In 2001, Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estée Lauder talked of the Lipstick Index to describe the phenomenon of rising sales of cosmetics in bad economic times. Fast-forward ten years and it's nail polish, rather than lipstick, that is the affordable luxury we indulge in, with international sales of polish soaring. Estée Lauder's Nail Polish Index just took a sharp upward turn with the launch of their new nail collections Metal Mania and Beyond Black in rich jewel tones, inspired by the night lights of Paris. Creative Make-up Director Tom Pecheux wanted to "capture the intensity and naughty side of Paris when it truly comes alive… at night!" The shades are intense, amplified hues with an urban after-dark glamour. Our favourite is the colour Smashed, which makes nails look like beautiful shimmering drops of oil on water. Put your money where your nails are. On Estée Lauder counters nationwide from September for £14.50. esteelauder.co.uk

It's been 20 years since Angel by Thierry Mugler exploded onto the perfume scene, ushering in the age of gourmand orientals. Its arrival ruffled feathers in the rarefied circles of fine fragrance, where the bestsellers had been resting on their floral laurels. It became a blockbuster and set the standard for the brand's subsequent releases. Thierry Mugler fragrances are always distinctive, complex and forthright divas. To celebrate the anniversary, the brand has reworked their four pillar fragrances Angel, Alien, Womanity and A*Men, to create the limited edition Fragrances of Leather collection. Inspired by the tradition of scented leather gloves, the fragrances have been created by infusing fine natural leather in the perfume concentrate mixtures. Left to mature, time and chemistry do their alchemy and the results throw up some unexpected twists. Angel takes on a hint of iris; Alien dries down with plummy fruit in its base notes; Womanity has less fig and more amber; A*Men is softer, its base patchouli less brusque. All this and leather too? This collection is for those who wear perfume to be noticed. Angel, Alien and Womanity £40, A*Men £45. Available nationwide from 1st October.