10 Steps to a Pretty Pedicure

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As fun as it is to be pampered at the salon, it’s easy (and cheaper!) to give yourself an at-home pedicure. Invite a couple of your damas over for your very own pre-quince spa party! Follow these 10 steps to fancy feet:

1. Fill a large basin with warm water. For extra soothing relief, drop in a teaspoon of essential oil. (Baking soda and even plain ol’ lemons work too!) Let feet soak and soften for about 20 minutes. As you are nearing the 20-minute mark, use an exfoliating scrub to get rid of dead skin. Try Olay Body Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment ($9.99). It heats up to soothe skin and has moisturizers to soften your soles.


2. If you have really dry soles or callus, you can also use a foot file or pumice stone to get rid of stubborn dead skin. You can find a pumice stone at any local drugstore.


3. Discard the used water and dry off you feet. Apply a thick moisturizing cream, like the Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter. It smells divine! Hand creams are usually not strong enough for feet, especially in summer, so look for specific foot creams or body butters to get the job done.


4. Now turn your attention to your toenails. ALWAYS cut your nails straight across with a nail cutter. If you cut them otherwise, you risk a pretty gruesome infection or foot fungus. After cutting your nails, use an emery board to file them so you have smooth edges. File gently – they’ll be softer than usual since you soaked them in water.


5. Before toenails can be polished, push back your cuticles. Do NOT cut them! You can gently push them back with a cuticle stick.


6. Make sure your nails are oil-free, so your nail polish holds longer. You can get rid of excess oil by applying nail-polish remover to a cotton ball and rubbing over nails.


7. Applying a base coat is a good idea. It helps the nail polish last longer and also protects your nails from getting discolored from darker polishes.


8. Cover nails with a thin coat of whichever polish you like. OPI and Sally Hansen make gorgeous shades. Brush down the middle first, and then down the sides. Do not lay it on thick. Thick coats don’t dry well and chip more easily.


9. Apply a second coat after letting the first coat dry for about five minutes.


10. Finish with a clear protective coat like Sally Hansen Power Shield Ultra-Protective Top Coat. Allow this to dry for about 15 minutes.

Be careful to not touch polish until it is completely dry. Reapply a clear coat every two or three days to keep your toenails shining!

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