Cuticle Care for Press-On Nails: The Simple Step You Don't Want to Skip

When it comes to getting the most flawless, long-lasting results with your press-on nails, there’s one secret weapon that often gets overlooked: cuticle care.

We get it — you're busy, and spending ages on a full nail prep routine isn’t always realistic. But here’s the good news: giving your cuticles a little love doesn’t have to be a big production. In fact, the best thing you can do? Do it the night before you apply your press-ons.

✨ First things first: no cutting required

You don’t need to cut your cuticles — promise! In fact, cutting them can lead to irritation and even infection. Instead, the goal is to soften and gently push them back, creating a clean canvas for your press-ons to grip and shine.

💧 Use what you’ve got

Gem’s go-to cuticle softener isn’t actually a cuticle oil at all. It’s paw paw ointment. Yep, the same stuff you’ve probably already got floating around in your handbag or bathroom drawer.

This multitasking balm works beautifully to hydrate and soften the cuticle area, making it easier to prep your nails without needing fancy tools or extra steps.

🛁 Pro tip: timing is everything

Right after a warm shower is the perfect time to push your cuticles back. Your skin is soft, your hands are clean, and you’ve already done half the work without even realising it.

Just towel off, dab a little paw paw ointment on each cuticle, and use a cuticle pusher (or even a soft towel or cotton bud) to gently nudge them back. No pressure, no rush — just a little self-care moment before bed.

🛏️ Why do it the night before?

Prepping your cuticles the night before gives the ointment time to work its magic and lets your nails rest, clean and dry, so your press-ons stick like a dream the next day.