Latest news with #NailEnvy
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Do you have flaky, weak nails? Get them strong and long in one application with 5-star Boots buy
Restore your nail health for less than £10 QUICK FIX Do you have flaky, weak nails? Get them strong and long in one application with 5-star Boots buy RESTORE your nail health with Boots' five star buy that will leave them feeling stronger and longer in just one application. Beauty fans have been racing to Boots to get their hands on this nourishing nail and cuticle care pen. Advertisement 2 The No 7 product that restores nails, leaving them longer and stronger Credit: Boots The Boots product that will heal your nails If you are looking to restore your nail health this summer, Boots may have the perfect solution. The No 7 star product has become the latest craze amongst beauty enthusiasts. The Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Care Pen has been billed as the ultimate solution to flaky, weak nails, and it won't break the bank either. Retailing for just £6.95 the treatment provides continuous moisture which nourishes the skin and promotes nail growth. Advertisement The product description recommends users massage the product into nails and cuticles once a day to see the best results. This nail saviour has gone a storm with Boots shoppers, with the product receiving 100 five star reviews. Glowing reveals for star nail product One glowing review reads: "Absolutely the best cuticle cream I have used - very easy to use and super results. "Having used more expensive brands I now realise that No 7 is the one I will always use in the future." Advertisement Another delighted shopper added: "One one application and I have noticed a difference. "My nails were flaky and split all the time. They are now actually growing without breaking." Beauty fans can get their nails done professionally for just £5 in Superdrug - here's how One happy customer also praised its affordable price point, writing: "Very cheap bur very good product!!!" The hypo-allergenic product comes in a 10ml container. Advertisement How to keep your nails in pristine condition Nail techs often recommend that avid acrylic and gel users take breaks in between every few sets, to give them a bit of a break. If you're looking to start the natural journey or are looking to just enhance nail condition, nail strengtheners and cuticle oils are a great place to start. Other nail strengtheners and oil that The Sun recommends include OPI's Nail Envy, Sally Hansen's Miracle Cure, and Jessica's Bend Don't Break. If you are in the market for another more affordable option, Barry M's Mani Hero is less than £5 and promises to be a great quality, budget-friendly alternative. Advertisement Earlier this month, nail pro Sarah Green, also told The Sun the four things people should avoid doing to keep them in good condition. Among her pro tips were avoiding using hot water, using UV protection and applying cuticle oil. Following this advice may help ensure your at-home manicure stays in pristine condition and chip-free for much longer. NAILS NO-NO A NAIL expert has revealed the two words that prospective clients say that can gets them ghosted. There's plenty of bad habits such as being glued to your phone and creating awkward conversations that can lead to a frosty atmosphere in the salon. But some beauty fans could ruin their chances of an appointment before they're even through the door. Nickie runs her own salon in Musselburgh, East Lothian, and also trains up other prospective nail technicians. In a recent TikTok video, she revealed her "unpopular opinion" about message enquiries. She said: "I'm not replying to you if you just write to me 'how much'. "Sorry? How much for what? How much for nails? How much for training? Eyebrows? Hair? A lift to your mum's house? "Like what even happened to 'hey how are you?'. Not even a 'how are you?' Just like a 'hi'. "'Hi. How much is nails?' Or 'how much is training?' "[Just] 'How much?' Like? I'm sorry but I can't even reply because I feel like it's like a waste of my time because then I know you're not going to reply back to me again." 2 The No 7 product has been a huge hit amongst beauty lovers Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Do you have flaky, weak nails? Get them strong and long in one application with 5-star Boots buy
Restore your nail health for less than £10 QUICK FIX Do you have flaky, weak nails? Get them strong and long in one application with 5-star Boots buy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RESTORE your nail health with Boots' five star buy that will leave them feeling stronger and longer in just one application. Beauty fans have been racing to Boots to get their hands on this nourishing nail and cuticle care pen. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The No 7 product that restores nails, leaving them longer and stronger Credit: Boots The Boots product that will heal your nails If you are looking to restore your nail health this summer, Boots may have the perfect solution. The No 7 star product has become the latest craze amongst beauty enthusiasts. The Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Care Pen has been billed as the ultimate solution to flaky, weak nails, and it won't break the bank either. Retailing for just £6.95 the treatment provides continuous moisture which nourishes the skin and promotes nail growth. The product description recommends users massage the product into nails and cuticles once a day to see the best results. This nail saviour has gone a storm with Boots shoppers, with the product receiving 100 five star reviews. Glowing reveals for star nail product One glowing review reads: "Absolutely the best cuticle cream I have used - very easy to use and super results. "Having used more expensive brands I now realise that No 7 is the one I will always use in the future." Another delighted shopper added: "One one application and I have noticed a difference. "My nails were flaky and split all the time. They are now actually growing without breaking." Beauty fans can get their nails done professionally for just £5 in Superdrug - here's how One happy customer also praised its affordable price point, writing: "Very cheap bur very good product!!!" The hypo-allergenic product comes in a 10ml container. How to keep your nails in pristine condition Nail techs often recommend that avid acrylic and gel users take breaks in between every few sets, to give them a bit of a break. If you're looking to start the natural journey or are looking to just enhance nail condition, nail strengtheners and cuticle oils are a great place to start. Other nail strengtheners and oil that The Sun recommends include OPI's Nail Envy, Sally Hansen's Miracle Cure, and Jessica's Bend Don't Break. If you are in the market for another more affordable option, Barry M's Mani Hero is less than £5 and promises to be a great quality, budget-friendly alternative. Earlier this month, nail pro Sarah Green, also told The Sun the four things people should avoid doing to keep them in good condition. Among her pro tips were avoiding using hot water, using UV protection and applying cuticle oil. Following this advice may help ensure your at-home manicure stays in pristine condition and chip-free for much longer. NAILS NO-NO A NAIL expert has revealed the two words that prospective clients say that can gets them ghosted. There's plenty of bad habits such as being glued to your phone and creating awkward conversations that can lead to a frosty atmosphere in the salon. But some beauty fans could ruin their chances of an appointment before they're even through the door. Nickie runs her own salon in Musselburgh, East Lothian, and also trains up other prospective nail technicians. In a recent TikTok video, she revealed her "unpopular opinion" about message enquiries. She said: "I'm not replying to you if you just write to me 'how much'. "Sorry? How much for what? How much for nails? How much for training? Eyebrows? Hair? A lift to your mum's house? "Like what even happened to 'hey how are you?'. Not even a 'how are you?' Just like a 'hi'. "'Hi. How much is nails?' Or 'how much is training?' "[Just] 'How much?' Like? I'm sorry but I can't even reply because I feel like it's like a waste of my time because then I know you're not going to reply back to me again."
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
11 best nail strengtheners: from OPI's Nail Envy to treatments under £5, tested by a qualified nail tech
WHETHER you're an acrylic enthusiast, shellac lover, or regular BIAB user, you may often dabble with the idea of going naked nail. Although it seems scary at first, as an avid acrylic wearer myself, I often consider taking a break and going bare nail just to see how my natural nails are holding up. 12 If you're looking to start the natural journey or are looking to just enhance nail condition, there's no better place to start than with a good nail strengthener. Just like our skin, nails can become dehydrated, dry, and brittle, making getting your nails done that little bit less fun. There are plenty of factors that can lead to this, from hormones and ageing to improper removal of gel or acrylic nails – but that doesn't mean you have to lay down and accept brittle nail defeat! The easiest and quickest way to nurse your poorly nails back to health is with a nail-strengthening base coat that encourages repair and growth, leading to strong and healthy nails that you won't want to hide away. So, read on to find out which strengthener came out top (coat). How I tested I enlisted the help of my mum, who is constantly using her hands whether it's washing up, gardening, hairdressing or coming into contact with harsh chemicals - basically, putting her nails through the mill. I also tested them on my own nails in between acrylic sets to really put these strengtheners to the test. OPI Nail Envy, £18 OPI Nail Envy, £21.90 £18 BUY HERE Pros: Dries quickly, smooth finish, nails look healthy Rating: 5/5 I mostly wear my nails natural or with just standard nail polish on, so it's important to me that I take good care of them. I've tried a couple of nail strengtheners in the past, including Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, but I've always been interested in whether it would be worth investing in a more premium option. I used the OPI Nail Envy straightener exactly as suggested, by applying two thin coats back to back, and then adding another layer daily for a week. The idea is that the strength gradually builds up over time. Each coat dried down really quickly - which is great as I have a pet peeve with polish that takes anything longer than a minute to dry - and it left a clear, glossy finish that was completely streak-free. I'd be happy to wear this on it's own when I'm not opting for a colour, but it can also be used as a base coat. By the end of the week, my nails did feel stronger, less bendy and less prone to breaking. Yes it's expensive, but if you're trying to steer clear of salon treatments, I'd highly recommend this for anyone trying to boost their natural nails. Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, £11 BUY HERE Pros: Only one coat needed Rating: 8/10 With over 70 years of expertise, it's safe to say that the brand Sally Hansen is a master in nail care and with this in mind, I was intrigued to see how the Miracle Cure strengthener shaped up. With a patented 'Micro Mineral' formula exclusive to the brand, Miracle Cure promises to fill in cracks and instantly reinforce nails, great news for anyone with nails that tend to peel easily alongside breaking. Upon application, one single thin coat with this formula seems to be sufficient, which also means that it'll last longer. Giving a nice, healthy sheen while also working as a protective base coat makes this a good all-rounder. My nails felt smooth and shielded while wearing this. The generous 13.3ml bottle also makes this great value for money. OPI Nail Envy, Bubble Bath, £18 Rating: 10/10 An iconic shade in the OPI world, having Bubble Bath as a two-in-one strengthener is definitely a bonus point. Recently hailed by Molly Mae as her go-to shade, which she religiously wears, this subtly coloured nail strengthener is a definite favourite of mine. If you're looking to go natural but are too scared to go fully nude, the Bubble Bath strengthener is the perfect option. The product contains Tri-Flex Technology, which strengthens and protects against peeling or splitting, and I definitely noticed an improvement in nail strength within just one week of using it (and this was after a removal of acrylics, which always leaves my nails feeling a little worse for wear). The only downside to the product is the price point; however, a little goes a long way with this product, and it is definitely an investment in achieving salon-quality nails at home as well as strong and healthy ones too. Barry M Mani Hero, £4.49 BUY HERE Pros: Inexpensive with a great selection of ingredients, great budget option that remain effective Cons: Less intensive than others , feels thinner Rating: 7/10 Inexpensive, great quality, and coming in an array of vivid shades, Barry M's nail paints are a staple product in any nail aficionado's stash. The Mani Hero, containing PHA's and AHA's to restructure, is not just great for the price, but great in general, rivalling many pricier options on the market. Easy to use on a regular basis, the violet-hued base goes on clear and dries semi-shiny, with a slight tack, allowing polish to glide on top evenly. This didn't feel as intensive as some of the others but still includes a selection of beneficial ingredients; definitely a great one to go for, but if your nails are in a dire state, it may be better to opt for something stronger. Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment, £15.99 BUY HERE Pros: Nails looked great, works as a standalone product as well as a strengthened Cons: Pricey for the 9ml size Rating: 8/10 My initial thoughts upon the first application were how gorgeous this looked alone and I was definitely swayed by the subtle pink sheen. Podiatrist-turned-businesswoman Margaret Dabbs's eponymous line is one to keep on your radar for effective luxury. Containing a key skin conditioning ingredient, neonyca, alongside argan oil, Pure Nails promises to harden nails and smooth ridges, and I can attest to this. Upon two coats, my unsightly horizontal nail ridges were camouflaged and looked akin to a fresh manicure, although if you're not one for a soft delicate pink, this works fantastic as a base coat. The formula also includes smart micro-bonding particles, which claim to seal the nail and prevent discolouration. After a week of three applications, my nails felt rejuvenated and strong and looked a treat. Jessica Bend Don't Break, £20.10 Jessica Bend Don't Break, £21.50 £20.10 BUY HERE Pros: Quick drying, 7-free Cons: Strong odor, pricey Rating: 8/10 Formulated with polymers that work to increase flexibility, Bend Don't Break promises to turn weak nails into resilient ones, but does it hold up to these claims? For starters, the quick-drying formula is a plus. With two coats put to the test three times a week, my nails felt pretty rock solid. I can also report back that, impressively, they survived a brutal kitchen drawer incident in which only my nail polish chipped, but the nail itself stayed in one piece. Impressive. Wearing this alone, my nails felt smooth, protected, and even brighter. My only gripe would be the price, this isn't the most affordable option out there, however, with all being said - it's reliable and does the job well. The formula is also vegan and 7 free (free of 7 of the toxic chemicals that can sometimes be found in nail products). Leighton Denny Renovate Shield, £13.05 BUY HERE Pros: 73% Plant-based, contains Panthenol and vitamin E Cons: None Rating: 8/10 Touted as a 'nourishing, smoothing, rejuvenating facial for nails' and with ingredients such as nourishing avocado oil, rice bran oil and vitamin E, Leighton Denny Renovate Shield might appear to be more of an oily treatment than a strengthening base coat. However, this targeted treatment base works hard to rebuild and protect, whilst including a cocktail of nutritive ingredients to turn around the flakiest of nails. I initially wore two coats under my nail colour and then another coat was applied each other day to provide an extra protective shield. This resulted in no breakages and nails that looked and felt healthy. Nailberry Strengthen & Breathe, £19 BUY HERE Pros: Breathable, halal, gluten-free, 12 free Cons: Expensive Rating: 8/10 Multi-award-winning brand, Nailberry is committed to clean, toxin-free luxury nail products. We also equally adore the attention to detail and chic box that the bottle comes packaged in, but in terms of nail strengthening, do they deliver? Strengthen & Breathe is recommended to be used once or twice a week as a stand-alone reparative treatment, or to replace your usual base coat. The milky white base dries clear, and instantly forms a smooth, protective layer on the nails, drying in a minute or so without any pesky streaks. After one application, my nails even looked like they were in perfect condition immediately After two weeks of wear, I did notice that, underneath the polish, my nails did indeed look brighter and felt smoother. Impressively, this is also free of alcohol as well as being vegan, cruelty-free and halal-approved. At £18.50, it may be on the slightly higher end of affordability, but for a luxury option, this is a nice pick. Orly Nailtrition, £13 Orly Nailtrition, £15.95 £13 BUY HERE Pros: Subtle pink shimmer, easy-to-grip cap on bottle ensures foolproof application Cons: Slightly tacky when dry Rating: 9/10 Designed to stimulate growth within two weeks, Orly's Nailtrition contains a number of hero ingredients, such as calcium, hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein, all working together to speed up growth on nails that continuously split and peel. The wide brush evenly distributed to the nail, and bonded nicely to it and I also loved the subtle pink shimmer that it gave. Orly says that this helps disguise nail imperfections (which is great news, as I have many!) Using two coats per application was sufficient, to begin with - although I did apply an extra sneaky coat on top of my polish throughout the week to top up on protection. Usage over two weeks definitely resulted in my nails feeling thicker and stronger and overall, healthier. With this in mind, I'd say that Orly lives up to its promises. Mii Cosmetics Strong + Stable, £19.50 Mii Cosmetics Strong + Stable, £19.50 Pros: Comes in two sizes, ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients. Good for ridges. Cons: None Rating: 9/10 Coming in a handy option of two sizes, Mii's Strong & Stable base coat is formulated to bring thin and peeling nails back to life. With the addition of pistacia resin oil (which promotes keratin growth and also contains healing properties), this dual-purpose strengthening treatment dries down to a glossy finish and also helps to maintain maximum wear out of your polish. The medium-sized brush was great, as it ensured an even distribution of product with no overloading. Two swipes of polish work best with this product. Mii's directions recommend applying this every other day, whilst using this specifically as a treatment. After 8/9 days of continuously using this, the nasty ridge on my index finger had considerably improved after using this product - pretty impressive. OPI Repair Mode, £23.92 OPI Repair Mode, £23.92 BUY HERE Pros: Easy to apply formulation, absorbs into nails instantly. Can be worn under a base coat. Invisible Cons: Pricey Rating: 9/10 The first of its kind, OPI's Repair Mode isn't a strengthening base coat like the others, but a bond-building nail serum, think of it as Olaplex treatment but for nails. Using a specialist patented 'Ulti-Plex' technology, Repair Mode not only rebuilds keratin but also creates new bonds in nails and contains vitamins A & E. This little black glass bottle claims to be the only nail-strengthening product you'll need. Advertised as a serum, I expected this to have an oily consistency, but this was not the case at all, and it was absorbed immediately. Although this isn't technically a base coat, my nails still felt as though there was a protective, albeit invisible layer on them. Within a couple of days of usage, my nails felt less flaky at the tips, and ridges felt much smoother to the touch. I'll be looking forward to incorporating this into my nail care routine and using it in tandem with a restorative base coat. Best nail strengtheners FAQs Where to buy nail strengtheners The good news is nail strengtheners are available on most well-known beauty sites such as Boots and Superdrug as well as Amazon. Some of our top picks, such as Sally Hansen, Barry M and OPI can be found at the majority of high street chemists. What to eat to strengthen nails Obviously, not everything can be solved externally, so it's important to aid the external appearance of nails with internal assistance, such as a calcium and iron-rich diet. Alongside this, another key ingredient for nail growth is biotin, found in milk and eggs. This is also commonly known for its positive effects on hair growth as well as our nails. What is the best nail strengthener? As with most treatment products, results can vary with individuals and what the nails have been through — your natural nail condition will play a big part in how effective each product will be. However, it appears that the clear winner was OPI Nail Envy, despite the price point, it offers the quickest treatment and leaves long-lasting results. How do nail strengtheners work? Nail strengtheners create a protective barrier that works to reinforce the nail structure, reducing breaking and peeling. They get to work fast, and most will allow you to see results within just one week. There's no ingredient in a nail strengthener that can enhance growth per se, but by building the foundation, it makes them stronger for when they do grow naturally. What is the difference between nail strengthener and nail hardener? Nail strengtheners and nail hardeners both have distinct roles in nail care, but each has different purposes. Strengtheners are designed to enhance the overall health and flexibility of the nail, helping to prevent future breakage. On the other hand, hardeners are intended to make nails more rigid and resistant to bending and splitting by providing a protective coating. Hardeners are generally recommended for short-term use, whereas strengtheners are more suitable for long-term maintenance. How often should I use nail strengthener? Nail strengthener can be used every time you have a manicure or even when you're giving your nails a break and want to give them a bit of TLC in the form of a treatment. Ingredients to look out for in a nail strengthener In terms of the ingredients to look out for in a good and nourishing strengthening product, Vitamin C and retinol are both key due to their ability to increase collagen, one of the main components in the nail bed.
Business Insider
29-04-2025
- General
- Business Insider
My home manicure must-have is this nail strengthener — save 20% on OPI Nail Envy
I've been doing my own manicures at home for years. Not only does it help me save money I would be spending at the salon, it also forces me to take a much-needed break from other tasks. My nails are now one of the things I get complimented on the most, but perfecting the process took years of practice. After lots of trial and error, I can now say that the secret to a good manicure is a good base coat, and there's no better one I've tried than OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener. Plus, it's on sale now during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event. I originally started using Nail Envy on its own to help my nails recover for a few days in between manicures. Weeks with polish on my nails could leave them peeling, brittle, or dehydrated. Once applied, the nourishing ingredients in Nail Envy's formula, like biotin, calcium, and vitamins, had them looking and feeling good as new in no time. The shiny finish also looks great on its own. When I don't have time to do my nails, quickly swiping on two coats of the fast-drying formula makes my nails look more put together in seconds. I've even gotten compliments on my nails when I only have clear Nail Envy on. But using Nail Envy as a base coat under regular polish is the real game changer. Like other base coats, it evens out the texture of my nails, making it a great canvas to paint more polish on top of. Not only does using it as a base coat make my manicures last longer, it also strengthens my nails over time and keeps them protected underneath the polish, so they still look and feel healthy after removing it. Nail Envy is also available in different colors, so you can play around with layering them. With over 6,000 five-star reviews, this nail strengthener is clearly also a favorite of Amazon shoppers. "For several years, I had manicures done with powder dip, and a couple of my nails had a bad reaction. I quit those manicures and started using this, and it is wonderful," said one reviewer. "It has really improved the strength of my nails, and my nails are getting very healthy once again. Great product!" "Wow! OPI Nail Envy exceeded my expectations. I've always liked the regular OPI Nail Lacquers, but Nail Envy is a much better and stronger formula for weak nails. I've been having problems with my nail tips flaking and peeling. I work a very hands-on retail job, and handling freight and merchandise is really hard on our nails and cuticles. I've tried other strengthening polishes, but they didn't hold up well," said another reviewer. "This stuff does! It's way more durable for daily wear than I expected. My hands actually look nice!" With the current Summer Beauty Event discount on Amazon, OPI Nail Envy is 20% off. Add it to your cart now for just $16 while the deal lasts, and check out our full roundup of the best deals from the Amazon Summer Beauty Event. Still shopping? Browse through the full for more deals.
