Ladies and gentlemen: ‘Tis the season to start paying more attention to your feet. Sandal weather is imminent. If you neglected your feet over the winter like I did, you may want to visit my post “One Week to Softer Feet.” In it, I share an action plan to banish rough, cracked skin and uncomfortable calluses.
In this post, I will share how to finish the look with a DIY spa pedicure. Giving yourself a pedicure is a fun, relaxing activity. I usually prefer to do them at night once my son is asleep. I gather all my materials, pour myself a glass of wine, and turn on the TV or listen to music. With a little practice and the right tools, you can achieve professional results at home, saving you time and money.
For this ultimate “spa” treatment, I’ve included several optional steps. Feel free to cut corners if you’re short on time. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the slideshow below for gorgeous feet.
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For this DIY spa pedicure, you will need:
A bin large enough for both your feet or a foot spa (I found mine at the dollar store)
Prepared foot soak, ½ cup Epsom salts, or ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup sea salt (optional)
Hand towel
Callus remover (optional)
Plastic gloves (optional)
Foot rasp or pumice stone (I got mine at my local Asian market) (optional)
Foot scrub or 1 T body wash mixed with 1 T of sea salt (I used Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Foaming Milk & Body Wash and salt) (optional)
Foot mask (I used SpaRitual Organic Scrub Mask) (optional)
Cuticle remover (I used Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover)
Cuticle pusher
Cuticle nipper
Nail clippers
File or emery board
Foot lotion or cream (I used Be Natural Spa Intensive Skin Therapy)
Nail polish remover
Cotton balls or pads
Base coat (I used Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat)
Nail Polish (I used Essie Nail Polish in After School Boy Blazer)
Top Coat (I used Essie Everyday Top Coat)
Nail brush or orangewood stick -
Drop some prepared foot soak, Epsom salts, or baking soda and sea salt into your bin with some very warm water. Optionally add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil for a bit of aromatherapy. Soak your feet for at least 15 minutes.
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Treat calluses and rough areas if necessary. Remove one foot from the water and dry off with your hand towel. Carefully apply callus remover to dry and cracked or thickened areas using a cotton ball, or wear plastic gloves to protect your hands. Slough off dead skin with a foot rasp or file.
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Apply a store-bought foot scrub or mix up your own using equal parts body wash and sea salt. Rub over feet and ankles using circular motions. Return feet to water and gently scrub to remove the product.
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Dry feet and apply a foot mask for extra softening and repair. Wait the amount of time instructed on the packaging, then return feet to the water and rinse.
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Dry feet and apply a cuticle remover. Allow it to sit for the time indicated on the packaging.
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Using a cuticle pusher, push cuticles back away from the base of your toenails. Clean feet with your body wash to wash away cuticle remover.
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Use a cuticle nipper to very carefully remove any loose cuticle or hangnails. You do not want to cut into your cuticles. Nicking this area can lead to infection. Follow this step by applying a good foot cream.
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If necessary, trim nails down to a good length.
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Use an emery board to smooth and shape your toenails.
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Using a cotton ball, wipe each toenail with nail polish remover to remove excess oils.
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Apply base coat to all toenails.
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Apply two coats of nail polish.
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Use a nail brush or an orangewood stick and polish remover to remove any polish slips.
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Finish with a clear top coat to protect your work.
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Put on some sandals and go.
For a buying guide to essential mani-pedi tools, click here.