Do-it-yourself cuticles that even I can do!

I have an admission. When I'm left on my own to take maintain the cuticles of my fingernails I pick. And then bleed. I'm a bit of a masochist apparently. I don't know when to stop. I have a loyalty to a nail salon near my home and they are wizards with my nailcare. But that kind of upkeep takes it's toll on the pocketbook.

Now, I can extend my time between salon appointments myself by using a quick and easy cuticle remover, an orange stick, and limiting my usage of a cuticle clipper.



This little beauty really does work! Following the directions, I do one hand at a time, putting the gel directly on my cuticles. Gently pushing back the gel/cuticle with the wooden stick (I used a metal cuticle tool and oops, scraped some of the top layers my nails off. That remover is POWERFUL stuff and I pushed too hard.). Immediately after I use the orange stick I immediately wash my hands, trust me, get that stuff off your hands as soon as you can. It works really fast and really well. The little bits that need to be clipped off are easy to see and super soft so they come right off when...well, clipped!

Since I purchased the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, I've been able to give myself mini-manicures every two weeks since my last manicure which was easily two months ago. While a professional manicure is always the best, I'm very happy with the results. I don't recall precisely what I paid for it, but I believe the cost was under $5.00 US before taxes.

Do you have any handy finds for maintaining your nails?