Makeup Moxie recently published detailed instructions on how to get rid of dry cuticles. It’s a fantastic tip that really works, so please make sure to check it out on MakeupMoxie.com.
For my take on Sally Hansen Diamond Cuticle Creme and Diamond Strength Cuticle & Nail Refiner, please read on…
My hands have been extremely dry lately and even though I try to slather them with lotion as often as possible, my cuticles in particular have been dry and “peely” (I know, I know! Kinda gross, but we need to discuss such things here.)
I noticed an (irresistible) 50% off sale on Sally Hansen products at my local grocery store, so I picked up two products from Sally Hansen’s Diamond Strength line.
The first was the Diamond Strength Cuticle & Nail Refiner, which claims to use micronized diamond powder, shea butter and pumice to “[exfoliate] dry, flaky skin and reveal fresh, more vibrant, healthy-looking cuticles.” (regularly 4.99 from most drugstores) The other product I picked up was the Diamond Cuticle + Nail Creme (5.99, most drugstores).
Both products claim to contain “Micro-Diamond particles,” with the cuticle creme boasting an “Ultra-rich Micro-Diamond Formula.” Ok. I can understand how Diamond particles could help exfoliate dry skin (though logic dictates that it might be too harsh).
I can particularly understand how Diamond particles might lend themselves to some kind of superior shine in a nail color (which, indeed, it does - I’m a fan of the ultra-glossy Diamond Shine top + base coat.) What I wasn’t buying into, however, was Sally Hansen’s claim that its cuticle cream, with its “ultra-rich formula with exclusive micro-diamond particles,” would truly provide “immediate and long-term hydration to dry cuticles and nails.” The copy on the box goes on to claim: “Instantly cuticles and nails are infused with moisture and have a radiant glow.”
Sounds great, but does it work? After only two days, my cuticles are actually appearing to look close to being freshly manicured — and I think the successful results are more from the cuticle cream than from the exfoliant. I have some doubts about the nail refiner, which is basically a gray, sandy paste — kind of like Sally Hansen’s Callus Exfoliating Scrub, but with a much, much finer grain.
Following the directions on the box, I massaged a small dab of the paste onto my cuticles and nails for 60 seconds each. It didn’t appear to be doing much, so I added a little more and massaged a little more firmly. After rinsing, my cuticles looked a little better, but weren’t that much more “translucent and luminous” as promised on the box. I’ve gotten much better results by gently massaging my hands and fingers with my ordinary body scrub (which is, at the moment, the unfortunately discontinued Purely Silk Salt Scrub in Warm Vanilla Sugar from Bath & Body Works).
The cuticle cream, however, is super rich and luxurious. I’ve been applying it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) for the last two days and my cuticles and the skin around my nails have really become noticeably, visibly smoother and more hydrated. Whether or not the “micro-diamond particles” are at work, this cream is doing the job and I truly recommend it. You can check it out by clicking here (link opens in a new window).
12 responses so far ↓
1 Sara // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I love the cuticle creme. It worked right away for me. Right after I put it on my nails and cuticles looked 100 times better.
2 Jazmin // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Hi Sara! Yes, this is still a fave for me…and it seems like this little jar lasts forever!
3 Jennifer // Nov 16, 2007 at 10:37 am
I love the cream… but can no longer find it here in Washington State local drug stores and even chain market stores. Where do you find yours?
4 Jazmin // Nov 16, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Hi Jennifer! I think the last time I saw this was a few months ago at my local Smith’s grocery store (I’m in Nevada). However, I haven’t shopped for it for awhile, so I’m not sure if it’s still around (which I hope it is!).
I did a little Googling and found the Diamond Cuticle Cream available on ebay and here on Amazon
.
Hope that helps!
5 jenn // Dec 22, 2007 at 3:49 am
The product is phenominal!! However I also havent been able to find it ANYWAY. Searchingthe Sally Hansen website I found its been discontinued. They are recommending a new product.. has anyone tried the new one? any luck?
6 Jazmin // Dec 27, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Hi Jenn! Thanks so much visiting! I haven’t tried the new one, but I’ll definitely let you know what I think of it when I do ; )
Another cuticle cream that I really like that you may be interested in trying is Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. It does a pretty good job of smoothing dry cuticles.
Has anyone else tried the new Sally Hansen cuticle cream?
7 Jennifer // Mar 25, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Jazmine,
I did find some on AMZN and by getting their credit card saved an addl $25 and got free shipping. Needless to say, I bought 7 of em’. :)
Also, I have tried the new. It is much lighter and absorbs more quickly which is nice if on the road and you don’t want that sticky/tacky feeling or the “white” outline. See, I put it on and allow it to absorb in which as you know, takes a while. The new one smells nice also, which is always good.
Diamond is still the best and I even use it on my toe nails before taking the dog walking in the AM.
Thanks so much!
8 Jennifer // Mar 25, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Additional Sally Hansen products I like are the Age Correct STRENGTH Dry + Brittle Nail Care and the Natural Nail Growth Activator.
I cannot wear polish all of the time (not even on my toe nails) as for some reason, it just ruins my nails. So, what I do is put on a single coat of the Age Correct for protection a few days a week (and for a clear coat finished look) and the rest of the time I keep my nails raw. This is when I use the Natural Nail Growth Activator and of course the cuticle cream.
The combination of it all certainly got my nails through the splitting stage. Now I have my right index and middle finger splitting (ouch and not attractive) and had forgotten what a bear it was to get past this stage, ugh!
9 Jazmin // Mar 26, 2008 at 10:59 am
lol, Jennifer, way to snap up this cuticle cream ; )
And thanks for sharing your thoughts on the new version…I’ve actually had a tube of it sitting in my bathroom drawer and I’ve yet to try it!
Sally Hansen Age Correct…is that the one that has a slightly creamy white color? If it’s the one I’m thinking of…I love it too : )
Have you ever shown your nails to your doctor? Depending on what your doctor thinks of them, he/she might be able to recommend a treatment or maybe even changes to your diet that might help cut down on the splitting problems.
10 Jennifer // Apr 27, 2008 at 11:56 am
Snap them up I did!
Thank you Jazmin for your suggestion on talking with my doc. Never thought to do that. Right now I am having split/peeling issues with 4 of the 10… not fun. It is like you keep cutting down to the quick hoping to get ahead of the peel and then it just keeps going. I love having pretty nails (all girl here) and it frustrates me, not to mention painful. My sisters and Mom have the durable nails and they can do anything… and they don’t care if their nails look good! What is up with that?
Anyway… good to bitch a little as my hubby just sort of chuckles at my problems… things could be worse, yeah, whatever I say. :)
Here’s to Spring ladies… albeit a rather chilly one so far here in Seattle!
ps. oooh, did have a great trip to O’ahu last week… so, cannot complain tooooo much.
11 Jazmin // Apr 28, 2008 at 12:42 pm
You’re welcome, Jennifer! And, honey, you can come and share your beauty woes any time. You’ll always find a sympathetic ear here : ) Most guys just don’t get it!
I found an interesting article about nails that you might find helpful. You can check it out here and see if the condition of your nails is similar to the one they describe. There are also some helpful tips in there ; )
And Happy Spring! That’s awesome that you’ve already taken a nice little spring vacay! I”ve been dying to get away. My boyfriend and I were actually talking about going to Hawaii…or maybe even Bali, which I think would be soooo cool!
12 Jennifer // May 27, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Some good tips in the article you posted Jazmine, thank you. I just started taking thyroid medication about 9 months ago and have been taking Iron off and on for the last 9 months. I am going to start taking Iron everyday now - guess it wasn’t heavier 43 yr old periods causing my low count. I tell you, if I don’t take Iron, I feel really crappy. However, hopefully we’ve found the culprit and who knows, maybe I will see an improvement in my nails over the next year due to my being consistent on both now. Zinc… hell if I know!? :)
I did finally get ahead of my peeling - cut all my nails back to the quick - ugh. All but two grew out well. I started buffing them (and not 100% correct per your article!) with the Sally Hansen buffing tool. It comes with multiple heads and the buffing head (yes I AM talking about a nail buffing device here…;) seemed to keep the peeling in check without taking it down too much so that it became too weak. I am thinking in two weeks… all 10 will be looking fine!
I also am keeping them unpolished for a few days each week and moisturizing them. That seems to help out too.
As for the Spring vacay, thank god for trips planned well in advance. Seems we always find a reason to not take them if not. Bali… never been so go and I want to hear all about it!
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