Lifestyle

Many people enjoy being pampered when getting their nails pedicured professionally, but by following this simple step by step guide you can

get your feet in tip top shape at home in a little over half an hour.

Items you'll need for the pedicure – a basin or tub, foot soak or bath salts, pumice footstone, small brush, nail polish remover, cotton pads, nail polish, base coat for nails, top coat for nails, clippers, file, cuticle stick, lotion and foot scrub treatment.

• Remove old nail varnish using nail polish remover and a paper towel or cotton pads. Both are better than a tissue, offering more friction.  Always try to use a non-acetone polish remover, as its less drying to nails and cuticles.
• If necessary clip or file your nails while they're dry. If using an emery board, file in one direction using smooth strokes. Clip your toenails straight across using a toenail clipper or scissors
• Fill a basin with several inches of warm water. Add foot soak or bath salts as the tub fills. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes
• Dry off thoroughly and apply cuticle cream or lotion. Gently ease the cuticles back by making tiny circles against the cuticles with an orangewood stick. They should be supple due to the soaking.
• Massage your feet with moisturising lotion, use an exfoliating lotion if the skin is dry and use a pumice footstone on roughened areas.
• Separate your toes, putting cotton between them, unless you have a ready made pedicure device.
• Apply a base coat, which holds the polish in place and makes it last longer. They are usually clear or slightly coloured, and help strengthen the nail to avoid breakages. Give it time to dry.
• Choose your desired shade of nail polish and apply, cleaning up any stray marks with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover. After waiting two minutes, add a second coat for deeper colour. If you can, sweep it on in three strokes from base to tip, first up the centre, then each side.
• Complete your pedicure with a top coat of clear polish, to add shine, and protect from chipping

If possible, leave your shoes off for at least an hour to allow the polish to thoroughly dry.