Winter Weather Faux Pas: Fix Dry, Brittle Nails

A couple of days ago on a particularly uneventful subway ride home, my best friend and I lamented over the dry air and unbelievably cold weather that NYC is throwing our way. What's the one problem bugging said bff?? The fact that her nails were dry and brittle and any (and all) nail polish she wears cracks within a day of wear.

Now this is something she can't handle. She owns well over 30 bottles of nail polish, each in a strikingly bright shade, and the inability to wear them has caused mass panic and hysteria. As the best friend, I'm mostly the one hearing her sad cries. It wasn't 'till I learned that said friend DOES NOT use a top or base coat that I lost every ounce of pity and rolled my eyes at her situation. Well, duh?!!

She fears spending money on a clear bottle of something that might probably disappoint her, and I don't blame her skepticism. What would I recommend at a time like this? A brand known for their deep commitment to nail care and has never let me down...CND. I LIVE by my Speedy Top Coat and can't imagine life without it (because of course all life would cease to exist if your favorite something ever ran out...or worst, got discontinued...right?). Here's a regimen that will take care of any nail polish issues albeit polish that chips easily or color that lacks luster. Read on, gals. Take notes.

In dry climates, nails are more likely to become brittle and break. Make sure you take care of your nails and use a base coat that will not only aid in the wear of your nail polish but that can strengthen nails at the same time.

CND's Toughen Up Base Coat works by cross-linking keratin in the natural nail (our nails are made of keratin). Toughen Up is a 3-free base meaning that it is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), which are some of the most toxic chemicals found in products and can cause cancer, developmental/ reproductive problems and allergies.

This strengthens your natural nails as well as helps prevent surface staining of natural nails.

After applying your color, use Super Shiney Top Coat for high shine and color protection. This product is also 3-free so you know it's safe. Super Shiny gives nails a scratch-resistant shine and seals the color for maximum wear. The UV absorber also guards against fading and discoloration.

Some more winter nail care tips:

• Wear gloves whenever you're outside-they'll help your skin and nails retain some moisture.
• Take care of your cuticles! Push them back...DO NOT CUT THEM! After washing your hands, rub an oil, like corn or soy, on your wet skin, then dry off. This seals in moisture thus keeping dry hands at bay. Follow up with your fave moisturizer. I'm lovin' CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion it's cheap (around $13 where you go) yet hydrates like none other. 
• You can also take biotin supplements if you're up to it. I've never done this so I can't vouch for how effective it is. You can also take calcium supllements because without enough calcium your nails get dry and may split. 

I'm no doctor so I'd check with one before you go off poppin' pills. ;) Do you have any other winter tips and tricks??

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross and aid in the relief effort. Thank you.