Rimmel’s protective base coat can be worn under your favourite nail polish as a protective base coat, or on its own to help nourish nails and give them a shiny finish. Say goodbye to weak and damaged nails! This makes cuticles supple too, with nail biters saying it soothes even their most ragged of cuticles. The only downside to note is that as this is an oil, it is… oily, so if you don’t like that texture, you’d be better suited to a base coat style nail strengthener Pros This depends on the nail strengthener you choose. Some of the more intensive formulas, such as Mavala’s nail strengthener, are designed to be used two or three times a week, while products such as CND’s Rescue Rxx can be used daily. In the case of base coat nail strengtheners, use these every time you do your nails for best results over time. What is the best nail strengthener?

This luxurious-feeling cream helps make nails more resistant as well as softening cuticles in one softly scented pot. It’s expensive for something so small, but each nightly application feels like a self-care moment, plus it looks beautiful on your bedside table. Our Swears By edits are compiled by journalists with expertise in the areas they’re writing about. To help ensure we give the best, most accurate and trustworthy recommendations, they follow several steps when choosing products. Recommendations from real parentsFinally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best nail strengthener that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you a selection of the best ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone. That said, some nail strengtheners do also work as base coats - who can resist a multi-tasking beauty buy? How we chose our recommendations CND is a professional nail brand and this is an essential in many nail tech’s kit, so you know it’s good. With continued use it prevents nails from peeling and splitting and it comes in both a nail polish style bottle and a pen applicator, for use on the go.

It feels rich and nourishing… So much so, we’re tempted to rub it over our whole hands! Fans say they can see a difference in as little as two weeks, though some do note that it’s a very rich formula, hence why it’s best for overnight use rather than when you need to go about your day. Expensive for a small pot, but my goodness it worked for me. I rub a bit in every night and my nails have never looked so healthy or been as strong as they are now..I’m not usually one to buy expensive beauty products but I’m on my second pot of this now.” Tried and tested by MillyMae I use CND RescueRxx. I’m on a medication that causes brittle nails as a side effect but have been fine since using CND.” Tried and tested by Dameofdilemma

What is the difference between a nail strengthener and nail hardener?

It certainly makes nails look healthy, filling in ridges, while antioxidant ingredients such as acai berry and vitamin E protect, while Argan and baobab oils nourish. This popcorn scented nail strengthener is a delight to use. You need no skill to apply it; just dab it all over your nail and cuticle area and rub in for fingertips that feel nourished and soft. Very top of my list for most effective beauty product. Everyone I've recommended it to is in agreement!” Tried and tested by Sunflowers and Tulips Users love it for strengthening the tip of nails, which is often the first part of the nail to show damage, splitting and bending. This provides an impressive layer of protection that even hours of typing won’t be an issue for. It’s made from ingredients with naturally healing properties, hence why it’s so soothing and we love to keep it by our bed to apply before we nod off.