So yesterday she seemed glad of the chance to admire my freshly manicured nails. I’d had them shaped and painted to perfection by celebrity manicurist Andrea Fullerton, who incidentally is brilliant at small talk. Because it’s a month before she’ll be over again from Chicago, I asked for her best DIY advice so I can make do and mend till the next mani:

‘A chipped manicure is never a good look so recognise when it’s game over and get that polish off.’

‘Apply a base coat between polishes to protect your nails from water (think how often a day your hands get wet). Nails are like skin – water makes them dry out.’

‘Alternate between dark colours and neutrals/pales. Neutrals are based on white pigment and will ‘clean up’ any orange pigment left in your nail by darker shades.’

‘Painting in a hurry? Try Revlon Sheer Blush (pictured) or Sheer Buff, both £6.13. They’re light enough so you can skip base coat if you have to, and they make hands look instantly groomed.’

‘Rubbing in nail oil every day, polish or no polish, keeps your cuticles soft and encourages nail to grow – ready for your next manicure. I love Dr Hauschka Neem Nail Oil, £21.51.’

I’ll be sharing these with my trainer next time we’re stuck for small talk.