Come wintertime, harsh winds, dropping temperatures and drying heaters can make hair, skin and nails seem pretty lacklustre. If you’re finding that this is the case, it’s time to start using stronger formulations to protect, hydrate and reinvigorate your nails. Make sure that you have all of these four bases covered, and give your nails a little bit of TLC..

Condition
Before you start, it’s important to really moisturise the area. A keratin-enriched cream will make a big difference to the strength and appearance of your nails, infusing them with naturally protective protein. A rich formulation such as the Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Intensive Nail and Cuticle Therapy, £7.20 will soften cuticles, easy brittleness, and reduce breakage.

If your nails are particularly out of shape, try a more intensive formulation such as the Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails, £17.00 , a thick salve that penetrates the nail and the surrounding area to encourage growth and vitality. Nails are deeply conditioned, nourished and healthy.

Prep
Once nails have are properly hydrated and prepared, it’s time to seal that moisture in. Nail phenomenon Nailtiques Protein Formula No 3, £11.40 is a protein-packed formulation that helps to regenerate brittle nails. When used as a base coat, it not only keeps nails feeling healthy and strong, but also acts as a barrier for nail staining and the brittleness that can be caused by some nail polishes.

If you want to strengthen weak nails and make your nail colour go the distance, then the Dior Base Coat, £14.50is just the thing. It’s neutral-pink colour helps to reflect the true colour of your chosen nail colour, whilst providing the optimal base for it to adhere to. Protective, growth-promoting, strengthening, and quick-drying, it’s the perfect base!

Colour
When you have a good base coat, you can go a little wilder with your colour and not have to worry about nail staining. Just as well really, as the Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer, £12.30 has an intense and gorgeous spectrum of colours that beg to be worn. We’re rating Ange Ou Demon, a sumptuous magenta hue shot through with a silver shimmer that is perfect for brighting up dull winter days.

If you favour a more classic look, the Clarins Glossy Nail, £13.00provides intense colour, brilliant shine and an even finish. Being Clarins, these hardworking colours care for nails too, with myrrh to boost hydration and cysteine to strengthen.

Protect
Your hands are prepped, primed and moisturised, and your colour is perfectly applied. All that’s left is a top coat of Nailtiques Oil Therapy, £7.95 to make sure that it all stays in place. This isn’t an ordinary top coat; the blend of oils and vitamins help to seal in moisture, give nails a healthy shine and also helps your nail polish to set quickly. A moisturising alternative to traditional top coats that will make brittle nails a thing of the past.

Now that your colour is finished, you need to make sure that your hands and nails stay strong and moisturised. For keeping hands supple and soft, you can’t get much better than the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, £15.75, a balm-like cream enriched with an incredible 20% shea butter, along with honey, almond oil, and coconut oil. Hands are deeply nourished and protected against the harsh winter climate – no more painful cracking!

Take a look at our full range of nail products from colour to conditioning here.