The ‘Nothing There’ Mani
There’s nothing quite like a fresh mani – a great manicure is one of those little luxuries that leaves me feeling pretty, pampered and prepared for anything. However as a Muslim woman I’m obligated to pray 5 times a day, and to pray one needs to be at level of physical purity in order to perform those prayers. That involves cleansing head to toe. As nail polish is waterproof it makes it impossible for water to touch the nails. This is why Muslim women usually paint their nails when they aren’t praying. So how do I keep my hands looking great without the polish? In order, here’s my routine:
Mont Bleu Mini Nail File* – Once you go glass nothing else ever feels adequate. They file down nails in no time, is easy to shape with and this particular file is so cute and pretty with its gorgeous Swarovski crystals. The size means it’s perfect for glamour on the go, whip them out on the train to give your nails a little touch up. Definitely one for the handbag!
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Usage Dry Oil* – This is a cult favourite with good reason. Everyone loves a multi-use product, and this oil from Nuxe comes quite handy as a cuticle oil (just one of many uses). All that borage, St Johns Wort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia oil nourishes skin through and through. Swap your hand cream with this luxe oil for velvety soft hands.
Superdrug Cuticle Sticks – A pack of 10 for just 99p. Genius. After the Huile Prodigieuse has been soaked up and works its magic, it’s time to push the cuticles back. Cutting cuticles will leave them dry in the long run so these cuticle sticks are the perfect alternative. Besides, who doesn’t love a bargain?
Leighton Denny Renovate Nail Repair Cream* – This is what gives the nails shine and protection so good that you won’t really miss. It contains nourishing essential oils and diamond dust for a 24 carat manicure. It also comes with a buffer, and it’s what I call the pièce de résistance. Without it there would just be no point. The buffer refines and shines the whole nail to give it a glossy look without the need for any clear nail polish. It’s quick and easy, no waiting around for polish to dry. The effect is long lasting and gives a professional finish to your home manicures.
Lierac Hydra-Body Lait – Trips to Paris call for stocking up on French skincare necessities not readily available to us Brits, and this super moisturizer from Lierac is one of them. Its notes of almond milk, litchi, coconut and vanilla also make it double up as a subtle fragrance as well as keeping the ash away for a full 24 hours.
