Nail polish that wipes away years
I LOVE to wear nail polish, but I have some age spots on my hands and feel they look old. Some shades of polish seem to drain my hands of colour and make them look even more wrinkly. Which shades are best to make my hands look younger?
Susan, 68, London. HANDS always look better with tidy, manicured nails. However, some shades are more flattering on mature skin. It’s not about following fashion, but finding what’s right for you.
nail guru Leighton denny says: ‘In my experience bright colours work best, as they attract attention away from the hands. and a bright red nail always looks classy.’
Sam Larkin, of nuyu London salon, says: ‘nudes and sheer colours have a natural, sophisticated look but they bring all the attention to your hands, highlighting any problem areas. Red is actually the most youthful shade. Gentle peels or microdermabrasion can help even out skin tone and brighten the skin.’
Rosalind Chapman, the founder of anti-ageing brand Transformulas, recommends taking special care of the backs of your hands. ‘Our hands have very few oil glands and the skin on the back is thin and delicate, so it dries out easily. Moisturise regularly during the day, exfoliate weekly and apply sunblock whenever you go outside.’
Beth Margetts, from The London Make-Up School, says: ‘Going for a very dark or blue-based red can draw attention to the veins in your hands, so it’s best to opt for a more orangey shade. Keep the nail short and oval for a softer appearance.’
Hold the polish bottle against your hand to figure out what the base colour is. a blue-based shade will make hands look paler, while warm tones brighten the skin.
avoid pastels and opt for colours like autograph Gel Effect nail Polish (£6, marksandspencer. com) in Tomato, an orange red, or Michael Kors Into The Glow in Paradise (£15, houseoffraser. co.uk), a soft coral.
Rimmel’s 60 Seconds Super Shine Polish (£2.99, Boots) is so intense you need only one coat. double decker Red is a deep hue with warm tones and Hot Tropicana is a pretty pink.
Model’s Own Hypergel Collection (£4.99, Superdrug) is super glossy — try Caribbean Crush, a rusty orange. a great bargain buy is the new Essence Gel nail Polish, £1.59 (Wilko) — I like Polka Holga, an orange with yellow undertones, and t he coral I ndian Summer. and for a true red, Leighton denny’s Caught Red Handed, £11 ( leightondenny.com), is deep and rich, while Helter Skelter, £11 ( leightondennyexpertnails.com), is a flattering neon orange with red tones. For something softer, try peachy Privileged, the new shade in Revlon’s nail Enamel line (£6.49, Boots).
It’s worth trying that makes your nails healthy as well as pretty. nails Inc’s nail-Kale range, £14 (John Lewis and nailsinc.com), uses kale, an anti-oxidant that nourishes, protects and strengthens nails. Hampstead Grove is a vibrant orange. If your nails are brittle, eat more salmon, chicken, eggs, coconut oil and green veg. nail technician Lucy Tucker, who has worked with actresses Felicity Jones and Olivia Wilde, recommends supplements with zinc, vitamin E and biotin, such as Seven Seas Perfect 7 Woman, £9.99 (Boots).