KEY POINTS:
High-maintenance women know the value of a good manicure. For the rest of us, the DIY version is just as valuable. Regular shaping, unstinting applications of hand cream and a couple of coats of nail enamel won't go unnoticed
1 Scholl Perfect Nails
$24.99 for 10ml
It's all too easy to cover ugly nails with nail polish but this treatment works to instantly reduce yellowing and discoloration on nails. It's a vicious circle. You paint your nails to cover the yellowing caused by painting your nails without the protection of a base coat. This is three-step intervention. First file the nail with the pad provided, then apply a nail gel and lastly apply the nail brightener. Et voila, healthier-looking nails.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
2 Great Barrier Island Bee Co. Manuka Honey Healing Hand Cream
$16 for 100g
The manuka honey that goes into this excellent cream comes from Great Barrier Island - home of the country's first commercial beekeeping operation established in 1880. There's also royal jelly and sweet almond oil to increase the healing power and treat dry and damaged skin.
From selected Life pharmacies and Living & Giving.
3 Yves Saint Laurent French Manicure
$106 for 8ml
Even the most "unpractised hands" can paint their way to a flawless manicure with this kit. There are two pens: one has a white firm-tipped marker to draw perfect tips which dry instantly, and another is a delicate pastel pink for mirror-like shine. It doesn't come much easier than this.
At selected department stores and pharmacies from March 17.
4 OPI I'm India Mood for Love Nail Lacquer
$22.95 for 15ml
Pink is the navy blue of India, as fashion maven Diana Vreeland once noted. This must just about be standard-issue nail colour in Delhi then. It's achingly hot pink. Share the love with fingers and toes. OPI, of course, makes a great, long-lasting nail polish.
From selected beauty therapists and nail salons.
5 Nulon Overnight Hand Treatment Cream
$19.99 for 75ml
This rich overnight cream containing wheatgerm and sweet almond oil comes complete with a pair of cotton gloves. No Michael Jackson jokes please, we're talking beautification. After you've worked this vitamin and protein-packed cream into your skin the gloves go on and off to sleep you go. Come morning, your hands should be ship-shape.
From selected pharmacies.
