Frequent use of nail cosmetics such as polishes, removers, top and base coats, causes nail splitting or brittleness because they contain chemicals that  dry up the nails.Some experience yellowing of the nails.

To keep this from occuring, keep nail paint on for a maximum of 7 days and then remove them to give nails “breathing time.” Also, switch to a polish with a gentle formulation that are made without formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

I use Elianto base coat before I apply paint on my nails. It keeps nails from yellowing and makes it strong. They have a number of colors and tried a few of them but for wide variety of brilliant colors, try The Face Shop. Both are Korean brands and are gentler on the nails. I sometimes finish off with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails as top coat to keep the color brilliant and help protect the nails from breaking. In case I make a mistake, which I often do when I apply polish on my nails, Sally Hansen Manicure Clean Up Pen comes real handy. Its a felt-tipped marker with built-in acetone that makes manicure clean ups a breeze.

I love long nails and there have been times when I do break my nails when I open soda cans or when they get caught when I zip on my jeans. In case you break a nail and fret about how long it’s gonna grow long again try Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle. The keratin, collagen and multi vitamins in it speeds up nail growth in as little as 5 days plus it has soy proteins to keep in moisture.

Another must try is Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer (available at Nail Spa Shangri-La Plaza). Apply every 7 days to strengthen and repair nails and see results within a month’s time. They also have lacquer paint that are safe even for pregnant women.

Places to get a mani/pedi:

California Nails and Day Spa has always been tops on my list on occasions when I don’t feel like doing my own nails. I go to their GT Tower branch in Makati.

If you’re into nail art, try the Cawaii Nail Art at Appleseed Skin and Nail Spa in SM City San Lazaro in Sta. Cruz. This anime-themed concept spa specializes in nail, spa and skin services and is staffed by Japanese-trained therapists. Most of their fashionable nail art deigns come from Korea.
Their first branch is in Shijuku  district in Japan but the flagship store is here in the Philippines.