Beauty: Summer nail colours

I have terrible-looking hands. But they work properly, are good at putting on make-up and opening stiff jars, and resemble my late father's, so for the most part I don't mind. I'd been ignoring them for years, when my friend Alexandra Heminsley, writer of excellent nail blog The Definite Cuticle , literally forced my hand. Alex changes polish daily and remembers all films by the lead actor's manicure. For several months, I hid my hands whenever we met until I realised she was a keeper and that I was going to have to up my game. I'm so enjoying making up for lost time. Pastel colours and french manicures seem half-hearted and mimsy, so after my base coat (essential to avoid staining and chipping), I go straight for bold colour, which I prefer on shorter nails to long talons. I do two coats, starting with one horizontal stroke along the half moon at the base, then two-three strokes vertically from that to the tip, staying well away from the sides. I finish with a top coat for staying power and allow 45-60 minutes for drying (Question Time is perfect nail telly, I find). When polish chips, I remove immediately – a naked nail is always better than a scruffy one. Here's what I'll be wearing for summer: Estée Lauder Pure Color in Metallic Sage £14, esteelauder.co.uk Pearlescent can be ageing, but this isn't. A gorgeous, cool khaki with a great brush. Chanel Vernis in Morning Rose £17, 020-7493 3836 I preferred this to Chanel's yolky Mimosa. It's softer, prettier pink, and just girly enough. Jessica Enchantress £8.95, jessicacosmetics.co.uk Readers of this column will know I am mad for flattering, retro coral. This one is perfect. It stays put too. Essie Big Bag Theory £9.95, nailsbymail.co.uk This muted, pinky-crimson is a great way to stop red looking clichéd and wintry . Nail Girls in Black #3 £10, nailgirls.co.uk Dense, grown-up glitter in a shimmering charcoal base. People constantly ask me who it's by. Mavala Cyclades Blue £3.95, 01732 459412 I adore these dinky bottles of top-quality enamel. This one is lovely for jeans and lip balm days.