But instead of slathering on sticky lotions, there's a simpler, less slippery treatment to save you from dry patches and dagger-like hangnails. All you need is a good cuticle oil; one that absorbs easily, smells nice, and treats your skin as well as it does your nails (because they can get dry, too).
We've rounded up the best reparative cuticle oils — all of which will cure any cracks and deliver shiny, shapely nails clear through March. Shop your favorite ahead, and be sure to store it right at your desk between your dewy face mist, a 500 ml Bkr, and that trusty bottle of Visine.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Olive & June Cuticle Serum Duo
Let's face it — the only way we're going to remember to apply cuticle oil twice daily is if it's easy. This Olive & June pen is just that: With just a twist, the foam tip becomes saturated with non-greasy serum that can be dabbed around your nail bed, providing instant hydration in five seconds flat. Plus, this kit comes with two pens, one for your desk and one for your bedside table.
Olive & June Cuticle Serum Duo, $, available at Olive & June
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil
This oil may be lightweight, but it works hard: Just brush a thin layer over your nail beds, use your fingers to gently massage it in and around your cuticles, and over time, you'll see stronger, shinier nails that are magically resistant to peeling.
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil - Nail Cuticle Treatment, $, available at
CND SolarOil
It's a salon staple for a reason. At under $10, CND's brush-on formula has won legions of fans with its accessible price point and deeply nourishing blend of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and vitamin E.
CND Solaroil, $, available at Amazon
Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops
Ulta reviewers swear by this stuff to combat dry, cracked cuticles and brittle, breakage-prone nails. We suggest making it part of your bedtime routine and keeping a bottle next to your toothbrush to encourage the habit.
Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Tenoverten The Rose Oil
Standing out among the rainbow of tenoverten glossy polishes (there are over 50 different shades), this little pen is the brand's best-seller by a landslide. People love that the oil smells faintly of roses, is infused with natural botanical oils and vitamin E to soften dry, cracked cuticles, and comes in the form of handy pen with a soothing rollerball tip. (P.S. Tenoverten also launched a Celery Oil this year, if you're more green juice than florals.)
Tenoverten The Rose Oil: Nourishing Cuticle Oil, $, available at Credo
French Girl Organics Nail + Cuticle Oil
Another roll-on formula, this one smells like lemon slices and fresh-cut roses, is infused with organic hydrating botanicals like argan and tamanu oils, and sinks into nail beds instantly, leaving hands buttery soft.
Jurlique Nail and Cuticle Treatment Oil
This cuticle oil is a quick fix and a preventative treatment held in a single glass dropper. Because it's infused with avocado oil, which is rich in fatty acids, the treatment sinks into the nails, delivering immediate softness, while also protecting the skin from moisture loss and dehydration during the long winter.
Jurlique Nail and Cuticle Treatment Oil, $, available at Amazon
Nails Inc. Superfood Repair Oil
If you have broken nails, peeling cuticles, and a hangnail (or three), this repair oil will fix all your issues overnight. Just drop a few beads of oil over the base of your nail beds twice a week, and you'll have visibly stronger, healthier nails before Valentine's Day.
Nails Inc. Superfood Repair Oil, $, available at Look Fantastic
Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil
If you're looking for a more affordable cuticle-care treatment option, this one by Essie is the best pick you'll find at the drugstore. The mix of cotton seed and soybean oils seals in moisture to rehydrate cracked cuticles and keep nails smooth and shapely.
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