Nail polishes are the hidden heroes of the beauty world. I don’t have any problem admitting that I’m a picker – one of those awful people who will worry the skin on their fingers like a dog with a chew toy. I am of course deeply aware that it’s beyond unpleasant to look at, and I tend generally to do it when stressed. Like many “pickers”, you can gauge how stressful my week is by the raggedness of my fingers.

One thing has allowed me to master this nasty habit– having nicely painted nails. If I’ve gone to the effort of painting them or, if I’m lucky, paying someone else to do it, there’s no way I’m going to risk chipping their neat, glossy finish. Also, in a world where most of us spend much of the day typing, nicely manicured nails flashing across the keyboard can be very cheering.

Manicured hands give others the impression that you’ve got your business in order (even if, like me, you frequently haven’t).

Chanel is always first with innovative nail shades and finishes. If you don’t have the patience to wait for the inevitable replicas that will sprout up everywhere, get your hands on the sensational Le Vernis in Troublante (limited edition €23.50) while it’s still available. An intoxicating red and carmine pink duochrome that shimmers endlessly, it screams autumn and never stops looking interesting.

Alice+Olivia for Nails Inc (€17 each) is the nail collection of the season. Next to Nothing, a creamy pink latte and the collection’s standout shade, whispers of warmer weather while looking totally at home against cosier winter garb. It’s a perfect nude in a collection of wintry hues. If your bent runs more to the deep jewel tones that are everywhere this winter, look no further than this collection.

Bobbi Brown Nail Polishes in Greige and Smokey Topaz (€15) are part of the brand’s Greige Collection for autumn/winter. Both shades are iterations of that greyish beige shade that make hands look effortlessly well dressed – it’s nude, but better. Topaz is an iridescent version that looks especially festive in evening light.

A good top coat is essential to preserve the longevity and finish of your polish. Like every nail colour enthusiast, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect one for longer than I would care to admit.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat (€9.99) is as close to perfection as I can find. Recently reformulated, it mimics a gel manicure finish admirably. A delectably plump, high shine finish that is cured by natural light, it is hard enough in 15 minutes for you to go about your business (a little tentatively).

Compared with traditional polishes, which leave you struggling to get into your coat by fearfully jamming claw-hands up the flaccid sleeves an hour after application, it’s a wonderful improvement. The polish stretches with the nail, so it won’t crack if you bang or bend the nail slightly. It gives a truly lasting finish.