Wondering why your mani doesn’t last? Try these cuticle oils to keep the skin around your nails in tip-top condition

The secret to a long-lasting manicure? Keeping your cuticles nice and hydrated in between your nail appointments. Enter: cuticle oils, AKA every nail technician’s best friend. They’re full of deeply nourishing natural ingredients such as vitamin E, olive oil, shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera and jojoba oil – all of which will encourage healthy nail growth as well as ensure lasting hydration. Think of it as an essential part of your daily skincare routine.

After all, when our nail beds are cracked and parched, sometimes even the richest of hand creams just won’t cut it. This also applies to those of us who are fans of nail extensions (especially acrylics and press-ons), which can often result in severely dry and damaged nails and breakage.

Just a few drops of a quality cuticle oil can also help repair flaky skin and hangnails as well as help your nail tech push back the skin more efficiently too. And if you’re a fan of a Russian manicure, you probably already know that healthy cuticles are key when it comes to perfectly polished manis.

The best part is that they come in all shapes and sizes. From convenient cuticle oil pens with brush and rollerball applicators for on-the-go top-ups to full-size bottles to keep on your nightstand – there’s definitely no shortage of options.

Best cuticle oils at a glance:

OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil To-Go

Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil

Cuccio Revitalizing Cuticle Oil Manicure Milk And Honey

That said, sorting through all the cuticle oils on the market is far from an easy task. After all, there’s just so many factors to consider: from ingredients and packaging to the brands and your budget. But fear not, because we’ve done the hard part for you and have scoured through all the best options that the retailers have to offer. We’ve also taken the time to trial said cuticle oils to test out their formulas first-hand. So here goes, your definitive guide to the very best cuticle oils around…

Need manicure inspo? Read up on our guide on best nail polishes ever, best top coats as well as our roundup of the best trendy nail art designs. Plus, everything you need to know about getting french tips and autumn nail trends. You’re welcome.

For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.