Ok, I’ll just go ahead and admit it: I am a chronic nail biter and hangnail-picker. But let’s be honest, plenty of us have nails that could use a little work, and going around with unflattering nails is just not fun!

So, since I am dealing with this annoying little habit that hasn’t seemed to outgrow itself, I decided to do what I do, and experiment a bit. After a few sessions of trial and error, I discovered this amazing cuticle and nail treatment. It’s a do-it-yourself, easy-to-use, treatment that worked wonders in softening my cuticles and improving the appearance of my nails.

Try it for yourself!

Ingredients:
• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon evening primrose oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil

Steps:
1. Add ingredients to a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Close bottle and shake well to mix ingredients.

To Use:
1. Put one drop of mixture on each nail and massage into cuticle, nail bed and surrounding skin.

Ingredient Benefits:
Avocado oil is one of the most recommended oils for cracked, dry and brittle nails. Evening primrose oil is a luxury oil, high in essential fatty acids and often used to prevent nail splitting and cracking. Lemon essential oil strengthens and brightens nails, and both lavender and tea tree oils have strong antibacterial properties.

If you try this treatment, please let me know what you think!

What are your suggestions for healthy cuticle and nail upkeep?

Welcome to a new series here at Vintage Body Spa, Facial Friday! Each Friday we’ll post on different aspects of facial care.

We’re gearing up to launch our new facial care line in the next few weeks. The products provide a great and easy way to care for your delicate facial skin. The products use botanical extracts and luxurious oils to fight the signs of aging while protecting and moisturizing. Here’s a brief overview of the products that will soon be available:

CLEANSERS
Coconut Milk Cleanser – deep cleans to remove oil, dirt and makeup. Has a wonderful light, natural coconut scent.

Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser – gently cleans all skin types, but is especially beneficial for mature, aging skin.

TONER
Cucumber and Aloe Toner – gently removes residue while balancing skin’s pH level. Hydrates skin with cooling organic cucumber and soothing organic aloe.

MOISTURIZERS
Botanical Facial Lotion – light, natural daily moisturizer to hydrate and nourish skin.

Oil-Free Moisturizer – herbal, oil-free moisturizer that provides excellent hydration for oily skin. Non greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and shine-free.

SERUM
Antioxidant Serum - oil free serum provides a boost of antioxidant (age-fighting) power to your skin care routine. Helps to improve skin texture, tone and radiance.

NIGHT CREME
Hydrating Night Creme – deeply nourishing nighttime moisturizer to hydrate and replenish skin.

Restorative Night Creme – power packed nighttime moisturizer evens out skin tone and helps restore skin’s youthful appearance while you sleep.

TREATMENTS
Microdermabrasion Creme – gently slough off dull, dry and damaged skin cells with the same tiny microdermabrasion crystals that the high-end spas use

MASQUES
Detoxifying Masque – deep clean pores and control excess oil production.

Moisturizing Masque – gently cleanse pores without stripping away precious moisture.

Refining Masque – removes impurities, evens out skin tone and revitalizes skin while fighting the signs of aging.