Cosmetic Basics

Dry Brittle Nails

Carolyn Siegal, DPM, a podiatrist in Beverly Hills, recommends rubbing vitamin E oil or shea butter cream into your nails and cuticles once or twice a day and before bed.

You should also wash your hands with a nonsoap cleanser (chapped Hands Cleanser by C.O. Bigelow, $12, is a great one) or a hydrating soap (such as Softsoap Shea Butter Liquid Hand Soap, $2). As a last resort, apply a rich cream (like Dove Regenerating Hand Cream, $6) before slipping on moisturizing gloves, which you can wear to bed (Bliss makes a good pair: Glamour Gloves, $48). Don't forget to drink plenty of water!