Perfect Pedicure At Home
Our toes can’t help but peek out with the arrival of sunny weather. But when you break out your cute summer sandals, you’ll probably realize it’s been a while since the last time you treated your feet (or even applied foot cream). When it’s hard (or impossible!) to make it into the salon for a pro pedicure, we’ve got you covered with simple steps to give yourself the perfect pedicure — right at home.
From top tools to aftercare, here are the must-dos and at-home pedicure hacks to pamper your feet and toes properly. Embrace your inner nail tech and give your feet a little pampering.
1. Gather the essential at-home pedicure tools.
Make sure you’re ready to go with a straight (not curved) nail clipper, nail file, foot file, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, foot mask, and cuticle oil. You can always leave your toes au natural, but if you prefer a fresh coat of paint, have your favorite nail polish on hand, too, plus a base and top coat.
2. Trim your toenails short.
Use a straight nail clipper to create a neat line and avoid ingrown toenails. Keeping your toenails short prevents polish chips. After clipping, file your toenails smoothly in one direction.
3. Be gentle on cuticles
When treating your cuticles, think less is more. Be gentle with your cuticle pusher. simply push back any waxy build-up on your natural toenail plate and near the cuticle area. The point of the pusher is to detach that cuticle buildup from the natural nail, but (bonus!) it will also help your polish adhere to the nails. Then take your cuticle trimmer and trim only any pieces of dead skin or obvious hang nails.
4. Exfoliate rough heels with a foot file
Start by soaking your feet to soften and help remove dead skin. Using a foot file, buff away at any rough areas that may have been caused by standing too long in heels, exercising, or having just accumulated over time. “Focus on cracks on the edges of your heel, as well as the ball of your foot, which is where calluses tend to occur.
5. Treat feet to a mask
Putting on a foot mask can help extend the life of your baby-soft skin even days after your pedicure. If you find that your feet often feel dry, try a moisturizing mask that will nourish the skin on your soles and leave them silky-smooth.
If you’re looking for a more intensive callus treatment, use a chemical foot peel like Baby Foot that will dissolve rough skin without harsh, physical exfoliation. When rinsing off the mask, soak your feet for an extra 10 minutes of added relaxation.
6. Always use a base coat
Don’t make the mistake of skipping out on the base coat. It only takes a few extra minutes to apply, and it prevents chips and yellow nail stains that can come from dark nail polishes. Because “toenails tend to dry out due to exposure to the summer heat.it’s best to use a moisturizing base coat formula.
7. Paint on polish
The toes are a great place to play with a bolder polish shade, as they can be hidden if needed (or balanced out with a more muted nail color). We’ve seen nail polish trends from bright pinks to periwinkle blues to fun nail art this season. And a pop of color looks good on all skin tones. If you prefer to keep things classic, a sheer nude is always a contender for compliments as well. Be careful not to layer polish on too thick: Instead, layer on several thin coats, allowing adequate time to dry between each coat for best results.
8. Seal your color with a no-chip top coat.
For a top coat, seek a strengthening formula,” Remark says. Since toes are always exposed in sandals, it’s a good idea to find a long-wear version that will help nail color stay chip-free. “Reapply your top coat every four days to keep your polish as long-lasting and shiny as possible.
9. Be Patient
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste. Make sure to wait for your freshly-polished toenails to completely dry before slipping on socks or closed-toe shoes. Even though nails may feel dry, rushing the drying process can result in unwanted smudges. I recommend waiting at least two hours to put shoes on for the perfect pedicure.
10. Don’t forget cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is key for healthy, strong nails, whether on the hands or toes. “It refreshes your pedicure and prevents toes from looking dry. so don’t forget to swipe some over your toes. But remember to always apply cuticle oil after nail polish so that it won’t interfere with the color adhering to the nails.
11. Keep up the good work
By now you realize how easy it is to give yourself a salon-worthy pedicure at home, so stick to it!I suggest treating yourself to pedicures every two or three weeks for those with very active lifestyles to maintain proper foot health. “Otherwise every three to four weeks is sufficient, depending on how quickly your nails grow,”
Best Foot Creams To Moisturize Your Feet
While your feet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for new skincare products, they shouldn’t be completely neglected either. After all, they do a lot and deserve some care too. The easiest addition you can make: A foot cream. And the good news is that there is now a cream for every type of foot concern. Whether it’s calluses, cracked heels, blisters, or even a staunch odor—there’s a foot cream out there for you.
Below are my picks for the best foot creams and I a sure You will love them once you use it. so just give it a try.
Best Overall: Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème
You must be aware of the lip balm of burt bees. If you didn’t know that Burt’s Bees made more than just lip balm, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with this find. Made with coconut and olive oil, the consistency is thick and comes out more like a salve, allowing it to penetrate deep for a rich dose of moisture. The light, refreshing scent of rosemary and peppermint extracts is also a nice bonus.
Best budget:eucerin Advanced repair foot cream
When you want to get the job done (which in this case is nourishing your dry, chapped feet) but don’t want to break the bank, this is the foot cream to reach for. And don’t let the low price tag fool you into thinking it’s any less powerful. In fact, its ability to deeply hydrate while also breaking down rough, callused skin has earned it a cult-like following. Another added bonus: It’s lightweight and won’t leave behind a greasy residue—two qualities that can be hard to come by in a foot cream.
Best for Moisturizing: L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
Shea butter has long been known for its moisturizing superpowers, which is why this cream—made with 15% of the nourishing ingredient—was extra exciting to find. Not only does the concentrated formula mean a hefty dose of hydration for your skin, but it also means a little goes a long way. Take a dime-sized amount (really!) and warm it up between your hands before smoothing it on from your ankles to your toes. While many rich formulas can send you sliding across the floor, this one sinks right in. And if massaging your feet wasn’t enough to put you into a state of zen, the cream’s soothing lavender essential oil scent definitely will. Apply it before bed and get ready for sweet dreams.
Best for Cracked Heels: J.R. Watkins Foot Repair Salve
When cracked heels are the issue, opt for a more concentrated formula in a balm or salve like this one. Packed with rich hydration like olive oil, beeswax, and candelilla (it’s a flower!) wax, it keeps feet hydrated long after it’s been applied. The peppermint oil is also a nice pick-me-up. Another perk: It’s housed in a tin rather than a pump, making it easy to travel with so you can revive your feet on the go. Just be sure to warm it up in your hands before applying so it smoothes on easily.
Best for Blisters: Earth Therapeutics Foot Repair Balm
Moisturizing your feet while having blisters is not always easy or fun but this will help. Among the many plant extracts included on the ingredient list are tea tree oil and aloe vera, both of which have been found to help in the healing process of skin and aid in being antimicrobial. With the added moisturizing benefits, your feet will be on the mend in no time.
Best Natural Formula: Spiritual Foot Balm
Tamanu oil and shea butter make this balm ultra-rich and yet it quickly melts into skin to nourish parched feet fast. Once you’ve slathered it on, alpha-hydroxy acids (naturally found in papaya extract) get to work exfoliating and dissolving away dead skin cells for softer, smoother skin every time you use it. Stay out in your stilettos a little too long? Not to worry, it’s got you covered there too thanks to aloe vera juice, which helps calm inflammation and even works to heal wounds faster. Another bonus: The happy citrus scent is naturally derived from orange and lemon peel oils. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, or parabens, making for truly happy feet.
Best Mask: Kocostar Foot Therapy
This one not only moisturizes, thanks to shea butter and a list of plant oils, but it also sloughs away dry, dead skin cells due to the plant-based lactic acid and glycolic acid. Simply slide on the coated booties, sealing your feet in tightly (the more snug, the less your feet will slip around), then knock out some of your to-do lists for the next 90 minutes. After the time is up, slip them off, rinse your feet, and marvel at your fresh, hydrated skin.
Best for Sore Feet: Dr. Bronner’s Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm
This multi-purpose balm can be used on everything from dry elbows to tattoos, but we love how well it works for aching feet. While the hydrating benefits are worth it alone (Beeswax! Avocado oil! Jojoba oil! Hemp oil!), it’s the blend of arnica, camphor, menthol, and peppermint oils that do wonders at offering instant relief to tired toes. Soak your feet in the bath before applying for some extra pampering.
Best Smelling: Carol’s Daughter Lavender Mint Foot Cream
Soothe and reinvigorate tired feet with the sweet scent of this moisturizing lotion. Lavender helps to calm the senses while peppermint oil adds a cooling sensation for a mental and physical boost after a long day on your toes. While the naturally derived scent lingers behind after it’s applied, it’s not annoying or overpowering—more like a gentle reminder to take a deep breath when you catch a whiff. And while the scent is what stood out, the shea butter- and beeswax formula is also worth noting.
