The best type of polish for barely-there, bright-looking nails falls onto the mighty top coat. As top coats go, they’re usually clear in colour and have a similar consistency to the beloved gel-coloured polish. But one important factor to consider is the thickness of the top coat. Our hands and nails go through a lot during the day, and a durable top coat can help protect nails against chipping, splitting and shine-reduction.

Having encountered a few top coats throughout the years, I can safely say one has stood out: Perfect Formula’s Ruby Pink Gel Coat, £26. It’s a thicker-than-normal formula, enriched with keratin to help nails grow longer and feel stronger after a few weeks – all the while looking like a fresh French manicure.

“This top coat genuinely helps my nails grow and look healthy”