Getting a professional pedicure is excellent for self-care, not just because it’s super relaxing, but also because there’s just something that feels put-together about perfectly polished feet. However, just because you might be staying at home this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have a pretty pedicure. Here are some tips for getting your feet sandal ready from the comfort of your own home.
Be patient
A professional pedicure takes a while, so it shouldn’t be different just because you’re at home! First, prep your nails by removing old polish. Start by soaking a cotton ball in nail polish remover and pressing it against the nail for 10 seconds before wiping old polish away. Next, soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in warm water with a scoop of kosher or bath salt. Once the skin is nice and soft, use a pumice stone to scrub away dead skin and callouses.
Trim and shape
Once dead skin is filed away and the warm water has made nails a bit soft, trim your toenails with nail clippers. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; just cut them straight across and avoid digging in and cutting around the sides, which can cause ingrown toenails. After clipping, use a nail file to give toenails a smooth, rounded shape. Then, use a nail buffer to get the tops of nails smooth and shiny. Rub the base and sides of each nail with cuticle oil and let it soak in for a few minutes. Finally, massage a bit of lotion into your feet.
Prep and paint
Using toe separators can help those who worry about a sloppy paint job, and applying a clear base coat to each nail before using color is also a great way to get a professional look. After the base coat is dry, apply color, painting one thin coat, waiting three minutes, and applying a second coat. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up skin around the nail. Finally, add a clear topcoat for a pedicure that lasts and then—wait! Don’t ruin your hard work by running around before polish is completely dry. Using a hair dryer for just a few minutes can help set polish faster if you’re in a hurry.
