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Easy and Natural Brush-On Recipe for Cuticles

I am blessed with strong and fast-growing nails. I'm not sure if it's correlated to having strong nails, but my cuticles are a challenge. They'd take over half of the surface of my nail if I let them. I'm exaggerating, but not by much. Wintertime is especially rough on my cuticles, and the skin surrounding my nails becomes tougher.

I love using handmade cuticle balms that are packaged in either small jars or in lip gloss style swivel tubes. There are artisans that make some lovely ones that smell beautiful and work well. The balms, however, can take time to apply and unless I rub the balm in well, it doesn't reach the nooks and crannies between my nails and surrounding skin.

I recently began using a cuticle oil that I prepared myself and store in a repurposed old nail polish bottle. It does wonders in keeping my cuticles and surrounding skin soft and winter-proofed. I haven't yet seen an all-natural cuticle oil, though one might exist... I can make my own, so I haven't actively searched. I have seen brush-on cuticle oils, but they contain synthetics. One mass-market brand also contains alcohol which is drying to the skin.

Unfortunately, it seems difficult to find empty, new nail polish bottles. I strive to avoid harsh and synthetic products in my personal care regimen, but I usually keep my nails polished (clear or color), and typically have nail polish bottles on hand. If you know of a source for new, empty nail polish bottles, please let me know. There is someone on eBay selling new, empty nail polish bottles that have printing on the side (for whatever brand they are). If this individual is still selling them, you should be able to find them if you do a search for empty nail polish bottle. I haven't purchased anything from this seller, so I can't comment on the seller or the bottle quality.

Other packaging and application options include small roll-on bottles or bottles with dropper tops. Either of these methods will still require that you work the oil in more thoroughly than the brush method.

Easy Cuticle Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 fl. ounce cold pressed carrier/vegetable oil. I recommend a carrier oil that is rich in EFAs. I love the results that I've experienced by using cranberry seed oil, but any cold pressed carrier oil will work.
• 5-8 drops of an essential oil that is gentle and helpful to the skin. Lavender, tea tree, patchouli or sandalwood are possibilities and chances are you have at least one of these oils on hand.

Instructions:

• Add carrier oil to a new or thoroughly cleaned nail polish bottle.
• Then add the essential oil. A dropper or pipette can help add the oils to the narrow opening of the nail polish bottle.
• Shake well.

Directions for Use:

• Brush onto cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails.
• Massage in.
• Apply as often as desired, but discontinue use if you experience any problems. I apply it at least once daily in the wintertime.
• Bacteria and moisture from your fingers and nails will be transfered onto the brush and into the bottle each time you apply the oil. Because this simple recipe does not contain preservatives, it is recommended that you discard any remaining cuticle oil after two weeks and replace with a fresh batch.

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