How to Save Money: Home Manicure and Pedicure

A minor investment in the right tools allows you to give yourself, or some other lucky person a luxury manicure and pedicure at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bowl or tub that will fit feet, filled with warm water and bath salts.
• Two dry hand towels, warmed if possible.
• Cotton puffs
• Nail polish remover
• Nail clippers and file
• exfoliant
• lotion or body oil
• Cuticle pusher
• Pumice stone or pediegg or other similar device for dead skin removal

1. First, set the stage: gather all of the necessary tools, turn on music, fill your tub with warm water and salts. Remove any polish from the feet or hands. Soak feet in water for about 10 minutes.

2. Second, remove one foot and dry it off with a towel. Trim or file toenails to approximately 1/8th inch or as desired. Push down cuticles. Use pumice stone or other device to slough off dead skin, focusing on the heel and big toe mounds for the feet. Reinsert the foot or hand into the water and proceed with the other foot or hand.

3. Third, remove both feet or hands and dry off with a clean towel. Massage foot and lower leg or hands and lower arm for three minutes (or longer if you like) with either lotion or an exfoliant. If exfoiliant is used, rise the foot off afterwards.

4. Fourth, polish the nails if polish is desired, buffing can also be completed at this step. Clean up any mistakes by using a q-tip or a piece of cotton wrapped around the edge of the file and dipped in polish remover.

Tips & Warnings

• This makes a great experience gift for a loved one
• Use high quality polish that does not use harsh chemicals in their product, such as butter London or opi polishes.
• Take the time to create a welcoming environment by using warm lighting and music.
• If you do too good of a job you may become the permanent manicure/pedicurist!

[BIHB]

on 3/1/2009 If you are a visual learner we have a great DVD that teaches you how with easy step-by-step instructions. You can see previews of our DVDs (we have a hair edition as well) at www.bringithomebeauty.com or you can follow our story at www.bringithomebeauty.blogspot.com We have been featured on several beauty blogs such as Bellasugar, Claires Beauty, Mamis Time Out, Fab over Forty, The Budget Babe and several others if you want to see what other people think. The DVDs cost less than 1 visit to a salon and they are taught by licensed professionals. The best part is if you have questions you can email us at [e-mail] and talk with one of our pros.

[MaryKBrennan]

on 12/30/2008 As long as hubby is watching the kids, this method is great. It also saves alot of cash. Although an occasional indulgence is a definite life saver. Good article.

[Kallicat]

on 12/30/2008 Great money saving tip and I will be trying it out this weekend.

[miasavc]

on 12/23/2008 Excellent tips. It saves me a lot doing it myself at home!