A treat for your feet
It's time for a DIY pedicure
After a summer of thongs, sandals and little foot protection your feet are probably crying out for some TLC. It's time for a pedicure! One of the few beauty procedures which can be done outside the salon, you'll be surprised at just how professional the results are when you try this at home.
- Remove any old, chipped nail polish
- Then treat your feet to a good long soak. This will prepare and soften the skin while soothing any aches and pains in your feet. Try warm water infused with Eureka Lavender Oil or Radox Mineral Salts Muscle Soak to help rehydrate your skin and promote relaxation. Toe tip: add a ¼ cup of milk as the lactic acid helps to loosen dead skin.
- To remove the hard, dead skin on the balls and heels of your feet apply an exfoliating foot scrub like Scholl Dual Action Foot File or use a foot file or the Revlon Pedi-Expert. Don't slough off too much rough skin. Smooth rather than remove - the skin is there to protect.
- Towel dry and trim your nails straight across with clippers to prevent ingrown nails. File nails into a soft square shape that's slightly rounded at the corners. Use an emery board or one of the newer 'nail shapers' as metal files can rip nails.
- Apply cuticle remover to the base of each nail and massage it in with Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover. Now gently push back your cuticles with an orangewood stick. You can trim your cuticles, but I think this is a job for the professionals. This skin is extremely delicate and if you misjudge and snip the fleshy edge it will be painful and could become infected.
- Apply a thick foot cream like Eulactol Gold Heel Balm. It's rich and nourishing without being greasy. Standard body moisturisers don't have enough hydration for your feet.
- Time to paint! Remove any excess oil from your toenails with an acetone polish remover. Next, apply a base coat which protects your nails from discolouration by pigments in the nail polish. No base coat handy? A coat of clear polish will also protect the nail from staining. Then add two coats of your favourite colour. If you're using nude or clear polish it isn't essential to wear a base coat.
- Wear your strappiest heels and watch heads turn!