Tried and tested: Gel nails, NARS, Blippar and moisturiser

Gemma Dunn has her say on SensatioNail’s starter kit, Sarah Moon’s NARS collection, Blippar and mosturising tips.

Can SensatioNail’s starter kit really turn run-of-the-mill polishes into long-lasting gel? Gemma Dunn finds out...

“If glossy nails are your thing, but traipsing to the local salon is not, rest assured you can get the perfect DIY home mani (at a fraction of the price), thanks to the clever people over at SensatioNail.

“Dubious? It takes some effort — a good 20-30 minutes if you want to achieve decent results — but the kit certainly delivers, plus it provides the ideal clear-out solution for any neglected polishes lying around. Essentially, the kit comes with a bottle of ‘magical’ clear gel polish that can be used as a top coat or mixed with a nail polish, in equal parts, before being cured under the nifty LED lamp in just 30 seconds. The results: shiny, smooth, chip-free nails for, in my case, an impressive 10 days.

“Top tips include using a piece of tin foil to line the mixing pot and opting for opaque colours.

“If you run out, the little bottle of transformer can be bought separately — hurrah.”

• SensatioNail Polish To Gel Transformer Starter Kit, €69.99, Boots (www.boots.ie)

BUY IT NOW

Fashion photographer Sarah Moon has turned her focus on make-up, collaborating with NARS on a stunning capsule collection. Inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, the 15-piece range features cool grey and purple eyeshadows, complemented by a trio of rich red lip colours and nail polishes.

• NARS Moon Matte Lipstick in Rouge Indiscret, €26; Nail Polish in La Dame En Noir, €19 (www.brownthomas.com)

BLIP SERVICE

Max Factor has partnered with visual discovery app Blippar, meaning users can get tips and info on every single one of the brand’s products, simply by scanning it. Whether you’re umming and ahhing in store over which mascara is best for you, or need the low-down on that liquid eyeliner you’ve just bought, scan (or ‘blip’) the barcode and it’ll bring up make-up artist advice, reviews and more. Download Blippar from the App Store or Google Play now.

MOISTURISER DROUGHT

Is the twice-daily moisturiser habit drying out? More than a third of women (38%) now only moisturise once a day or less, according to a new survey by Eau Thermale Avene. Consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall advises: “Depending on skin type, I recommend light lotions to longer lasting creams, and always try to apply a moisturiser twice a day.”