When you meet someone new, your shoes are the first thing that gets noticed. Ever wondered what if you are not wearing shoes? Yes, your feet reflect your personality the same way your shoes do. As first impressions are hard to change, you need to keep your feet fresh and beautiful always. It goes without saying that well-groomed feet are the mark of a proud and confident woman. But our feet are also among the most overlooked parts of our body ignored until they demand attention. So today, I decided to share DIY pedicure at home. Just pamper and give yourself a salon-like pedicure in the comfort of your own home with these 5 easy steps.
Things RequiredA tub or basin of warm water
Epsom salt/Shampoo/Body wash
Essential oil
A good foot scrub or face scrub
Nail clippers
Cuticle pusher
Nail filer
Pumice stone/Foot file
Nail scrubber
Nail polish remover
Cuticle cream or oil
A clean towel
Moisturizer
Cotton pads
Procedure
# Prep Your ToesUse a good quality nail paint remover to take off your old nail paint. Now it’s time to cut and trim your nails. Just resist cutting the corners too much, as this can lead to painful ingrown nails. Decide the length and shape of your nails (square, oval, pointed, or squoval) and file them accordingly. Be sure to avoid the back and forth motion across the tip of the nail, as it will weaken them. Instead, get the desired shape by filing it in a single direction.
# Get A Nice Foot BathSoaking and getting a nice foot bath is a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day.
Fill a basin or tub with enough water to cover up your ankles and add half a cup of Epsom salt. This works as an exfoliator and will soften and soothe inflammations (if any). Also, add the juice of one lemon and a few drops of shampoo or a body wash. To calm the nerves and give your feet the spa treatment, add a few drops of essential oil.
You may also add some smooth pebbles in the water. This will provide a gentle massage as you place your feet on them. Now sit comfortably, put on some soothing music and soak your feet for a good 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, dry your feet with a soft towel.
# Exfoliate Your FeetOnce your feet are dry, it’s time to scrub and exfoliate the rough, dry, and dead skin.
Firstly, after drying your feet, apply cuticle oil or cream on the base of each toenail and leave it for a few minutes. Once the cream softens the dead skin, exfoliate your skin gently using a pumice stone or a foot scrub (face scrub will also work). Pay attention to the balls of your feet, the sides of your feet and your heels. Now wipe off the cuticle cream and push your cuticles with an angled cuticle pusher. Scrub your nails using a nail scrubber.
* In case you don’t have a cuticle cream or oil, you can use a mix of almond oil and coconut oil.
* You can also make your own foot scrub at home- in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon olive oil. You may also add a few drops of lemon juice as well. It works wonders.
# Moisturise & MassageTo keep the skin hydrated and smooth, massage your feet, ankles, and calf muscles for about 10 minutes with a good unscented moisturiser. A good foot massage increases blood circulation, stimulates nerve endings, nourishes the skin and foot muscles.
* You may also make your own moisturiser at home. All you have to do is take 2 teaspoons each of almond oil and olive oil and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it. This serves as a great foot massager.
* In case you have cracks on your feet, just apply a mixture of some Vaseline and lime juice on your heels. Wear cotton socks and leave it on overnight to find happy feet the next morning.
# Dazzle Up Your NailsNow your nails are ready to get painted. Start by applying transparent nail polish as the base coat. Then, apply the shade of your choice and let it dry for some time. Once it dries, seal it with a top coat. Try to keep your stroke as smooth and even as possible. And voila! Your nails are ready to dazzle.
* To help your nail polish solidify, stick your feet in cold water for a few minutes.