Nail polish for a professional look at home

Despite the recent nail gel allergy scares, many people have found their way back to gels. Why? Convenience. But for me, not today. As I type, my gels are on their last legs – chipped, peeling, overgrown – but I don’t have time to go to the salon. Normal nail polish offers much more flexibility. It’s cheaper, easier and quicker to take off and less likely to weaken your nails. Still prefer gels? Then try Bioscuplture, the professional gel brand that won’t damage your nails.

I’ve long talked about the importance of having a wardrobe of foundations which you can change out depending on the season. I hadn’t done that for ages and wondered why I was suddenly looking like someone was holding an orange light under my skin. I finally got round to using the Christian Louboutin foundation and I love it. Light, fresh, modern, it is dreamy. I should mention that it is perfumed. I know this is a no-no for some but I didn’t mind. It actually reminded me that the sensorial aspect of makeup products is disappearing in beauty. Brands have become so concerned with the pragmatism of getting the job done, they don’t consider how little touches might heighten our experience. Anyway the fragrance was lovely and didn’t irritate – probably because it is so well made. Which leads me to the texture: a silky blend that feels like a light but super-hydrating moisturiser. I also love the way it looks – my shade reminds me of melted Dairy Milk. The finish you get is a smoother, more velvety version of your own skin. Not super matte or super glossy either (increasingly I find foundations that give you a glossy finish look terrible in photographs). Most of all, I’m just pleased my skin is simply looking like great skin.