No one sees a gorgeous pedicure in winter when your tootsies are smothered in socks and your feet are crammed into boots. We await the arrival of warm weather to free our toes, don strappy sandals and proudly show our bare feet to the world. With summer approaching and barefoot strolls on sandy beaches on the horizon, it’s now time to get ready with an at home spa treatment. Pricey pedicures at expensive spas might be a luxury, so try pampering yourself at home with a Do-It-Yourself pedicure. Just gather a few basic tools and set aside some you time. Relax and treat your feet with this easy step-by-step guide.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Epsom Salts
- Pumice Stone
- Foot Scrub
- Towel
- Moisturizer
- Nail File
- Buffer Block
- Nail Clippers
- Cuticle Oil
- Cuticle Pusher
- Base and Top Coat Polish
- Your Favorite Polish Shade
How-to:
Step 1: Remove your old polish from your nails using a cotton pad. You may prefer an acetone free nail polish remover that won’t dry your nails out, but it tends to work more effectively on lighter nail polish shades than on darker colors.
Step 2: Soak your feet in warm water for 5 minutes. Make the bath luxurious by adding Epsom salts, aromatherapy oils or bath salts. Try a lavender scent to relax or a peppermint one to invigorate your day. Soaking your feet will soften your skin and cuticles.
Step 3: Use a pumice stone to exfoliate your feet. Work gently in a circular motion and give careful attention to your heels and the bottoms of your feet. Avoid scrubbing hard or you might abrade your skin.
Step 4: Polish your feet with a foot scrub. Massage the scrub over your feet, from the top of your feet to between toes and around the nails. Rinse well and use a towel to pat dry your feet.
Step 5: Smooth on moisturizer. Rub cuticle cream into the base of each nail and then gently push cuticles back with a cuticle pusher. You can also use mineral oil or olive oil instead of cuticle cream.
Step 6: Clip each toenail and file into the shape you desire. Prepare a smooth surface for polish by running the polish remover pad over your nails once more to get them dry.
Step 7: Buff each nail with the nail buffer. This will create a semi-smooth finish that will help the base coat stick to your nails.
Step 8: Apply a thin coat of clear base polish and let dry.
Step 9: Next, apply a coat of your favorite polish. Let nails dry for two minutes before applying a second coat.
Step 10: Finish with a clear, shiny top coat. Air dry, or run them under freezing cold water to let them set, but wait at least 10 minutes before doing this.
Step 11: For an additional decadent touch, apply moisturizer again before pulling on your socks, and leave them on for a few hours to make sure your feet get the moisture they deserve.
Step 12: Maintenance. Apply a layer of top coat every couple of days to help prevent chipping.
