Our hands are in our lives' daily spotlight, often without realization -- we write with them, cook with them, raise them, hold them, shake them, etc. With winter's harsh temperatures doing a number on hands and nails, they become unsightly, ragged and untouchable. Cracked hands, peeling nails and untamed cuticles are harming one of our most important extremities.

No need to fret; there is a multitude of products that can bring hands and nails back to their natural beauty. So before you tear at that dried-out cuticle until it bleeds, consider my list of budget-alternative suggestions.

Cuticle Crèmes

Just like hands, cuticles need to be nourished to prevent major damage.

Splurge: Kiehl's Imperial Moisture Cuticle Treatment ($18.99 at folica.com) is the cuticle savior. Thick and ultra-moisturizing, the treatment contains avocado and vitamin oils to aid dry cuticles and maintain their health.

Save: Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Crème ($5.99 at drugstores) smells like fresh-cut lemons and offers intensive care for brittle nails and dry cuticles with Vitamin E.

Hand/Nail Creams

Hand creams are great, but how about one that also makes your nails stronger with one product?

Splurge: Caudalíe Hand and Nail Cream ($19 at Sephora) leaves hands smelling subtly of sweet oranges and without any greasiness. Thanks to antioxidants and vitamins, hands are hydrated and nails are revitalized and strengthened.

Save: Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand & Nail Revitalizing Hand Lotion ($3.99 at drugstores) will strengthen nails with Keratin, making them stronger and less susceptible to chipping and breaking while Vitamin E softens hands and infuses them with moisture.

Rebuilding Nail Proteins

If your nails are peeling, soft and/or splitting, it's time for some intense protein therapy.

Splurge: Barielle Nail Rebuilding Protein ($17.50 at Bath and Body Works) helps get nails back to their natural levels of strength and health. The formula bonds weakened nails if used two to three times per week for three weeks on polish-free nails.

Save: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure for Severe Problem Nails ($9.99 at drugstores) promises stronger nails in days, thanks to natural proteins and antioxidants that seal bonds in nails almost instantly.

Fortifying Basecoats

This layer between polish and nail is vital for smoothing the surface for a manicure and also for protection. Remember to apply two coats for extra fortification.

Splurge: Poshe 4-in-1 Treatment Basecoat ($15.99 at Ulta) is especially designed for weak nails, strengthening them with just a few coats.

Save: China Glaze Calcium Gel Fortifier ($5.95 at folica.com) revitalizes with calcium, strengthening even the weakest nails and helping them grow longer.

Nutrient-Based Nail Colors

Enriched nail polish colors keep your fingertips stylish and healthy.

Splurge: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour ($19 at chanel.com and department stores) offers 20 off-the-runway shades in a moisturizing and strengthening formula. And you don't have to worry about spilling while applying; the bottle is designed not to leak, even if it's tipped over.

Save: Wet 'n' Wild Crystalic Calcium Enriched Nail Color ($1.99 at drugstores) comes in 15 fresh shades that will nourish and keep nails looking hip with just a few coats.

Shiny Topcoats

Topcoats finish off any polished look and work to seal color and moisture into nails.

Splurge: Lancôme Vernis Magnétic Top Coat ($14 at Sephora and department stores) protects your manicure for up to five days and prevents chipping, cracking and yellowing from sun exposure, not to mention a high-shine finish that will keep your finger nails glossy, worn alone or over polish.

Save: INM Out the Door America's #1 Super Fast Drying Top Coat for Nails ($5.45 at drugstores) dries within 10 seconds, instantly sealing in color and adding an extra shine to nails.