I managed to stop a lifetime nail picking habit simply by keeping my nails painted. I’ve noticed that I’m less likely to pick at the skin when I’ve put effort into making nails look nice and neat, and the flash of colour across the keyboard as I type cheers me up. Often, painting your nails can be the first step to being kinder to hands in general. They get so much sun exposure and abuse, so anything that encourages us to become more aware of them is positive.
Nails Inc Nail Grow Treatment Powered by Matcha (€18): Like most of us, I have one or two nails that will always break first. I've found this product – which rather than being a coat you paint on is more like a serum that disappears into the nail, strengthens and promotes growth. After two weeks of use, my weaker nails are noticeably stronger.
Essie SS16 Collection (€9.99 from April): Essie's trend colours are always divine. From soft wearable pink to mauve blues and green hues, there are no bad options.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Cuticle Oil (€14): I've been buying this for years and always have one in my handbag. Applying cuticle oil daily keeps skin smooth and healthy and removes the temptation to pick at any little bits while keeping fingers looking neat and polished.
Nails Inc Paint Can (€12): For anyone whose motor skills make painting your own nails an exercise in abstract art, there's this. Apply the top coat (€10) first, then spray the nails, then reapply the top coat. Wash your hands and you have a perfect manicure with no product on the skin.
Chanel Le Gel Coat (€23.50 from April 22nd): This new top coat from Chanel creates all of the shine of a professional two-week manicure, and claims to last up to six days without chipping. I'm tough on my nails and it passed the six-day test. I won't be without it now.
Rimmel Super Gel (€6.99, left): Rimmel is an excellent trend-led brand that allows you to dip your toe (literally) in the season's more fun and fleeting colours without bankrupting yourself. The new gel texture offers a plump finish and glossy sheen.
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (€8.99): Sally Hansen offers reliable everyday colours and more expressive seasonal shades. The new collection includes four shades, and New Flame, a roaring orange-red, is beyond eye-catchiing.
CND Art Vandal Collection (€11.95): These brightly coloured Spring polishes have excellent lasting power, but the shades aren't for the faint-hearted.
LAURA’S PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Chanel le Vernis Nail Colour (€23.50)Chanel has long been known for its industry-leading nail shades. So much so that author Marian Keyes keeps a museum of beloved Chanel polishes, which she jokes she'll bequeath to the Irish people. The only drawback was their quality, which caused them to chip.
Thankfully, the whole range has been reformulated, so nail lovers can have their Chanel for up to six days, and eat it too. (That’s just an expression. Never eat nail polish.)
