Our feet remain covered up for a lot of the year, so we are often guilty of the old ‘out of sight out of mind’ scenario. However, when the weather starts warming up, our thoughts turn to strappy sandals, flip flops, strolling barefoot along sandy beaches…
Feeling a bit tense?
Answer the following questions honestly: Are your feet prepared for the big reveal? Will you be able to strip off your pop socks without frightening little children? Does the scaled skin on your feet put you at risk of being dragged off to the reptile house at London Zoo?
If you have to think twice before responding to any of these questions, your feet are in definite need of a pedicure. Some foot-shaped TLC is coming right your way with instructions on how to give yourself the ultimate, at home, DIY, embarrassment-free pedicure.
Yes, one of the strongest arguments for doing a pedicure yourself is that the shame you feel for allowing your feet to fall into such terrible disrepair, is a secret kept between you, your feet and the pumice stone. Phew!
Another big plus in favour of self-pedding, is the avoidance of the old tickly feet nightmare. I don’t know about you, but I have the tickliest feet in the world and anyone touching them needs to wear body armor for their own protection. Seriously.
So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of pretty feetie. (Apologies). First of all you need to assess the damage. If your feet are encrusted with multi-layers of tough, hard skin, you need to have a go at removing it. It’s best to tackle this job on dry feet. Use a sturdy foot file to buff dead skin from feet, focus on the balls of your feet, the edges of the toes and of course, the heels. Don’t be tempted to cut the hard skin off feet, this is not good and causes more problems. Buffing removes skin slowly but effectively. Quality foot care products such as a good foot file are essential for a thorough pedicure.
Next, give your poor, neglected feet a good, warm soak in something soothing and refreshing. Old fashioned solutions such as Epsom Salts are perfect for this part of the procedure, perking up and prepping your trotters nicely for the steps ahead. Place marbles into the bowl of water and run your soles over them back and forth for an impromptu foot massage. Briskly massage feet with hands, then apply a foot scrub to scour away the final traces of dead skin. Rinse feet clean and dry them thoroughly with a soft towel.
Next ease back the cuticles around your nails using an orange stick. For great pedicures every time it’s wise to invest in a pair of high quality nail clippers to keep those toenails in check. Nail clippers from good foot care supplies are key to avoiding such conditions as ingrown toenails and split nails. After clipping in a straight line across the nail, file the edge to a smooth finish. Now, using a nail buffer, work it over the tops of nails in one direction to achieve a smooth, lightly glossy finish – the perfect surface on which to apply polish.
Now drench your feet with rich, moisturising lotion and massage it well into the skin. The delicate skin on the tops of your feet is similar to that on top of your hands, so ensure it gets lots of moisturising attention. A really good tip for a deep moisture treatment on your feet is to cover them in lotion, wrap feet in cling-film, slip socks over the top and sleep in them. When morning arrives, you will have the silkiest, softest feet on the block.
To finish your pedicure, add a dash of colour to your pinkies. This year’s polish shades are a mixed bag of sweet pastel pinks, watery blues, heavy duty glitter paints, maroons and browns and zingy citrussy colours. Add a base coat and allow it to dry, then finish the treatment with a couple of coats of your favourite top toenail polish. Ta da! You now have beautiful feet to be proud of!
If you have problems with your feet such as bunions, corns and callouses there are foot care products that can relive the pain and discomfort. When problems persist, get assessed by a chiropodist or podiatrist who can offer wider treatment options.
Why not put your best foot forward and get into the habit of giving yourself regular pedicures at home? Put a spring in your step with weekly soaks, buffing and beautifying and say goodbye forever to neglected feet…