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The possibility of me treading the Red Carpet is just as likely as Kate Middleton making a cameo in Big Fat Gypsy Weddings. I can’t sing, nor can I act, and bagging an A-list boyfriend is out of the question – it seems that the life and times of Claire Basing-Lawson will be spent reading, not making the headlines.

So, when I recently got invited to the Red Carpet, I assumed that the Duchess of Cambridge would be in BFGW’s latest offering ‘Diamantes are Forever’, perhaps clad in a pineapple-inspired frock and some lurid flouro eyeshadow as she bumped and grinded to Chipmunk’s latest hit. Alas, upon tuning in, it seemed that Catherine was sadly not in Rathkeale to party with Nangirl and chums. However, my size 6 foot did indeed step onto the Red Carpet, and as it did so, I felt every inch the princess that Kate feels daily in her Hobbs gowns and L.K Bennett kitten heels.

I, Claire Basing-Lawson, was cordially invited to the launch of Red Carpet Manicure in the UK. A splendid affair at the Soho Sanctum Hotel, I noshed upon canapes, quaffed champagne, lost my Blackberry down the back of the sofas, and generally acted in a noble way.

Red Carpet Manicure is the very first at home version of the gel manicures that women across the kingdom love to inhibit upon their talons. Using the same technology as those in spas and salons, Red Carpet Manicure is easy to apply with a high-shine, long-lasting finish that looks entirely professional. Each step is straight-forward, with all the products and tools required available in the Starter Kits. The process from start to finish takes an episode of Coronation Street or TOWIE; in just half an hour, you can achieve non-chip, salon-perfect nails in the comfort of your dressing gown at home. A Red Carpet Manicure is entirely low-maintenance, just a touch of the Revitalise Nourishing Cuticle Oil each day will keep the nails strong and healthy, making it a perfect beauty must-have for busy ladies. Lasting for up to three weeks, Red Carpet Manicure is a gift to girlkind that oozes super star-quality and instant glamour. With 36 shades available, whether you choose 9 Inch Heels, Plum Up the Volume or Toast of The Town, all will leave you looking and feeling like the star that your mum/grandmother/boss says you are.

Available from www.redcarpetmanicure.co.uk

Roxanne, my colleague at work, is often teased for being a pink princess due to the collection of pink products on her desk. While Rox likes it shocking, salmon, rose and fuschia, I'm all about aubergine, amethyst, lilac and plum. I am a purple girl. My love for the colour extends to my bedroom, to my wardrobe and now, to my nails, thanks to The Organic Pharmacy's Violet Organic Glam Nail Polish. 

A polish free from DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, the Violet Organic Glam offers an intense, vibrant and long lasting colour, which is both chip resistant and durable. Its fast-drying formula provides a high gloss, flawless and professional finish without compromise. Sunday afternoons are best spent by having a pampering session; a home mani and pedi in my favourite colour has made me one happy girlie.

On Monday morning, the battle for Princess P is on. Purple was the luxury dye of the middle ages, expensive and elegant, it was worn only by royalty and the wealthy. Thus, at 9.33am, I am in no doubt that I will be crowned Princess Purple. 

Organic Glam Nail Polish- £9.99

www.theorganicpharmacy.com 

I recently returned from a spa weekend with a pedicure disaster. My poor tootsies, once a vibrant coral shade, had become chipped and quite honestly an unsightly beauty crime in the few hours it took me to border hop from the rolling hills of Essex to my homelands of Surrey.  A home mani and pedi was in order. In times like this there was just one varnish I could turn to: Toma.

Toma's Tutti frutti collection is bursting with vibrant hues perfect for the summer and whilst I'm spending this summer in Blighty, their exotically named polishes made me feel I had been transported to tropical climes. Mango Sorbet was my polish of choice; its natural Pearl Formula ensured long-lasting colour and coverage to ensure that my talons are looking luscious. Once Mango Sorbet has tantalised my taste buds; I'll be coating my nails with one of their other offerings; whether it be Pistachio Cream, Tutti Frutti, Strawberries & Cream, Blueberry Sorbet or Grape Sorbet, I know that Toma will set off my summer wardrobe with style.  

Painting nails had often turned into a bit of a palava; until a godsend was granted by Aphrodite. Greek goddess of love and beauty, she has given to women roaming this earth Toma's Tutti Frutti Collection and with that, my nails are truly grateful.   

£7.45

www.madbeauty.com