How to Get a Spa Pedicure at Home

Going to the spa and getting a pedicure can be a relaxing experience, but it can also be time consuming and expensive. Learn how to pamper yourself and your feet by treating yourself to a spa pedicure at home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail Polish Remover
• Foot Spa or Container
• Sea Salt or Epsom Salt
• Pumice Stone
• Callus Shaver (optional)
• Exfoliating Scrub (optional)
• Cuticle Cream
• Nail Clippers
• Nail File
• Nail Buffer
• Nail Polish
• Clear Nail Polish
• Top Coat
• Lotion

1. Remove any nail polish with nail polish remover. Use non-acetone nail polish remover if possible because it is gentler on your nails.

2. Soak your feet in a foot spa, large container or bathtub for 15 to 20 minutes. Fill the foot spa with warm water and add 1 ounce of Epsom salts or Sea Salt. This combination will allow you to relax and will improve circulation in your feet. Rinse your feet to remove any residue and dry completely.

3. Remove calluses from your feet using a pumice stone, file or callus shaver. Use caution when using a callus shaver not to remove too many layer of dead skin at one time. Follow up with an exfoliating scrub massaged into the entire foot to remove dead skin cells if desired.

4. Cut toenails straight across (and not too short) to avoid ingrown toenails. File with a nail file or emery board in one direction. Do not use a sawing motion which will promote breaking, peeling and cracking of your toenails. Use an orange stick to gently remove dirt and other residue from underneath each toenail.

5. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle of each toe. Remove excess cuticle with an orange stick. Do not force the cuticle off with the orange stick or cut your cuticles – which can cause damage.

6. Gently buff your toenails with a 3way buffer to smooth the surface of the nail and remove any imperfections. This prepares your nails to accept a smooth layer of nail polish to finish off the look of your at home spa pedicure.

7. Rinse your feet with warm water to remove any dead cells, excess cuticle and dust created by filing your toenails. Dry completely; including the areas between the toes.

8. Use a toe spreader or cotton to separate your toes. Leave in place until the 2 coats of nail polish and top coat are completely dry.

9. Select your nail polish color and apply 2 coats of nail polish. Start from the base of the nail and brush upward toward the tip. Apply 1 layer of polish at a time – allowing the first layer to dry completely before the application of the second coat.

10. Apply a clear coat of nail polish or top coat to prevent the color from chipping. Make sure the previous 2 coats of nail polish are completely dry before applying the protective coat.

11. Finish off your spa pedicure by massaging lotion into your feet and upward toward your ankles. Use a brand containing menthol or eucalyptus to relax tired feet and improve circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a foot spa. It does not have to be anything fancy or expensive – basic foot spas are available for at retail stores for around $20 or more.
• Add essential oil to the warm water and burn scented candles to create a relaxing atmosphere when giving yourself a spa pedicure at home.

[goodselfme]

on 6/27/2009 Good plan to save money and time by doing a home pedicure.