While I have a wonderful nail tech (my bestie!) sometimes I like to just put on a face mask, grab some snacks, and binge watch Sex and the City while I give myself a salon worthy pedicure at home. I own a ton of polishes and other products so it’s really easy to do, especially since I have Earth Therapeutic’s Diamond Precisso Pedicure File ($10) and Triple Butter Intensive Foot Balm ($10) to help keep my tootsies smooth.
I used to use a regular pumice stone, but they are not all created equal, my friend. If you wear sandals everyday during the Summer, using a pumice or foot file in the shower will help keep your feet looking right in between visits to the nail shop. I like the Diamond File because it has crystalline abrasion cells, so it smooths away calluses and rough patches without rubbing the skin raw, and the Foot Balm is super hydrating; it’s made with cocoa butter, shea butter, + mango butter so it moisturizes without being greasy.
It’s a lot quicker that a normal pumice or regular file, which is good for the days when I’m in a hurry and can only do a quick job. On the days when I have time to do some real maintenance, this is what I do:
- Fill foot bath with really warm, soapy water (make it as hot as you can stand); add Epson Salt or essential oils if you need a little extra care.
- Remove old polish from toes, then soak feet for 15-30 minutes (you’re relaxing, remember?)
- Use circular motions to remove any rough patches (scrubbing back + forth will remove dead skin but your foot won’t be smooth). Pay close attention to heels.
- Apply cuticle remover, and then use a double sided cuticle pusher to push back cuticles + to remove any old polish/skin off nailbed that the nail polish remover missed (THIS is the step that nail techs do that help make your nails super smooth. Once I picked up this tool I saw a huge difference in my nails).
- Apply cuticle oil and/or foot balm. Rub in for 3-5 minutes.
- Clip nails to desired length, then use a nail buffer to smooth and remove any ridges.
- Swipe nails with polish remover (to remove oil from nailbed)
- Apply base coat + nail polish + topcoat (I like Mineral Fusion’s polishes right now).
- Watch another episode of SATC while nails dry.
Voila!
What are your at home pedicure steps?
This post was sponsored but opinions are totally my own. See full disclosure policy here.