Is anyone else shocked by how much money a teeny bottle of cuticle oil can run you? Sure, the packaging might be adorable - not to mention functional - but once you realize how little oil actually comes in that nifty little pen (2 ml?!), it can be a little disheartening. Would you knowingly spend more for a cuticle oil than a luxury face oil? Because, ounce-for-ounce, that's often what we're doing.
My inner frugalista couldn't quite stomach that realization, so I set out to make my own. I used a mini nail polish bottle I bought on Ebay, but you could also use a lip gloss pen/tube or other packaging.
Cuticle oils mainly provide moisture, so you can use just about any plant oils you have on hand. I chose:
Sweet Almond Oil, because it's very emollient and great for moisturizing and reconditioning the skin.
Argan Oil, because it's high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that help repair skin damage and strengthen the nails. It's also quite lightweight and quick to absorb.
Marula Oil, for its high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C and for how well it works to reduce redness and inflammation.
Tamanu Oil, because of how extremely healing it is. Known for healing virtually every skin ailment, tamanu is great on damaged skin, rashes, sores, cuts and abrasions and more.
Young Living Peace & Calming, a mix of tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy essential oils, because I'll probably use the cuticle oil most before bed and this relaxing blend is great for helping you fall (and stay) asleep.
I didn't use exact measurements - just eyeballed it - but the basic proportions I used were:
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| The ingredients |
2 parts sweet almond oil
2 parts argan oil
1 part marula oil
1 part tamanu oil
Young Living Peace & Calming blend (I used 5 drops for a 5ml bottle)
1 part marula oil
1 part tamanu oil
Young Living Peace & Calming blend (I used 5 drops for a 5ml bottle)
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| Before mixing. Look at those layers! |
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| And after mixing, all blended together |
I've only used the oil a couple times so far, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I can smell the tamanu oil a little (it's that pungeant!), but the essential oils cover up the scent enough so that it's not overwhelming.
The nail polish brush makes targeted applications to just your cuticles super simple, and the mix rubs in easily too. It's pretty light in texture, but also very nourishing.
What do you think? Would you try something like this?
This sounds really lovely! I just use plain ole olive oil on my toes and finger when they are looking rough... it has help the health of my nails tremendously!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Olive oil works great I bet :)
DeleteLooks lovely, especially before mixing :)) I've also done something like this but I keep forget to use it! :) xx
ReplyDeleteI loved how all the colors looked before mixing! I've been known to forget too, but I've got it right on my bedside, next to my lip balm and hand cream, so hopefully I'll remember :)
DeleteBrillant idea!! I am going to try this ASAP!!! I hate buying overpriced products when you don't have to :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Let me know how it goes if you give it a try :)
DeleteI definitely want to try this! My cuticles definitely need some loving during this cold time of year and I've almost been tempted to spend money on cuticle oil. I think this DIY is a great idea because I already have a lot of great plant oils I can use :) Great post!
ReplyDelete-Kasey
Thanks Kasey! My cuticles definitely suffer in the winter too. This has been helping a lot though, even after just a few days :)
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