Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure at Home

 

Hey Loveys, in today's post I am sharing some steps for a DIY pedicure, since it's a great way to give feet some tender loving care from the comfort of your own home. 

Step 1: Remove Old Nail Polish

When searching for a nail-polish remover you should be aware that alcohol-free and acetone-free removers are less drying but do not work as well on removing darker shades of nail polish. 

Step 2: Cut & File Nails 

In order to avoid ingrown nails cut your nails straight across to just above the skin (i.e. your nail should not extend beyond your toe), then file your nails in one direction. Consider using an emery board nail file, since metal nail files are known to rip nails. 

Step 3: Soften Feet

 Soaking your feet in salt helps to soften your skin and cuticles, so fill a large bowl with warm water and use your salt of choice.  You can use a commercial foot soak, bath salts, Epsom salt, or aromatherapy oils to soak your feet for as little as ten minutes, or you can opt to soak your feet longer if they are dry.  Some professionals add a quarter cup of milk to the foot-bath along with the essential oils and salts since the lactic acid in the milk loosens dead skin.

Step 4: Take Care of Cuticles

Apply cuticle remover to the base of each nail and rub it in. Leave the cuticle remover on for a minute, and then use an orangewood stick to gently push with a circular motion where the skin meets the nail (including the sides). Be careful to remove skin only on top of the nail, do not touch the toe flesh.

Step 5: Smooth Your Skin

Use a pumice stone over the callused spots on your feet to smooth your skin. Next, massage a thick exfoliating scrub to gently remove any remaining dead skin, ensure that you scrub the balls, bottoms, sides of your heels and around the toes.

Step 6: Moisturize

 Dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes and apply a thick moisturizer or foot cream in order to lock in moisture. You can also go a step further by applying cuticle oil to re-hydrate your cuticles. 

Step 7: Polish Nails

Use acetone remover to get rid of any excess oils on the nails. Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down the middle and then one on each side. Don't paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding 2 coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat. Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in polish remover and let your nails dry for at least 40 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Your Pedicure

After your nails have dried, you can go a step further by applying some moisturizing nail oil to your nails. This sets your polish and moisturizes your cuticles.

Also, I recently discovered a cool blog written by an inspiring blogger, you can check it out here  http://www.nothingbutvelvet.com/2015/08/a-how-to-guide-be-inspired.html

XO

Malika