Summertime is always tough on feet. They are exposed to the elements, and it’s just not the time when we are willing to hide out battle-worn feet in clunky, closed toed shoes!
Summer is the time for light, strappy, and fun!! Your feet carry you around all day long, so pamper your two best friends and get them summer ready with the following pedicure routine.
Remove old polish with a gentle, non-acetone polish remover. It’s always best to use either cotton balls or cotton pads for polish removing – tissues shred too easily.
Apply a cuticle removing cream to the nail beds, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. While the cuticle cream is doing its thing, begin buffing down those rough spots with the saving grace for all feet, a Diamancel foot file.
I recently spent $48 on the Diamancel Tough Buffer, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. Diamancel foot paddles are professional grade with diamond dust buffers and easy-grip rubber handles. They are a must in every girls summertime bag of tricks.
After buffing and filing away all of the rough skin, take an orange stick and gently push back the cuticle on each toenail. Depending on how long it’s been since I had my last professional pedicure, I sometimes use a buffing block, and actually buff the surface of my toenails to minimize the ridges.
Now comes the relaxing part . . . put those hard-working peds of yours into a tub of warm water, with a wonderful foot soak dissolved in it (try Bliss’ Rosy Toes), and kick back for a while.
After the soak, thoroughly dry your feet and apply a generous layer of foot cream (I love Bliss Spa’s Foot Patrol, and also Shea it Isn’t So from Bath and Body Works).
Make sure to wipe all excess lotion off of your nail beds. A tiny bit of rubbing alcohol swiped across each nail will ensure that all the oils have been removed. Apply a ridge-filling base coat (try Opi Nail Envy), and then two coats of your polish of choice.
For summertime, it is completely appropriate to wear anything from a bright coral to a muted pale pink shade. Wear what makes you happy!
Once your polish is dry, make sure to top it off with a good top coat to minimize chips and maximize wear (Seche Vite Fast Dry top coat is my favorite). Enjoy your new-found summer-ready feet!