Pedicures are a summer essential, espeically if you love sandels.

Ladies, before you bare those tender tootsies, here are the 8 easy steps to achieving a simple home pedicure to showcase your toes without the salon cost.

Step 1
Remove all old polish from your feet.

Step 2
Soak
If you have a foot bath great, if you don’t a large salad bowl will do. (Please wash well before using it for food purposes). Fill your basin with warm water and your favourite foot soak. I use essential oils with a drop of foam bath. Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes. Also continue soaking the foot you’re not working on during step 3.

Step 3
File
Using a foot file, or pumice stone, slough away those dead skin cells paying attention to the dry areas such as your heels, big toe and the balls of your feet. With regards to calluses I leave those alone and save that for the professionals.


Step 4
Exfoliate
I like to use a simple scrub made of sea salt and olive oil. (Basic recipe: 1 part sea salt or coarse sugar with 1 part olive oil). Rub into your feet starting at the heel of the foot working your way around the sides of your feet including your ankles using gentle but firm pressure. If you have the time, use this as an opportunity to exfoliate your calves as well.

Step 5
Rinse feet well to remove all traces of your foot scrub.

Step 6
Push & Clip
Dry your feet thoroughly. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick and trim your toenails if necessary. Clip and file your toenails to the desired length. I like to keep mine short and square, but it is all a matter of personal preference. Remember to file in one direction only.

Step 7
Moisturize
Using your favourite moisturizer, Begin at the base of your heel and using upward strokes massage into your feet again using gentle but firm pressure. I tend to use a lighter moisturizer if I am going to be putting on nail polish right away and a heavier moisturizer if I have time to spare. .

Step 8
Polish
Insert your toe separators (in a pinch tissue wrapped in and out around the toes will do.)
Do not shake your nail polish bottle as this will cause air bubbles. Roll the bottle between your hands instead. When it comes to brand names, I like ZOYA which is available in spas and also Revlon and Sally Hansen.

Start with a base coat, to protect your nails from discolouration and help your polish last longer.
Add two coats of your favourite toe color; I prefer using the bright corals and pinks during this time of year. Lastly a much overlooked step is your top coat. This helps protect your color and helps the polish last longer.

Happy Sandal Season Ladies!!