Last updated at 17:12 26 March 2008

A nail varnish that "vanishes" has been developed by a group of school pupils - offering girls the chance to beat bans on makeup.

The nail colour is a vivid red outdoors - but inside it transforms to a much paler shade which can hardly be seen.

The dramatic change is caused by a chemical reaction between the varnish and the ultraviolet light in natural sunlight.

The polish was devised by pupils from Albion High School, Salford, who thought the "vanishing" colour may help them beat the school's ban on nail polish.

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Now you see it: Pupils from Albion High in Salford demonstrate their new varnish

Now you don't: The varnish, applied under ultraviolet light, is pale and all but invisible

They came up with the idea while working on an enterprise project with Paul Haywood and Sam Ingleson from Salford University's school of art and design.

The academics were so impressed with their work that they have continued to develop it.

Mr Ingleson, a special projects officer, said: "We asked the students to think about products that would have a relevance to them and to research it.

"This led them to thinking about nail varnish - because of the high number of nail salons in the area, they thought it made good business sense.

"Part of the appeal was that the varnish would go clear indoors, so they could wear it in school. But back outside, it would react with the sun and change colour again.

"I think it's a really good idea and a good product. I'm proud of what the young people achieved."

The polish has already been manufactured in China and the two teachers say the remaining task is to find outlets to stock it.

But they hope it could be on sale within weeks, in 32 colours inspired by Salford brickwork.

The varnish was officially launched at the opening of the Salford Innovation Forum.