Monday, December 29, 2008

Home Style Pedicure


I love a mani and a pedi. Usually, I splurge on starbucks (extra shot, one equal, skim cappaccino) and then head to the salon, slip into a massage chair with trashy magazine in hand. At the end of my self-indulgent soiree, I'm fifty dollars poorer, but feeling pampered. Unfortunately, after the holiday spending, I can't rationalize spending that kind of dough. Especially, when my toes are either clad in closed toe pumps, or my favorite ugg slippers. Here is at home instructions for an at home pedi.

Pedicure
  1. Remove last week's OPI color with nail polish remover.
  2. Fill a shallow basin with warm water and add baking soda and massage oil. The mixture will thoroughly clean and soften your feet. Or, if you are a milk lover, add about a quarter cup of milk. (The lactic acid in milk softens skin).
  3. Soak for about 7 minutes or in between commercials while watching Lipstick Jungle or Law and Order.
  4. Trim your nails with a high-end nail clipper by first cutting across the center of the nail. Be sure to cut straight, otherwise you may be producing the catalyst for ingrown toenails which don't pair well with your favorite Prada Heels.
  5. Next, file your nails. First, use an emery board to soften the edges by only filing in one direction. Then, take the file across the top of the nail to smooth any edges created by the clipping.
  6. Apply cuticle cream to the based of your nail. Rub across and then up along the sides. If you don't have cuticle cream, I have found conditioner is a great, always on hand, substitute. Use cuticle clippers to remove the loose skin. Don't get clip happy.
  7. Use an exfoliating scrub and pumice stone to smooth your foot, focusing on the ball of your feet and the heels.
  8. Now, you're all set to apply this weeks hot color from Essie. But, be sure to remove the oils from your nail by swabbing each nail with remover, before applying polish.
Voila, a pedicure from the comfort of your couch, while watching your favorite tv show! You don't have to worry about scuzzy foot baths or germ infested tools. Put away the 50 dollars you saved for flip flop season. Since you don't have to drive, feel free to throw in some vino.

For an at home manicure use the same methods for your fingers.

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