When I’m asked to identify my strengths and weaknesses (I hate questions like that), I feel tempted to say: great at doing my make-up, HORRIBLE at doing my nails. A risky answer at a job interview – because who would hire a person who cannot even do her nails? – but true nevertheless.

To make things worse, my wardrobe is so eclectic that my nails cannot keep up – I simply refuse to redo them every evening (see above). So despite my love for unconventional nail colours, the solution is often neutral nails, especially if I’m doing the them myself. Barely there lacquers are the most forgiving – from the distance, my nails can look almost presentable – and they go with everything.

Here are my three favourites:

– YSL Beige Leger. This is the only nail polish I have bought twice, ever. When it comes to cosmetics, I’ve got the attention span of a seven-month-old: if I repurchase something, I must really, really like it. This YSL polish is perfect if I want a very natural, my-nails-but-better look. It’s pretty sheer and very thin, the application is extremely easy. It’s the ultimate no-brainer for days when you just want your nails to look a bit nicer than they would otherwise be.

– Essie Sand Tropez. I have a theory that women can be broadly divided into two groups: the ones who prefer OPI polishes and the ones who prefer Essie. I belong to the latter group and have serious respect for Essie products. The polishes are reasonably priced and good quality; the colour range is not only extensive, but sophisticated. There aren’t many other brands, at any price point, that do muted tones better than Essie.

Sand Tropez is a classic Essie colour, a neutral with some edge. It is a cool sandy beige with a leeeetle grey in it – it looks pulled together, but not boring. It is a Swedish architect-type of a colour and if you need to meet snobby Art Directors for work, this is the polish I would go for. It also looks very stylish and understated on toes, especially with a light tan and leather sandals.

– Dior Lady. This is the newest of the bunch, from the Dior Spring collection, and it’s a very classic nude, pinker than the other two. There isn’t anything especially exciting about the perfectly named Lady. It’s just a very good quality, lovely-looking nail polish that is always useful to have. The new Dior formula is one of the best on the market and they are doing a pretty good job with the colours recently, too. I’ve just applied Lady and while not quite as effortless as Beige Leger, I managed to make it look decent. Just don’t come close.