It has hit 80 degrees here in the Midwest several days in a row and spring just arrived! This miraculous weather has ladies whipping out the shorts, tossing on a sundress and taking sandals out of their winter hibernation. Unfortunately, I don’t know about everyone else, but my toesies are anything but beach-ready after the long winter. You could always head over to the salon to get a pedicure, but why not save a few bucks and turn your own bathroom into a little spa for a few hours? It is very likely you have everything you need for a great pedi lying around the house!
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Here’s What You Need:
-Nail Polish Remover
-Cotton Balls
-Epsom Salt
-Pumice Stone or Scrub
-Moisturizer
-Spa Brush
-Small Scissors
-Your Fave Polish
Optional, But Always Wonderful:
-Soothing Playlist/Pandora station (might I recommend Mumford & Sons?)
-Great Book
-Delicious Candles
-Glass of wine
-Scented Oils
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1) Fill up your tub with hot water and a few spoonfuls of Epsom Salt to soak your feet in and, if you prefer, scented oils. The salts help soothe and rejuvenate your feet, especially if your daily life keeps you on them all day! This also is the time to remove any left over polish from your last pedi. Soak your feet about 20 minutes, or until the water cools. While you are soaking, grab your book or iPod and relax! Sip on your wine and enjoy the spa time to its fullest!
2) Once your skin has softened use a scrub or a pumice stone to exfoliate the particularly difficult areas like your heels and pinkie toes. The Arbonne Aromassentials Awaken Sea Salt Scrub is a favorite. Make sure to scrub lightly in a circular motion to slough off dry skin. Lots of lighter exfoliation is better than a little bit of heavy because too much scrubbing can leave your skin more irritated than when you started!
3) Dry your feet and slather some great moisturizer up to our calves. Don’t be afraid to really use a lot, your skin will soak it right up after being the in the water. Massage the soles of your feet by kneading your arches with your knuckles and the balls of your feet with your thumbs. Increasing circulation reduces inflammation and feels great. If you really want to feel like you’re at the spa, apply the moisturizer with a spa brush from Royal & Langnickel, like the one below. There are tons to choose from and you can use them for every part of the body.
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Royal & Langnickel Taklon Spa Brush (BSPA2950)
4) Trim and file nails. Use a larger nail clipper that is meant for feet and then use a file to round the edges (this prevents those painful ingrown nails that no one wants). Use tiny scissors to trim any hang nails or stray cuticles.
5) Time for the nail polish! Since beach season is quickly approaching, don’t hesitate to use some bright colors. Apricot, hot pink and the classic red are all on fire this season. If you are feeling daring, try a purple or a blue-green. Apply one coat from the cuticles to the tips, let dry and if needed add another coat. Don’t forget the base and top coats; they will assure your pedicure lasts. I recently discovered the wonderful world of aerosol quick-dry and at Walmart you can grab a can for just $2! Hold a few inches away from your nails and apply it as you would hairspray-presto, insta-dry pedicure!
Stay tuned next week for tips to get a perfect manicure!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
