Do It Yourself Pedicure

STEP 1. PREP WORK

 

First things first pretty toes are hair-free. Next, soften tough heels in a mineral sea salt soak. liquid dish soap also removes dirt and makes cuticles more pliable. Pat one foot dry — letting the other soak longer and slough away calluses with an emery board, or pumice stone. Soak the scrubbed foot in a clean bath while working on the other. 

 

STEP 2. TAKING SHAPE

 

On dry feet, apply cuticle oil to the base of the nail, I have been told that you can use olive oil as a substitute and push back cuticles with an orangewood stick. File away extra length with an emery board, getting nails as short as possible without causing discomfort. Keep the shape of the nail square and only use a clipper if nails are excessively long, as unnecessary cutting can cause brittle nails to split.

 

STEP 3. LACQUERED UP

 

Applying cuticle oil to the base of your nails every night will help pedicures last up to two weeks.

From moisturizing to ridge-reducing formulas, the right basecoat can troubleshoot a lot of nail pigmentation and texture problems. Apply two coats of your shade of choice before finishing with a topcoat  preferably one with UV filters to prevent fading. Allowing two minutes between each step will ensure a streak-free application and expedite overall drying. To minimize the chance of smudging, apply polish first to the foot opposite your dominant hand, then move to the other. Finally, fix mistakes with a corrector pen or, after the lacquer has dried, by scraping away any excess in the shower.

 

STEP 4. PERFECT HUE

 

When in doubt, choose coral. The blue and yellow undertones complement fair and warm skin alike. Your fingers and toes don't need to match, but they should be somewhat complementary shades. If you opt for a neon purple to play off your Kool-Aid-colored espadrilles, choose a ladylike lavender or neutral mauve for your hands. 

 

 

Now, go pamper yourself for less!