Ah cuticles, that most neglected part of my beauty routine. It’s hard to keep on top of all of it, isn’t it? And frankly, the little bits of skin that meet your nails are quite far down my list. 

However, I have been shamed into action of late having noticed that not only do said bits of skin seem to creep halfway up my nails, but that I am also currently plagued with little flaky bits. You know the kind: you try and tug then off – and they end up peeling back as far as your elbow and bleeding until teatime. So, it’s cuticle care awareness week (in my house anyway) and here’s what I’ve got going on.

First up is Mavala, my first port of call for anything nail related. Their Cuticle Oil (£10.65) is easy to paint on with the little brush, and last for ages. I’ve been doing what the brand recommends and applying a layer at bedtime, massaging it in. In the morning, after a shower, my cuticles are soft enough to push back with an orange stick and overall it’s looking a lot neater in the hand area.

Next to this on the shelf is Dr Lewinn’s Nourishing Oil (£11). I love the herbally smell of this, and the addition of olive and apricot oils to soothe and nourish. It’s not too greasy either, meaning a quick brush on over polish in the morning won’t leave you feeling like you stuck your mitts in the butter dish.

Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops (£14.95) are more like the kind of thing they use when you’re getting a manicure. A drop on each nail makes flaky bits a thing of the past, and I love the combination of hydrating argan oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. A real hardworker.

When I’m in a hurry and can’t be doing with a brush or dropper, my go-to is Martha Hill Intensive Nail & Cuticle Treatment (£8). Purse friendly, and containing tea tree, lavender and rosemary essential oils, this is a super-rich cream that not only sorts cuticles, but seems to make my nails grow in tougher too.

For my handbag, I’ve got Pure Thoughts Olive & Lemon Cuticle Balm (£3.95). It comes in an adorable little tin and smells delicious. A hand saviour when you’re out and about and tempted to tug at a hang-nail…