Perfect Cuticles Are Yours! Dior Creme Abricot Review

Even on a good day, my hands take a beating, what with a job that requires multiple washes in harsh antibacterial soap and the duties that go along with raising three kids. Dishpan hands doesn't begin to describe it. Add to that the fact that I tend to be, shall we say, hit-or-miss with the hand cream, and I've got a disaster on my hands (pardon the pun). On top of all these issues, now I'm dealing with cold, dry weather and dry heat indoors.

In response to all of this, I prayed to the gods of good cuticles, and lo and behold, they sent me to the Dior counter for Creme Abricot. The clouds parted, the angels sang, and my prayers were answered. 

Creme Abricot has been a cult favorite since 1963. As a matter of fact, Dior refers to Creme Abricot as a "Cult favorite multi-tasker". And multi-task it does. Applied to the cuticles nightly, this cream truly works miracles. A tiny dab at the base of the nail soothes and moisturizes the skin around the nails, softening cuticles and smoothing rough patches. Nails are strengthened, as well. My hands have literally transformed due to this product alone. Before, they were dry and mangled, with horrifying hangnails, ragged cuticles and thin, brittle nails. Now I have invisible cuticles, the hangnails have disappeared, and my nails are fortified and strong. I've also used it on my lips. When I wake up in the morning I have plump, soft, moisturized lips, and if I have any flakies left, they are easily exfoliated with a washcloth. 

Now, before you run out to purchase this little wonder, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, Creme Abricot is very thick. So thick that it takes the warmth of your skin to "melt" it enough to really sink into the affected area. Even then, a heavy layer of product remains on the fingertips, so I'd definitely recommend this for nights only. 

Here are a couple of shots showing the thick, ointment-like consistency: 

It's very heavy and dense, and can be a bit difficult to manipulate until the warmth of your fingers emulsifies it. However, once you get it going, it feels wonderful. And although it's pricey at $23.50, it requires such a tiny amount that it will last forever. 

Another thing you need to be aware of is that it contains lanolin and mineral oil. In my opinion, these ingredients are the cornerstone of its effectiveness, but then again I don't have issues with animal derivatives or mineral oil, so your mileage may vary on that one. 

Finally, it does have a fragrance. It's not overly strong, but it's definitively floral (I would have expected a fruitier scent for something called Abricot, but I guess the name refers to the color). If you are opposed to fragrances you may want to steer clear. 

Bottom Line: I'm in love with this product and will never be without it. It's done my hands so much good! I no longer feel embarrassed to shake hands with people (although I still get skeeved out by that, being a germophobe). I don't mind when people ask to look at a ring I'm wearing (I never used to wear rings, specifically because I didn't want to draw attention to my hands.) Essentially, it's by far the best cuticle and nail treatment I've ever tried.