5 products for hand and nail care

Key ingredients:
Base & top coat: a tonne of elements we can’t pronounce (let alone spell), as well as alcohol to give a high, long-lasting shine that’s chip-resistant; vivid colour nail polish: flexible polymers and intense colour pigments

First impressions:
The Jessica Phenom range is presented in square glass bottles with glossy black lids that cleverly twist off, making it easy to hold the brush during application. The packaging states that this is a 3-step process designed to help create gel-like manicures and pedicures without the need for UV/LED lamps.

What’s it like?
The base coat creates a thin shiny layer; the coloured polish is a lot thicker – presumably for wear and tear. I chose Arabesque, a proper Barbie pink. The top coat gives a mirror-like shine. For best results, apply two coats of each product allowing a few minutes’ drying time between layers.

Does it work?
If applied correctly (and with a bit of patience between layers), this trio combines to create a glossy, solid manicure or pedicure at home, that really lasts.

Verdict:
At £14.50 per bottle (£43.50 for all three), this isn’t the cheapest DIY mani/pedi but is a brilliant alternative if you want a professional look and can’t get to the salon.

Key ingredients:
Pure essential oils, alcohol, Bergamot & Jasmine.

First impressions:
At first glance, this product looks like it comes in a frosted glass bottles (with a silver cap) but is actually plastic meaning its less likely to break if thrown into a bag (its handbag size ladies, so totally portable). The instructions on the back simply read: “rub hands together until completely dry”. Points for simplicity.

What’s it like?
You can smell the woody-cum-floral scent as soon as you unscrew the lid. The product itself is thick; the squeezability of the bottle makes it a no-mess; no-fuss situation. Once rubbed in, it’s not overly drying, nor do you have to wipe any excess away.

Does it work?
With the initial hit of alcohol, bacteria is going to struggle against this cleanser. Thankfully, it only takes a few seconds for the Bergamot and Jasmine to kick in, giving that instant spa-in-a-bottle vibe.

Verdict:
With a serious job to do, hand sanitizers are hardly going to be exciting; this one is a welcome relief from the bulk standard bottles – with their unattractive packaging and overwhelming smell of spirits. It’s from ESPA too, so you know you are in good hands (pun intended).

Key ingredients:
Aloe Vera, organic Calendula, coconut oil, almond oil & jojoba.

First impressions:
This hand wash and moisturiser gift set comes in a cardboard box decorated with green foliage fitting of the brand’s Irish ‘goddess of nature’ ethos. The bottles inside are also adorned with this print, with the added bonus of a wood-topped, 100% recyclable pump.

What’s it like?
The hand wash is chamomile tea yellow - not overly brewed but slightly tinted; as it’s not too thick in consistency, a little goes a long way. The hand lotion is luxuriously thick but fast absorbing making it quick to apply. Both products contain rejuvenating citrus essential oils that create a lovely, fresh smell.

Does it work?
I made the mistake of pumping too much lotion on my hands (damn you, eczema) and immediately felt like handling anything would result in droppage (a good excuse for not unloading the dishwasher, perhaps?). The hand soap is everything you would want out of such a product.

Verdict:
With its stylish packaging and gentle tangerine, grapefruit and peppermint scent, this hand wash/moisturising duo not only looks fab in any bathroom or shower room, but would make a great Christmas or birthday gift, too.

Key ingredients:
Cuticle oil: Argan oil, Macadamia oil, vitamins A & E & jojoba; hand cream: Moisture-retaining Ceramides, rejuvenating Bio-Retinol, Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin, Vanilla.

First impressions:
The cream comes in a home-compostable grass paper carton making is looking eco-friendly and rustic (in a great way). Inside, a minimalist muted grey tube made from sugar cane is topped with a black flip-up lid. The cuticle oil comes in an amber glass bottle with a metal rollerball for application.

What’s it like?
The hand cream is fairly thin so doesn’t take long to melt into the skin; the subtle fragrance of rose is definitely more pleasant than over-powering. The cuticle oil strikes the perfect balance between oily and moisturising, with the roller ball aiding a smooth application.

Does it work?
I’m fussy when it comes to hand creams (I need to know that my wine glass is safe after a long day) - this one not only feels like I’m wearing satin gloves after application but has a good grip. The combo also acts as a quick DIY mani for those much needed ‘me’-days.

Verdict:
With the company’s focus on organic sustainable beauty, these products are perfect for softening the skin, aiding nail health and feeling that you’re doing your bit for the environment. Boom.

Key ingredients:
Water, Laureth-4, Glycerin, Cetyl Acetate, Potassium Hydroxide, Lanolin, Simethicone, Polysorbate 65 & Methylcellulose.

First impressions:
Inside the cheery red and white box – resembling the colours of the Switzerland flag - is a glass bottle with a clinical label on the front. Twist the lid to reveal the brush which is just like a nail polish applicator. The liquid inside is pearly cream in colour.

What’s it like?
The Thixotropic formula has little to no fragrance and is easy to use. The instructions suggest applying the product once a week for best results,

Does it work?
After coating each nail, my cuticles were soft enough to be pushed back (with a wooden cocktail stick wrapped in tissue paper) within just one minute.

Verdict:
Cuticle care is essential for someone like me who wears falsies at home rather than seeing a regular nail technician. Contrary to the instructions, I used this product every two to three weeks instead of weekly, and my nails already look much neater. As such, the remover has earned a permanent place in my manicure set.