Summer is a great time to show off perfectly groomed feet, and lets face it, nothing beats smooth & super soft tooties! With prices going up all the time, getting your weekly pedicure in may not suit your budget, but an at home job can deliver the same results – and it’s so easy once you know how! There is such a wide range of lotions and potions available to us these days, in countless brands! It’s easy to choose one that suits your needs!
WHAT YOU NEED:
Foot Soak
Acetone
Cottonwool Discs
Nail Clipper, File & Buffer
Exfoliating Cleanser or Scrub
Foot File or Pumice Stone
Foot Mask or Paraffin Wax
Foot Cream/Butter
Toe Separators
Basecoat
Nail Colour of your choice
Topcoat
Old Make-Up Brush*
Cuticle Oil
* We use the old make-up brush to create a clean line. If you have a professional nail brush (used for acrylic/gel application – looks like a paint brush), that’s great, but a make-up brush will do the trick. Make sure the bristles are not synthetic, as the acetone may damage them. If you don’t have an old make-up brush, you can use an earbud – the lines won’t be as clean, but you will get the same results.
STEP 1: Prepare!
Clean your toenails of any laquer. Soak them in a warm soapy water to soften the skin. *Clip your nails and gently file to the desired shape.
*The reason why we clip the nails after soaking is because they’re softer & easier to handle!
STEP 2: Exfoliate!
*Whether you choose to use a foot file or a pumice stone, get rid of all those dead skin cells! Pay special attention to your heels & places with dry skin! Use an exfoliating cleanser or a scrub, to get rid of dead skin cells on the softer part of your feet.
*Walking on the beach is also a great way to exfoliate your feet!
STEP 3: *Treat!
Here again, so many different products to choose from! Waxes and masks are easy to find, easy to use and give you that extra few minutes to relax! Bonus! I prefer to use a paraffin wax, it leaves your feet feeling baby soft! Apply the product all over your feet and relax for 10 minutes! You can wrap cling-wrap around your tooties after wax products are applied – this locks in your body heat & gives you optimal results!
*This is an optional step.
STEP 4: Moisturise!
Apply a generous amount of foot cream & massage into your feet. If you have especially dry patches, apply a thicker cream/butter & massage in.
STEP 5: Paint!
-Don’t forget to put toe separators in! Lightly buff the surface of the nail (LIGHTLY, you don’t want to see scrapes on your nails!) – do not buff sideways, buff them the way you would paint your nail, from your cuticle to the tip of your nail.
-Clean your nails with pure acetone & paint a thin coat of your favourite BASECOAT.
-Once you’ve chosen the colour you want, apply 2 coats and let it dry for a minute or 2.
-Finish off with a great TOPCOAT, this adds a high shine gloss that wil make your toes look great! You can apply a quick dry solution, though I would recommend that you rather wait for it to dry. Essie make a great topcoat called “Good To Go”, which is the fastest drying.
* If you don’t have toes separators, roll up a serviette/paper towel & thread that inbetween your toes!
The reason why we use pure acetone is because it contains no oils, etc. Brands like Cutex often put things like Vitamin E, Gelatine, Protein enriched, etc. leaving a residue on the nail, which contributes to your nail varnish chipping/lifting/bubbles!
When you are waiting for your colour to dry, grab an old make-up brush (don’t use one with synthetic bristles, the acetone will melt them) & dip it in the acetone. Carefully clean up the messy areas (cuticles, sides, etc.) to give your pedi a clean, professional line! You will get better at this with practise!
Finally, once your nails are dry, apply a cuticle oil to your toenails & you are good to go!
PS – Don’t forget to take the toe separators out! =)