By Helen Clemson
Need a pedicure? Here are three easy steps to your best feet – at no cost! You’re welcome…
Rule 1: Start on a clean canvas
Got a base coat on your toenails or remnants of last month’s colour? Make sure your nails are completely polish free by using a non-acetone remover. Acetone, commonly found in nail polish removers, tends to unfortunately strip nails of moisture as it’s quite harsh. Once any old polish is removed and you’ve clipped and filed your nails, gently buff them with a buffing block. Doing this will not only smooth the surface of your nails for even polish application, but also remove any unsightly stains on your nail bed that can be caused by constant nail polish wear.
Rule 2: Scrub-a-dub-dub
Exfoliation is the key to baby-smooth paws, but always combine foot scrubbing with a delicious soak. Submerge your feet in warmish (not too hot) water for five minutes. Next, get scrubbing.
We love this DIY recipe for a foot exfoliate: mix one tablespoon of sugar with one tablespoon of baby oil gel. To use, gently buff the mixture into your feet concentrating on areas of hard skin like your heels. Rinse well and pat dry.
Rule 3: Cuticle care is key
The secret to a pedicure that looks flawless isn’t just a steady hand for painting. Ridding your tootsies of rough-looking, overgrown cuticles means your colour will look perfectly applied.
Arm yourself with a cuticle oil and use it like this: first massage the oil into your cuticles slowly and give it a minute or two to sink in. Next, push cuticles back with a cuticle stick (wrap the head of the stick in cotton wool so it’s soft) and remove any remaining dirt under your nails while you’re at it. Massage foot cream into your feet and you’re done!
Tip: before painting, always ensure your nail bed are free of any remaining oil and cream by cleaning them with acetone-free polish remover.
Looking for more info on your feet and how to keep them healthy? Here’s how to deal with unpleasant aches and pains.