser (the workhorse kind) to keep my hands soft.

These are my go-to hand moisturisers:

Elemis' Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream* - I keep this baby at my desk. The lotion melts into my skin and nails without leaving behind a greasy residue.
Provence Sante's Hand Cream - merely purchased to keep the French Pink memories alive. This stuff is the cat's pajamas.
The Body Shop's Spa Wisdom Africa Honey & Beeswax Hand and Foot Butter - Personally, I really hate the jar it's packaged in, but I'm willing to deal because the scent and texture is pure magic.
The Body Shop's Almond & Nail Cream - Why Body Shop, why did you have to break something which didn't need to be fixed? The texture and overall performance is still the same, but the scent! Why?!?!

Hand lotion is my BFFL, can't you tell?

Also, be sure to invest in a really good pair of cuticle trimmers and remember to be super careful when nipping off dry bits of skin around your nail. Here's a helpful video from Cute Polish which showcases her nail care techniques.

Finally, I take one Flaxseed Oil supplement every day which helps to keep joint soreness in my knees at bay (yes I'm getting older) and the other added benefit is my nails have become noticeably stronger.

Healthy hands and nails make for happy hands and nails.

*PR sample provided – Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.