Forget the Emery Board and Czech Out These Mont Bleu Glass Files

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To continue with my posts on nail care, I thought I'd talk about the Mont Bleu Glass Nail files, which are my nail file of choice.  I came across glass nail files a few years ago and have since extolled the virtue of glass nail files over the usual cardboard or metal nail files. 

Crystal/glass nail files used to be a little expensive but this set of three only cost me $12 from Amazon (affiliate link). The set I got came in three sizes: a mini file for travel-use, a medium sized file for all-purpose use, and a large file for your feet. Each file came with a plastic holder and I also got two test tube style hard cases that will fit the mini and medium sized files in case I wanted to travel with them. The files also come in other colors and styles decorated with Swarovski crystals.

What makes glass files different? Glass files work well to shape and file your nails but it takes so little effort. The glass file is also so much more effective than emery and metal files for taking down length and it's so perfect for fine-tuning your edges. You won't be spending ages trying to file down your nails anymore. 

When I transitioned over to my stiletto nail shape, I only used my glass file to get clean edges. I've tried other glass files before and I swear the Mont Bleu ones are the best. The Mont Bleu ones are a little different than others since they're etched and not merely coated with grit. The Czechs really know how to make a glass nail file. I highly suggest investing in them (but just be careful how you store them so they don't break!).

Have you tried out crystal/glass nail files before?

Nail Butter | Nail Treatment Review

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So if you've seen my nails lately, you'll know that they've grown out super long and most everyone asks how I manage to do it. The thing with growing out your nails is that long healthy nails are due in part from good upkeep and moisturization. Happy nails are hydrated nails and I've got a good rotation of products I use. Along with my DIY Cuticle Oil and cuticle balm (from Sunny's Body Products), I have added Nail Butter to my routine.

Learn How to Make Your Own Cuticle Oil

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When I last posted about My 5 Essential Nail Care Products, I mentioned about how I've been making my own cuticle oil to use on my nails. Using cuticle oil is one of the tips I highly recommend if you want to grow your nails out. Moisturized nails and cuticles lead to happy nails. Given how often I use cuticle oil, I decided to mix my own homemade cuticle oil. I got my recipe from Epic Nail Time, which is supposedly a recipe for Bliss Kiss Nail Oil. What's nice about mixing up your own homemade cuticle oil is that you can control the quality of the oils used. Want cold pressed or organic oils in your mix? Use them!

My 5 Essential Nail Care Products

I Purchased This Press Sample Affiliate Links

Whenever anyone takes a look at my nails, they usually ask one of two things: "Are those your real nails?" and "Did you do them yourself?". They're long enough to make people wonder if they're fake but they're not thick (like they would be if they were acrylic) it makes people question if they're fake. I thought I'd share a few of the items I use to keep my nails in shape.

Crystal Nail File. Once you go crystal, you'll stop using those metal or paper nail files. They always stay sharp and file nails cleanly and quickly. I am currently using a La Vaque Crystal Nail File but I also recommend the Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files, which get a ton of great reviews in the nail community. 

Farmhouse Fresh Whipped Honey Salt Scrub. Each week (or every manicure change), I always prep both my hands and nails with a scrub. I'm currently enjoying the Farmhouse Fresh Scrub since it doesn't leave any residue behind after I use it. It just does what it says it does and exfoliates both my hands and nails for my manicure. It comes with a wooden spoon (not pictured) so you can scoop out as much as you need. It's also vegan! You can get this at Beauty Collection online or in stores.

Farmhouse Fresh Whoopie Cream Shea Butter. Working as both a hand and body lotion, the Whoopie! Cream Shea Butter is light but moisturizing enough to work wonders. It's not too heavy and has a fabulous sweet scent. The scent reminds me of the filling of a whoopee pie. It's also packaged in a glass pump bottle so it looks fabulous on your bedside table or in your bathroom. You can get this at Beauty Collection stores.

Sunny's Body Products Intensive Cuticle Therapy. I've mentioned the wonders of this cuticle oil before I'm sure. The line comes in an incredible amount of scents so you're sure to find a scent that will suit you. It doesn't absorb too quickly so it helps keep your cuticles moisturized. I've been really happy with this and another DIY Cuticle Oil I've made (which I'll post about soon!

Sunny's Body Products Miracle Balm. Although I love cuticle oils, I'm sure there are people out there who can't stand dealing with oils. Have no fear because the Miracle Balm is here. This cuticle balm lives up to its name; it's an absolute miracle for moisturizing your cuticles and nail without dealing with the feeling of oil. Like all the other Sunny's Body Products, you can get this in the scent of your choice. I usually scrape a bit off with each nail, then rub it into my nail and cuticle.

What are your nail care essentials?

Disclosure: I purchased the Intensive Cuticle Therapy and Miracle Balm. I won the Crystal Nail File. The Salt Scrub and Whoopie Cream were sent for consideration. There are affiliate links in this post.