I couldn't believe the amount of male attention I drew the other day with my fresh professional pedicure. One guy literally stopped me just to tell me I had the cutest set of toes he'd ever seen. I obviously felt incredibly awkward, but a part of me was actually sort of flattered. You have to admit–when it comes to pedicures nothing beats the smooth amazing results you only get at a spa! Between the flawless polish job and the amazing foot rub, what's there not to like? But who can honestly afford to splurge on a pricey professional pedi every other week? I know I can't! Learn how to get your feet sandal-ready without spending the big bucks, with a few of my easy-to-follow tips below!
Readmore ¿Qué más? 6 Tools that will make your at-home manicures a breeze
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Soak
I recommend getting a foot spa machine, like the Conair Waterfall Foot Spa ($60). But a tub full of warm water will also get the job done. Add some bath salts to help you relax while your feet soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. Try Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Chamomile & Lavender Effervescent Foot Soak ($15).
Clip
Now that your feet are soft and wet, trying clipping your toenails using a toenail clipper, like Sally Hansen Treat Your Toes Grip Toenail Clipper ($3). Make sure to keep the clipper angled to help cut each nail evenly and equally.
File
Dry off your nails before filing. You want to make sure they’re completely dry, otherwise the filing can cause damage and breakage. Begin by positioning the file directly under your nail, filing very softly. You can file them square or round, whatever your preference. I like Revlon Designer Files ($2).
Buff
Use a nail buffer to help buff, polish and shine nails all in one step. Try Sephora Collection Colorful Nail Buffers ($8).
Take care of your cuticles
I don’t recommend removing your cuticles at home, as it can lead to ingrown nails. Instead, simply massage a cuticle oil into your nail beds and let it sit for a few minutes. Try the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil ($8). Then take a metal cuticle pusher (not wood) to gently push back the skin towards the nail base.
Use a foot scrub
Get rid of dry, flaky skin by massaging feet in a circular motion using a foot scrub. Try the Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak ($12).Then take a callus-remover to smooth dry, cracked heels. Use a foot callus file, like Feet by OPI Callus File ($20).
Moisturize
Slather on a generous amount of moisturizer to deeply hydrate feet. I’m obsessed with Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream ($9). It leaves skin super smoth and it smells great too!
Prep before polish
To avoid making a mess out of your polish, slip on some color separators, like OPI Individually Wrapped Toe Separators ($1). You can also just take a long strand of toilet paper and wrap it around each toe.
Paint
Make sure to apply a base coat polish before applying your color. Have fun and go for a color that’s really going to pop! A bright, coral shade like Essie Nail Polish in Orange, its Obvious ($8) looks great against medium, tan and dark skin tones. Finish it off by layering on a top coat.
