I don’t often go for a pedicure at a salon, but when I do, I always take notes. I like being able to recreate a salon pedicure at home – enjoying a pampering experience while using things I already own. Here are the five steps I take:
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1) SOAK:
Remove any existing polish. Fill a shallow tub with Epsom Salt, scented body wash and warm water. Soak your feet in the tub and flip through a magazine while the warm water softens your skin.
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2) CUTICLE WORK:
Rest one foot on the edge of the tub and apply cuticle remover to each toe. Massage it in and scrape the cuticle pusher along the base of your toe nails to remove any loose dead skin. Place foot back in water and repeat on the other foot.
3) EXFOLIATE:
Take your time and massage a creamy scrub onto each foot. Use circular movements to soften dry patches, covering all areas from your ankles to the soles of your feet. Dip your feet back in the tub to rinse them, and use a pumice stone or foot file on any calloused areas. (At some salons, they repeat the cuticle work after this step – do this if you have a hard time getting your cuticles in shape.)
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4) CLEANSE & FILE:
Rinse feet under running water and rest them on a towel to dry. Cut toenails and file them to desired shape (I cut them short and file them straight across the top.) Apply a rich moisturizer all over your feet, you can add a coat of Vaseline over the moisturizer to seal in the softness.
5) POLISH APPLICATION
Place a toe separator on each foot. Go over nails with nail polish remover to clear off any oily residue. Apply a base coat and let it dry (this Orly one is my fave!) Dip brush in colour, carefully wiping off excess polish on the sides of the bottle. Press the colour on to the nail, leaving an adequate distance from the cuticle so that it doesn’t get flooded with polish. If you get the first coat placed properly, it will be easy to apply the next two coats in the right place. Use a brush dipped in remover (or your fingernail) to clean up any mistakes. Apply a top coat – I like using Seche Vite and Essie because it blends away any streakiness and leaves a gel-like finish.
FIVE STEPS AND YOU’RE DONE!
Do you like doing pedicures at home or do you prefer going to the salon?
Your toes look so cute! I treat myself to a pedi about once every 6 weeks. I rarely get manis or massages so it's the one thing I do to treat myself! I'd love to start doing them myself again though because it saves money 🙂 great tips!
Glad you liked the post Noelle – it really feels so pampering when you do all the 5 steps – and my feet feel so soft too! And I agree – it's nice to treat ourselves to something once in a while – I like getting facials once in a while, because I can never extract as well as my facialist can LOL!
I am not going to lie – I love going to the salon for this. It's like my own little me time in the chaos of life! And as a thank you for the baby shower, my sister gave me one year's worth of gift certs to my salon! Crazy nice!But your tips are spot on! There's definitely something soothing about pampering your feet! Even if you're doing it yourself! Carylee | morepiecesofme.com
Ooh – sounds like the perfect gift! I totally know what you mean about me-time…nothing beats a spot of pampering at your favorite salon! Of the places I've been to – I've only been amazed by one (which charges around $60 per pedicure) – all the other places, I've thought – I can do a better job painting my nails myself LOL! It may not be perfect when I do it, but at least it's free ;-P
I love going to the salon for a pedicure, mainly for the back massage chair situation! Luckily the places around me are much cheaper then the prices you listed in your comment above! I've honestly thought about going in and asking if I can just pay to sit in the chair because I don't always like the way they do my toes. So most of the time, I do it myself and use a lot of the same tools as you do, like the SH cuticle remover and a quick dry top coat. Gina — On the Daily Express
I've seriously thought about buying one of those back massage chairs LOL – so I don't blame you for getting pedicures just to sit in the chair ;-P
Great post and how to! Thank you for sharing the details. Love it! xo akikoStyle Imported
Thanks Akiko – glad you liked the post!
Oh great post! Have you ever tried the ped egg for exfoliation? It works so well and it's amazing how much dead skin comes off. I highly recommend it! – Mahsahttp://www.thecrushworthy.com
Thanks Mahsa! I've actually been scared to try the ped egg LOL…but it's good to know it works – maybe I'll be brave enough to give it a try one day 🙂
Pedicures are so relaxing! Will be sure to try this at home. Thanks for sharing! 🙂