5 Steps to a Salon-Worthy Pedicure

Beach season might be winding down, but you still have plenty of opportunities to wear your favorite open-toed wedges in the next few months. Get your sand-ravaged tootsies back in tip top shape with these five simple steps for an at-home pedicure that takes about an hour (or less).

1. Take a Soak

You might be tempted to skip this first step, but a quick 15 minute soak preps feet and nails for the rest of your pedicure. Choose a epsom salt-based formula to soothe aches and soften skin. Add peppermint oil to cool the skin and relax the mind – aromatherapy at its finest.

Try: Dr. Teal’s Peppermint Foot Soak, $4.

2. Scrub and Buff

After skin loosens, slough off calluses and dry patches with a gritty scrub. Try making your own at home with simple ingredients like sugar, lemon or lime (for acid exfoliation), and conditioning olive or almond essential oil. Or just grab a pumice stone and go to work on the toughest areas.

Try: Arch Sole Savour Scrub, $20.

https://www.drkristaarcher.com/products/arch-sole-savour-scrub-4-oz

3. Lotion Up

The mini foot and calf massage is probably your favorite part of the professional pedicure, and you can do it at home too. Choose a thick cream that continues to soften rough areas even after it absorbs (we like ones made with coconut oil). Then works it into skin and nails for a minute or two until you feel muscle tension fade.

Try: Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream, $9.

http://www.burtsbees.com/Coconut-Foot-Cream/06999-00,default,pd.html

4. Prep School

Get your toes ready for polishing by clipping nails, shaping them with a file, and pushing back creeping cuticles. Use a gentle nail polish remover to clean away any lingering lacquer or foot cream (from the previous step).

Try: Kaia House Soy Polish Remover, $12.

http://www.kaiahouse.com/collections/soy-polish-remover/products/bio-polish-soy-nail-polish-remover

5. Totally Polished

It’s time for the hardest part – choosing a color! Make sure to paint on one base coat layer (Julep and Mischo Beauty make great eco-friendly options), then add two coats of your favorite hue. Finish it off with a glossy top coat, and give your nails at least 10 to 15 minutes to dry before taking your fresh pedicure outside.

Try: Habit Nail Polish, $18.

http://www.habitcosmetics.com/