The Sephora guide to healthy nails
Keeping your nails healthy isn’t always easy especially in dry or dusty environments. Like skin and hair, your nails can become dehydrated which leads to flaking and breakages. Covering nail damage with your favourite polish may seem like a good idea but in reality, it could be damaging your nails further. Your varnish also likely won't last long if your nails are prone to splitting and breaking due to their poor condition.
So what can you do about it? Whether you’re hoping to achieve a glamorous look for a night out or improve your overall nail health, there are plenty of top tips and products designed to nourish nails and calm cuticles. The Sephora guide to healthy nails is here to ensure your fingers are the healthiest they’ve ever been - and glamorous to boot! Let’s run through some of the most commonly asked questions from our customers:
What manicure tools would you recommend?
This all depends on what you’re hoping to achieve! Nail files are some of the most popular and useful grooming tools in the Sephora collection because they’re easy to use and to pack. Whether you’re relying on a weekend bag or the tiniest of clutch bags, there’s always room for a slim nail file. The rough texture of the Sephora nail files are ideal for repairing broken nails or simply filing down their length.
What’s the difference between nail files and nail buffers?
Nail files are used for grinding down long or broken nails whereas nail buffers are best designed for polishing the surface of your nails and cuticles. Nail buffers are more commonly used over the flat front of the nail rather than to trim down the point. Another key difference is that nail buffers tend to be made of slightly softer materials which are less abrasive on the nail. Using a nail file the way you would a nail buffer would likely be too rough.
Can I file and buffer at once, rather than buying multiple products?
Yes! The 4 Step Nail Buffer from the Sephora Collection is the ultimate manicure tool because it works as a fingernail file and a nail buffer in one go. In fact, it features four surfaces to help you file, buff, polish and shine your nails. Not only is the 4 way nail buffer a helpful tool to have around, it comes with a vibrant colourful pattern on each of the four sides. It looks great, your nails look great - everyone wins!
Which are better - glass nail files or metal nail files?
You may not have heard of glass nail files but they’re becoming an increasingly popular grooming tool. They’re known to seal the keratin layers together at the edge of the nail in a bid to improve strength and overall nail health. Glass nail files are made of ground crystals which create a fine, gritted finish. Many customers find this more effective when shaping and grinding down bumps on the nail’s surface.
On the other hand, metal nail files can be great for use on thicker nails. Metal is one of the most durable products which means it can tackle tougher surfaces including acrylic nails. Bottom line - use glass nail files for natural or delicate nails, and metal nail files for thicker or false nails.
Are emery boards the same as nail files?
Kind of. When many people say ‘nail file’ they’re really referring to emery boards which are cardboard-backed devices for filing your nails. These are the most common type of nail file and can be found everywhere and anywhere - including the Sephora collection! Glass nail files and metal nail files differ from emergy boards in their textures and use of materials.
Phew - that's our essential guide to manicure tools for you to digest! If you know the difference between your files, buffers and emery boards, then congrats - you nailed it!