Beauty Bites

And as for colour...

What: Maybelline Salon Expert nail colour

Where: Pharmacies, Priceline, some supermarkets

Cost: around $12.95 tops

Worth a bite? Yes.

While we would all love to have drawers full of Chanel nail colour, gee let’s face it – sometimes we actually need to spend our money on food, petrol and rent. So let’s talk next best thing when it comes to affordable options. I’m not a fan of Revlon – it scuffs too easily. Rimmel is OK – they have fun colours in the range. Australis – no thanks. Natio and Face of Australia are OK. My favourite for long-lasting colour and durability is Maybelline. Their Salon Expert range is darn easy to use, even for novices. The product doesn’t get gluggy, the curved brush is genius, and you will get a good week of wear – more, if you topcoat a couple of times. My favourite subtle shade is Born With It.  A lovely soft pink.

TIP: PLEASE don’t shake the bottle. Roll it around gently, otherwise you’ll have air bubbles.

Long live my pedi

What: Mavala Minute Quick-Finish top coat

Where: Pharmacies

Cost: around $13.95

Worth a bite? Yes.

As I type, my pedicure is nearing the end of week two… and counting. The one I had before (a bright red colour) had a lifespan of three fabulous weeks. The secret to a good pedi and mani is a quality, fast-drying top coat. For almost a year now, the only one I’ve been using is the Swiss brand Mavala Minute Quick-Finish. We all know the Swiss know their stuff and this top coat is brilliant: dries in an instant, tough as nails, and you can even do the dishes that same day and it won’t compromise your colour. It is a small bottle though, for just under $15, but there is no wastage and it doesn’t get gluggy. It will be your nails’ best friend this summer, trust me.

TIP: Apply a couple of times each week for long wear.