Hand care is an important part of looking after yourself.  When the weather is cold, hands can become dry and sore.  We recommend regular use of hand cream to keep your hands soft and smooth.  This helps you to feel and look lovely.

Keeping your cuticles in good condition is a key part of hand care, and in fact general care for your self, because cuticles form a seal around the edge of your nails to keep out germs.

You will find below a number of reviews for hand creams, and some other products for hand care.   The prices shown were checked in September 2008, unless another date is show.

 Our reviews give a score for each product ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).  These scores are based on perceived quality, price and our opinion.  If you disagree, we’d love to hear from you.  Email us on 2patricias@looklovely.net  

Hand Cream Reviews:

The Body Shop

Hemp Hand Protector  £10 for 100ml

This is a great product if you’re after an intensive treatment for dry skin.  Particularly recommended for DIY enthusiasts who suffer from extremely dry and cracked skin.  This is a heavy duty, functional product which does it’s job rather than a cream to apply when going out for the evening.SCORE 4

 

Boots

Botanics Overnight Hand & Nail Cream £3.49 for 100ml

A very thick and rich cream that leaves a slightly sticky coating.  Good if you have dry skin.  You will probably want to use a lighter hand cream by day. SCORE 5

 

Burt’s Bees

Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Crème £12 for 2.6 oz. (from www.myburtsbees.co.uk) According to the label, this is a 99% natural product.  Pat found it very effective in moisturising her dry and cracked skin.  However, it has a very pungent smell and when used at night her Wonderful Husband asked, ‘What’s that smell?’  She decided to find another hand care product.

SCORE 2

 

Champneys

Overnight Sensation Hand Care Treatment £8 for 75ml

Lovely smell!  Light textured cream that absorbs quickly, and works to moisturise hands overnight.  Pat purchased this at a reduced price in Sainsbury’s, so look out for similar offers.

SCORE 4

 

Cicaleine

Balm for Cracked and Chapped Feet & Hands

£5.75 for 30ml (from www.foot-shop.co.uk)

Pat writes:

This product sounds very exotic.  It is manufactured in Monaco by Asepta, a company who made their name by developing a special foot cream for croupiers in the famous casino. 

This balm is brilliant if you have extremely dry, cracked skin.  For a few years I was resigned to having peeling, split, sometimes bleeding skin during the winter months.  My exotic sister-in-law gave me a tube of this product, purchased from a pharmacy in Portugal. 

After about two weeks, the skin on my hands was entirely intact.  I have continued to apply it about twice a week, and now also use it on my feet.  The improvement has been dramatic. SCORE 5

Clarins

Hand and Nail Treatment Cream £14.99 for 100ml (Superdrug price)

Used regularly in the morning and evening, this is effective at keeping hands and cuticles moisturised.  Price is a bit high, so if you are on a money saving campaign, try using less expensive products, concentrating on regular application.

SCORE 4 

   

 

Cath Kidson

Rose Hand Cream

 £8 for 75ml

Beautifully scented and effective at moisturising your skin.  But it’s the packaging that makes this product special. 

SCORE 4

 

Liz Earle

Hand Repair £8.50 for 75ml

As with all Liz Earle products, this is not tested on animals, nor does it contain any animal ingredients. Non-greasy cream with vitamin E and Echinacea includes a mix of essential oils that leave a delicate scent.  And it is effective. SCORE 4

 

Marks & Spencer

Formula  3 in 1 Anti-ageing Hand, Nail and Cuticle Cream +SPF15    £5 for 75ml

Light consistency, absorbs quickly.  Mild fragrance does not linger to clash with other scent you might choose to wear.  Hand cream with SPF15 is great for summer. Good value; I would buy this again.  SCORE 5

 

 

Molton Brown

Naran Ji Soothing Hand Lotion SPF15 £12 for 75ml

This rubs in really well and smells divine.  As a bonus it contains SPF15 sunscreen and offers triple protection from UVA/UVB rays, skin dryness and premature aging.  A bit pricey for every day use, but nice for when you are going out.

SCORE 3

 

 

Nivea

Hand Age Defying Q10 Plus £3.79 for 100ml

Slightly thin consistency leaves hands feeling wet for about a minute after application.  Try keeping this one by the kitchen sink, and apply before putting on rubber gloves to wash dishes.  The warmth from the water will help the cream sink into your skin.  SCORE 2

 

Simple

Intensive Hand Cream £2.49 for 100ml

Excellent value for money.  Absorbs quickly, leaving hands feeling soft and smooth.  No scent reduces possibility of allergic reaction.  This is a product for money saving Careful Squirrels.

SCORE 5 

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Hand Wash Reviews:

 

Ecover

Hand Soap with lavender & aloe vera £3.10 for 250ml

It says on the label that this product benefits humans, the environment and wildlife.  I can’t vouch for the latter two, but it is definitely kind to my skin.

SCORE 5

 

Molton Brown

White Mulberry Fine Liquid Hand Wash £14 for 300ml

Beautiful product to put out in your guest bathroom or cloakroom.  Beautiful fragrance, chic packaging.  Also recommended as a hostess gift.

SCORE 4

 

Other Product Reviews

 

The Body Shop

Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment  £7 for 1.8ml

The most impressive part of this product is the clever packaging.  The oil is contained within a pen-shaped applicator, with a brush tip.  The lid is shaped for use as a cuticle pusher, so it can help you to have neat and healthy cuticles as well as stronger nails.

SCORE 4

 

Leighton Denny

Nail Care Products

Tricia writes: Leighton Denny sells a whole range of manicure and pedicure products.   The nail products are aimed at conditioning nails plus making them look great.  I was confused by the array of products when ordering on-line.  I telephoned and was advised by an extremely helpful, knowledgeable salesperson. 

The box I purchased comprised: 

Bio Build polish remover – this is gentle on nails.  It is an acetone free product, which aims to build and strengthen the nail.  It takes a little longer to remove polish, but I would much rather take extra time than use a harsher product. (June 08 price £6 for 12ml)

Bio Build Serum – applied before nail polish to build up the nail.  It can be rubbed into the nail or cuticle daily.  I love applying this, as I know my weak nails have been conditioned.  (June 08 price £10 for 12ml)

Bio Build Shield – applied over the serum to seal it in.  It looks like a clear nail varnish, giving sheen to the nail.  You have the option of applying coloured nail varnish on top. (June 08 price £10 for 12ml).

A nail file was also included in my kit.

There are other variations of boxes available and products are sold individually at http://shop.helenmarks.co.uk

SCORE 5