Few things are as indulgent as a professional pedicure session, but making space in your budget and your schedule for a twice-monthly spa session can be a challenge. You can get salon-worthy results at home on your own time by mastering a few simple techniques and investing in a handful of basic tools for a fraction of the cost. The benefits of an at-home pedicure are pretty, sandal-ready toes and smooth, healthy feet.
Step 1
Fill a foot bath or bucket about three-quarters of the way with warm water. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the water, stirring with your hands to incorporate the salt.
Step 2
Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover and use the pad to thoroughly wipe any nail polish off your toenails.
Step 3
Clip your toenails straight across using nail clippers. Scrape your nail file along the sides of your nails in one direction to smooth the edges, creating a slightly rounded shape.
Step 4
Soak your feet in the warm water mixture for five minutes. Prop your feet on the side of the bucket so that you can comfortably reach them.
Step 5
Dip a pumice stone or foot file in the water, and use it to gently scrape any rough patches on your feet. Rub the stone in one direction, lifting it and moving it back to the starting point before each scrape.
Step 6
Rinse your feet, and gently pat them dry with a towel.
Step 7
Massage your feet generously with moisturizing foot cream or lotion. Continue massaging the lotion up your calves.
Step 8
Separate your toes with a foam toe separator if you plan to paint them. Add polish in two thin coats, cleaning up any stray polish with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. Finish with a coat of clear quick dry-polish for best results.
Things You'll Need
- Foot bath or bucket
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- Cotton pads
- Nonacetone nail polish remover
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Foot file or pumice stone
- Towel
- Moisturizing foot cream or lotion
- Foam toe separator
- Nail polish
- Cotton swab
Member Comments