Though it’s nowhere near sandal season, there’s still something to be said about a great pedicure. Even if you’re just flaunting those polished toes around your dorm or apartment, we know it makes us feel good when our feet look pretty. Not to mention, giving yourself a pedicure at home is a great way to relax and recharge after a stressful day at work or school without spending a lot of money. Check out our 6-step, DIY pedi below and pamper your tired toes.
1. Soak feet to soothe and prepare. Soaking feet will soften and prepare them for the pedicure ahead. Adding bath salts to warm water will soothe feet and relax tired muscles. Aveda’s Stress-Fix Soaking Salts include essences of organic lavender and clary sage for a tranquil experience. 2. Scrub-a-dub-dub. Before your feet can be their very softest, you need to remove all those dead skin cells. The easiest way to do it is sitting on the side of your tub before getting into the shower. Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub uses sea salt and brown sugar to buff away dry skin and make your feet glow. 3. Moisturizing is key. All of that dead skin buffing will be thrown out the window if you don’t lock in moisture with a good foot cream. Use a liberal amount from ankles to toes after showering. L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream is enriched with lavender essential oil to relieve tired, inflamed feet while shea butter soothes and softens skin. 4. Buff and file toenails. File nails straight across, not rounded, to avoid ingrown toenails then buff and shine nails to mimic the pros. The Sephora Collection Colorful Nail Buffer has instructions written right on the tool to get beautifully shiny nails with no effort at all. 5. Soften and nourish cuticles. We are not fans of cutting cuticles, but it’s important to moisturize and pamper them. Apply a dab to each nail and gently rub into your cuticles. Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil contains tons of vitamins and natural oils that both smell and feel great. 6. Polish to perfection. You’ve primped your feet, so now it’s time to polish those toes. Make sure to swipe a cotton ball soaked with nail polish remover over toenails to eliminate any oil or lotion that could prevent polish from sticking. Start with a base coat like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat before applying your favorite spring color. Finish with a top coat like Essie No Chips Ahead Top Coat to preserve that gorgeous pedicure for days. [Lead image via Valua Vitality/Shuttershock]