1. Chanel top coat
Think of Chanel Le Vernis Top Coat Black Metamorphosis, £20, as an Instagram filter for your nails. Grounded in grown up sensibilities, one layer turns vibrant pigments a shade moodier or supplies a steely veil to naked nails. Bag one pronto, as when these limited edition lacquers are gone, they’re gone.
2. Metallic nail polish
There is a molten nail movement afoot. From rusty tones that leave an impression of warmth to steely pigments that bounce light, these lacquers supply grown-up gilmmer. Barry M Molten Metals Nail Paint in Silver Lining, £3.99, Ciate London Geology Paint Pot in Goal Digger, £12, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in World is My Oyster £6.99, Smith and Cult in 1972, £19, Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer in Beach Sand, £21.
3. Restorative mask
Nanette De Gaspe first caught our attention with an alternative to the liquid sheet mask – a dry counterpart that was just as effective, if not better. And now hands can be beneficiaries of the anti-aging technology, too. While spendy Youth Revealed Restorative Techstille Masque Hands, £60, promises brighter, tighter mitts and can be used up to three times.
4. Pokemon Go hand cream
If your Pokemon Go endeavours amounted to little more than a run in with a tree, ‘catch them all’ with Tony Moly Pokémon Hand Creams, £9.85 each. The Squirtle is oh so adorable and lotus scented, while cult fav Pickachu is laced with vanilla.
5. Cuticle nipper
While miracle working manicurists are a dab hand with tools, the ergonomics and execution of them can escape you and I. Thankfully, Tweezerman’s Spiral Spring Cuticle Nipper, £30, is designed with us in mind. With strong tension and grip and a nib-like end, riding cracked cuticles has never been easier (or more pain free).
6. Hand and cuticle scrub
If only we paid as much reverence to our hands as we do our faces. Here to redress the balance is Deborah Lippmann Marshmallow Whipped Hand & Cuticle Scrub, £25. A conker sized amount sloughs away dead skin cells, buffs cuticles and clears pores to leave perfectly preened paws.
7. Nail polish thinner
There are few things in life that can be effortlessly resurrected, but thanks to Kester Black Nail Polish Thinner, about £12.44, nail polish is one of them. A few drops totally transforms gloop lacquer, and the brand brims with vegan credentials too.
8. Cuticle oil, softener, serum and brightener
A flurry of innovative new formulas is undoing the damage of chemical soaks and taxing regimes. Nailberry Little Treasure Nourishing Cuticle Oil, £17, and Soigné Cuticle Softener, £15, do exactly what they say on the tin (via a dinky pipette). Lauren B’s amino acid spiked Beauty Nail Growth Serum, £46, is as salubrious as they come, while Morgan Taylor React Max Optical Brightener, £15.50, makes birthday suit nails look their best yet.
9. Nail science capsules
Ingestible beauty has ballooned, and for good reason. Add zinc and biotin heavy Advanced Nail Science Capsules, £26.50, to your cocktail of capsules and reap the reward of healthy, more durable digits.
** READ MORE: The Summer Polishes You Need To Know About**