Top five nail products for a long-lasting manicure

It’s a problem for all of us; you set aside an hour (or more) of your time to pampering your nails, but it’s not always a smooth operation. In your mind this is a calming routine: music, comfy chair etc. but in reality you’re progressing into paranoia that your nails will smudge and you have back ache from being at an odd angle, all for your nails to chip in a matter of days.

However, no longer do you have to slave over your nails and have them not pay you back. I mean, we overload with calcium for them and what do we get in return? Aside from compliments and nice outfits…

Gel nails

You’ve probably seen girls with square nails or heard about the pain of ripping them off, but have no fear as this can actually be a luxurious and painless experience that will leave you with chip free (yes, you heard us) nails. It is possible to do this at home, but it is highly advised to go to a salon. Aside from it adding to the calm feeling, it’s safer. The routine is to file the nail, apply the gel, set under a UV light, shape the nail then voila, beautiful nails that will last you however long until you break one off or they grow too long. This all equals to “staying power”.

Shellac nails

This method is much the same as gel nails in the systematic sense, however is entirely different when it comes to what it is. This hybrid is part nail varnish, part gel, so you can keep the natural shape of your nails, but gain the anti-chip, high-gloss luxe that you gain from gels, without the filing of the nail bed. So for those that love going natural but need more stability, this one’s for you.

Acrylic nails

This has most of us shaking in our boots, but it doesn’t have to be so feared. At a salon they will let you choose the type of acrylic and colour, and then they file the nail, apply it and file it down to the desired shape. No UV light but no natural nails – you win some you lose some. But if you want more elaborate designs then maybe this is the route to go down.

Nail varnish (with a twist)

If you want to get this all done in the comfort of your own home, for cheapness and and simplicity then Liz Earle and Sally Hansen have the answer. Use Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails as a clear coat which nourishes and strengthens the nails, then Liz Earle’s unique strengthening nail varnish which lasts for up to 14 days with a high shine gloss. With tonnes of colours to choose from, and prices at £7.50, this would be hard to say no to.

Whatever route you decide to go down, just think to yourself: “I really do owe it to my nails, as how many times have people said ‘ooh I like your cuticles’..?”

Tamara Massey

Go to your nearest salon for pricing on the options above as they may vary. Ensure that for gel and shellac nails the formula does not use MMA (they file down your nails by hand)  and apply sun cream before using the UV light.