I used to bite my nails as a child.

Okay the truth is that I used to suck my fingers, and when I promised my parents to stop sucking my fingers, I started biting my nails.  Now I don’t anymore, but I regret that I did, because my nails are a constant source of concern.  I try and try to take care of them, but to be honest, I just don’t know how.  I think I’m the only adult on the face of the earth who is not sure that I’m cutting my nails right.  In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m doing something wrong because I believe I either cut them too short or too long, and I ALWAYS have funny shaped nails.  Also, I’m told often that because of my past sins, my fingers are now a funny “spatula” shape, and my nails are therefore funny looking.  Or maybe it’s just the way my digits were formed – we’ll never know – I just know that I have a bit of a complex when it comes to my nails.

So I’m always looking for ways to improve their appearance – and because it is difficult for me to find beauty in my own measly attempts to do my nails, I usually end up spending $35-$40 CA for a mani-pedi at the local Asian-run nail place.  I do every once in a while realize how much money I waste on my  nails and attempt, yet again, to care for them at home.  Most of the time though, I end up going back to my manicurist.

That is until recently, when my manicurist decided to shut down and a little bubble tea place opened up in its place.  Um…okay…bubble tea does nothing for my nails (although I have to say they do make a tasty bubble tea!), and I’m now forced to actually attempt to make my nails look remotely human.

When I received the Premier Beautifying Nail Kit, I have to admit I was very, very doubtful.  I’ve tried so many things – why would this help any?  This kit is a “stimulating beauty treatment for your hands” and is meant to help you “discover the natural beauty of your nails“.  Right.  My nails?  Beautiful?!  But then I opened the kit and saw all the lovely little goodies inside – Mineral Rich Cuticle Oil, a Emery Board (they said nail file but it’s a double sided emery board), Hand and Body Cream and a Buffing Block.

Now years ago, in my early 20s (shut up it wasn’t that long ago), I was extremely obsessed with beauty and was a lot more confident in my personal beauty than I am now (I know – aren’t you supposed to gain confidence as you age?  anyhoo…another blog…), I discovered this amazing thing called a buffing block in Miami on a family trip.  I have to tell you – I almost ran out on the balcony and shouted with joy to get another of these things!  I even used one on my Uncle’s feet when he was in the hospital last year – making his very un-pedicured toes shiney and gorgeous (at least so everyone told me….it could just be that they were decent and not as horrid as they were when he first went in the hospital).  I love these things – and the more I have the merrier, cause I actually use them!  The buffing pad has three surfaces, one to file, one to smooth and one to buff – and it encourages blood flow to assist your nail growth!  Seriously – you gotta try these – they make your naked toes gorgeous as if you’re wearing clear polish – but without any chemicals.  How great is that?!

Other than the buffer, my next favourite thing in the kit was the cuticle oil – since coming to Canada, I’ve had extremely dry skin – especially around my feet and my nails in particular – and my cuticles grow like crazy weeds on crack.  I go through cuticle oil like there is no tomorrow, but usually I get the ones in the nail polish bottles with the little brushes.  This is great till I reach the end when I’m begging the brush to reach the end of the oil….The cuticle oil in the kit comes in a little tube and smells amazing.  It doesn’t feel greasy like some cuticle oils and is clear in colour, yet treats my dry tootsies as well as, and dare I say better than(?), other cuticle oils I have tried.

So if you’re out there and you see the Premier by Dead Sea Premier Beautifying Nail Kit, be sure to check it out.  It would be an awesome little treat for you or an excellent little gift for your favourite girlfriend.  Pampering is never out of style right?  And anything that makes it a little easier is always helpful!  Cheers