6 EASY STEPS TO NAILING THE PERFECT PEDICURE

Finally, summer is here after a long winter of boots and thick socks. It’s time to break out your sandals, and show off your sexy feet. Here’s how to get the perfect at-home pedicure, that’s easy on your budget.

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Salt granules / Epsom Salts
• Pumice Stone
• Foot file
• Foot cream
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton wool
• Nail cutter
• Base coat, nail polish and top coat

STEP 1: FOOT SOAK
Fill a washing basin with warm water, drop a generous amount of course salt granules or Epsom Salts and soak your feet in for 15 minutes. This will help soften your nails and cuticles, so you can gently push them back. It also helps with relaxing your muscles.

STEP 2: EXFOLIATE
After you’ve given your feet a good soak, rinse them, pat dry and start the exfoliation step. Use a pumice stone to gently rub your heels, balls of your feet and edges of your toes. This will remove any hard skin build-up and dead skin cells, leaving your feet feeling velvety and smooth. 

STEP 3: BUFF
The skin on your feet can be very tough. A good buffing is needed to make sure your feet are as smooth as can be. Use a foot file to gently buff away any excess flaky skin and smooth out any cracks from your feet. Generally always file feet when they are dry and before you shower or bath. If your heels are prone to cracking, bathing or showering before filing makes them susceptible to damage. Invest in a good foot file and buff your feet gently and regularly.

STEP 4: TRIM AND FILE
Your toenails are now softer after the soak and will be easier to cut. Use a nail clipper or toenail scissors to trim back your nails, avoiding getting too close to the skin. Cut your nails beginning in the corner and work around the tip. File around the edges of your nails with an emery board to stop them catching onto your clothes. 

STEP 5: MASSAGE AND HYDRATE
This is a luxurious part of the pedicure where your feet really get love and proper pampering. Rub a thick layer of foot cream on the tops and soles of your feet. Knead the pressure points with your fingertips relieving any tension. A spoonful of regular honey can also be used to transform dry soles and heels. Honey has natural antibacterial properties, and is an effective humectant, which means it helps lock in moisture. Massage it directly onto your skin, put your feet up (keep away from furniture) for 15 minutes and then rinse. 

STEP 6: PAINT AND POLISH
Wipe any leftover moisturiser off from your toenails with nail polish remover and some cotton wool. Separate your toes with twisted tissues to stop any smudging, and to keep your toes in place until your nail polish is completely dry. Apply a base coat, it prevents the nails from staining and yellowing when exposed to strong sunlight. Add on two coats of your favourite shade of nail polish and finish off with a top coat for added sheer.

Top tip: It will take some time for your nail polish to dry completely, so avoid putting on closed shoes and opt for flip-flops.