Pretty toes are made for slipping into pretty sandals in summer. Nothing detracts more from you looking seasonally glam than terrible toes that should not be on show. A home pedicure can be a relaxing treat for anyone – minimal input with maximum output – and can be done in front of the television or while you’re tanning.
- Fill a bowl with soapy water and soak both feet for a few minutes: this isn’t essential but it is a little luxury step to start. Remove dead skin with a pumice stone or file, rubbing gently key areas such as underneath the heel and on the sides of the big toe. Work on one foot and then the next, washing dead skin off in the bowl.
- Dry one foot and leave the other to soak. Rub oil into the cuticles and gently rub the cuticle off with a towel or flannel. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser to make your tootsies super soft.
- Trim the nails with clippers, cutting them square – if you take them too short or round off the edges this can cause ingrown toenails. Use an emery board to file the nail in to a smooth-edged shape and a buffing block to remove all ridges from the nail face, paying special attention to the big toe as it tends to be tough.
- Choose one of the lovely summer bright shades that are on-trend for this season and pop a separator between your toes or a long piece of folded-up tissue wound in and out of the toes. Apply a base coat and, once dry, apply a coloured coat (two thin coats are best). Finish off with a clear top coat to keep nails looking shiny and chip-free.
Now to take your toes out on the town!
