Finally the warm weather seems to be here to stay and you know what that means…our piggies are going to be on full display! Hold on though, before you break out those gorgeous strappy sandals your feet need some TLC. If you can’t afford or can’t find the time to book a spa pedicure have no fear. Follow these 6 simple steps and you can be sure to start spring off on the right foot.
SHAPE: Rub a drop of cuticle oil into each nail bed and gently push back any thickened skin with an orange stick wrapped in some cotton. Be careful not push back hard or you can damage your cuticle. Cut your nails straight across (that will help prevent painful ingrown toenails) and then file with a coarse-grain emery board. Slightly round the edges of your nails. It’s the most up to date shape.
EXFOLIATE: Dump out the tub of milk bathwater and refill with clean warm water. Grab a pumice stone (Sally Hansen has a great one called Just Feet Soles & Toes) and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! The milk should have softened most callouses so the skin should be coming off easily. Don’t go overboard though or it’ll feel like you took a cheese grater to them!
APPLY MASK: After rinsing all the dead skin off your feet cover your feet and lower legs with a moisturizing foot mask (I like OPI’s) and relax for 5-10 minutes while the ingredients sink in and then rinse.
MOISTURIZE: Pat your feet dry, leave a bit of moisture on them because once you put lotion on it will seal that moisture in. Massage in a hydrating foot cream. (Try Heel Rescue at Walgreens) Wipe off any lotion residue on your nails and swipe on 1 coat of basecoat from the bottom of the nail to the top.
Leslie is the wife of a programmer, the mother of 2 fur babies, and an avid collector of beauty and craft products. Read all her adventures at www.scottandles.com.