Nail care products to keep your tips on point between those gel manicures

Let's be honest many of us are addicted to the Pinterest-perfect look of gel manicures. The glossy shine, the chip-free tips, that glass-like sparkle, so smooth you can't stop rubbing your thumbs over them.

But even with the best application and removal techniques, repetitive gel manicures can leave your nails haggard. Mainly due to tools like buffers, the polish itself and the acetone used to remove them. As a result, taking a break to let nails recuperate is always a good idea. Here are the top oils, polishes and other aids to revitalize and protect gel manicure-weary nails.

CND RescueRxx Daily Keratin Treatment

After removing gel manicures, nails can be very blah, weak and peely, especially if you try to remove the polish at home by picking at it (you know who you are!) Rub this treatment onto your nails two times a day and if you're consistent, you'll start to see a difference within a week. This sounds weird but it also kind of smells like chocolate!

CND RescueRxx Daily Keratin Treatment, amazon.ca, $19.95

OPI Nail Envy

Soft and bendy nails may have become the norm for you post-gel, but you can reverse that with Nail Envy. Thanks to added calcium and protein this stuff strengthens like a boss. The instructions for the treatment are very specific so you'll want to stick to them for best results. If you're nail damage isn't too severe, you can simply use this as a base coat. Just make sure you close the bottle properly to prevent premature thickening.

OPI Nail Envy, tradesecrets.ca, $22.50

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

If you're doing a gel manicure detox, try this cuticle oil. Keep it at your desk or in your bag and use it everyday. The cotton seed and soybean oil combo in this vows to moisturise and soften dry cuticles. Plus that fresh apricot smell will linger with you throughout your day.

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, walmart.ca, $8.96

CND Solar Oil

Your thirsty cuticles and nails will thank you after using this oil. Regular use can strengthen and condition your nails, but also soften cuticles. Put it near your couch so you can slather some on while you binge-watch your favourite show. It does leave a greasy residue so no swiping up on your phone right after use.

CND Solar Oil, nailpolishcanada.com, $9

butter London HORSE POWER Nail Rescue

Small but mighty. As the name suggests this fast drying polish treatment will rescue weakened nails. It does a great job of getting rid of that dull, dry look that settles in after removing gel manicures. The horsetail extract, biotin and calcium in it can also prevent future damage.

butter London HORSE POWER Nail Rescue, butterlondon.ca, $24

Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream

Oils really do the best job of penetrating nails and cuticles to repair damage. But if you're looking for overall moisture and nourishment for hands and nails, this is a great option for you — it really does help with dullness and dryness. This cream is rich and smooth with a delicate, pleasant smell; keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

Caudalie hand and nail cream, sephora.com ,$12

NAILS INC Overnight Detox Mask

If you're a fan of the occasional face mask, why not try one for your nails! This is a gel-based treatment that has been around for a few years. Simply massage into your nails about 20 minutes before bed and it'll work its magic while you sleep. It's got green tea, acai and a bunch of antioxidants that stimulate nail growth.  

NAILS INC Overnight Detox Mask, sephora.com, $17

Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. nnekaelliott.com