[mrs bouquet]

Last night I took the shiny stuff off (which I had just put on), and found a thing like your photo Aunty Sally.
Its called 'The Edge Super Nail Shiner'.  One side is very slightly more harsh than the other.  It is spongy, but feels like chamois leather.  As I started to use it, all this fine white powder was coming off, and after close inspection, realised that she had not actually removed the undercoat, only the red.  So I managed very gently to get it all off, with the buffer, and then use the soft side to polish them up.
Result, they are now pretty good, and I shall continue to use lots nail/cuticle cream on them.   

It has certainly taught me a lesson, and I will stick to DIY and OPI,  but many thanks to you all for your interest and very good advice.  regards  Mrs Bouquet