Since I've been actively trying to get my right thumb nail to fix itself (I have a split in the middle that won't heal and has been like this for the past 3+ years. I’m guessing it’s from acrylic nails), I finally went to see a dermatologist to see what the dilly. He said it’s called nail dystrophy and is caused by trauma to the cuticle. Ok, but how is it fixed? I did some research online and ew, not a pretty sight to google “split nail causes,” or “nail trauma,” as you can guess. Some causes of nail problems are nail fungus, which is pretty common, even in the fingernails.

After my derm assured me that my thumb did not have a fungus and this was not the cause and that yes, it probably was caused by acrylics, I felt the need to find something to apply to my other nails, just to be sure. Again, eww. From our friends at QTICA is their Solid Gold Anti Bacterial Oil Gel and this one is a combo anti-bacteria formula and cuticle oil in a sanitary clear tube. Rice bran, almond and jojoba oils as well as tangerine, peppermint and tea tree. Just be careful you don’t rub your eyes after applying this on your cuticles as the peppermint doesn’t feel good in the eyes! $11/.5oz, $19.99/1.7oz @ qtica.com.

I’ve been wearing this lippie a lot on the weekends and after 8 or 9 hours with it on, my lips are suffering with dryness and flaking. Thank goodness I been piling on the QTICA Intense Lip Repair Balm ($12 @ amazon.com). Not only does the menthol provide soothing relief but the honey, essential oils, aloe, tea tree  and beeswax help to heal the delicate skin.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided to Cybelesays.com for review purposes.

It’s hard to believe and I still don’t know if I quite believe it myself but a simple tap tap of my nails on the table and it’s true. What am I talking about? My nails! I have been using QTICA’s Natural Nail Growth Stimulator for the past 5 weeks and I’m simply stunned, stunned that my nails feel stronger than they ever have before. So how did this come about? My hair stylist, Kristin came over to do my do recently and she had beautifully colored nails that were long but not at all claw-like long. I swear the convo was like a commercial and went something like this:

Me: “Wow, your nails look great!”
Her: “It’s Qtica.”
Me: “Really?? I’ve seen the ads in magazines but never gave it much thought but I’ll have to now.”

If you are a regular reader then you’ve heard me complain and gripe about the state of my nails and that they peel and just never grow. So what’s the secret to this one? “Sulfur amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins strengthen the nail by bonding and locking keratin together and creating and extra layer of nail to prevent peeling and protecting new nail growth.” Simply apply a coat everyday and watch them grow.

So will this go into the Hall of Fame? I want to give it more time but it looks good right now. Will keep you posted! Totally worth the $20/bottle @ amazon.com.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided to Cybelesays.com for review purposes.

Smell it, swipe it, spritz it or don it. Here are some more recommendations for our Best of Spring Beauty on-going feature. From L to R clockwise:

 

QTiCA Papaya Star Sugar Scrub ($14/7oz @ sleekhair.com)
SPA RITUAL Lacquer in Spice of Life ($10 @ dermstore.com)
DuWOP Doubleglow7 in Deep ($25 @ dermstore.com)
KENZO Eau de Fleur de Soie Silk ($55/1.7oz bluefly.com)
BOBBI BORWN Long-Wear Cream Shadow in New Steel ($22 @ sephora.com) from The Platinum Collection.
HONEYCAT COSMETICS Kiss Good Night Pink Peppermint Lipgloss ($16 @ honeycatcosmetics.com)
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