How long should you leave cuticle oil on? Once absorbed into the skin, cuticle oil can remain on until your next hand wash—the longer it's on the skin the better. If applying before nail polish, make sure the oil has been completely absorbed first or the polish won't set properly.

However, only specifically designed cuticle oil will move across you're your gel or acrylic nails to keep them flexible and protect your manicure. Cuticle oils penetrate deeper than standard oils or moisturisers, which will only superficially soften.

You can drop it on, brush it on, or roll it on, depending on the type of applicator you have. Then take a minute to massage the oil into your cuticles. Use cuticle oil before bedtime, after you have pushed back your cuticles, or whenever you have free time.