Kathryn D'Imperio

Whether you are in the mood to pamper yourself or just starting to get dolled up, a pedicure can be one of the most soothing and relaxing body treatments after a long day. If you find yourself surrounded by unavoidable stress factors day-to-day, wash your cares away with a pedicure! Just follow these easy steps.

Materials:

• Basin or tub
• Foot Soak, Epsom salt or bath salts
• Pumice footstone
• Small brush
• Nail polish remover / cotton balls
• Nail polish
• Base coat for nails
• Top coat for nails
• Clippers
• File
• Orangewood stick (Cuticle stick)
• Lotion
• Foot scrub treatment

Whether you are in the mood to pamper yourself or just starting to get dolled up, a pedicure can be one of the most soothing and relaxing body treatments after a long day. If you find yourself surrounded by unavoidable stress factors day-to-day, wash your cares away with a pedicure! Just follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Begin to fill a basin (or your bathtub) with several inches of warm water. Add desired amount of foot soak, bath salts or Epsom salt so that it dissolves in the water as the tub fills.

Step 2: While the tub is filling, remove any old polish from your toes with nail polish remover and cotton balls. If necessary, clip and file nails to desired shape and length.

Step 3: Grab a good book or magazine, turn on some music, or just sit back and enjoy the warm water on your tired feet. Soak for as long as you like, but at least 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Using the small brush, gently buff one foot first and then the other. This will help to remove some dead skin cells and also to soften your feet.

Step 5: Using a foot scrub (Freeman's makes a great one-Barefeet: Plum and Pumice foot scrub), massage the cream onto your feet, paying special attention to your heels and any rough spots. This will further soften and exfoliate.

Step 6: A pumice footstone can work wonders for dry and rough feet! Use this inexpensive extra to eliminate remaining rough spots. Dip feet after this step.

Step 7: Remove both feet from the tub and dry feet with towel. Massage your favorite lotion onto them. (Some companies even have a line of foot massage lotions!)

Step 8: Using orangewood stick, gently push your cuticles back along the nail. They should be supple due to the soaking.

Step 9: If you wish to paint your toenails, you can use toe separators to facilitate the process. Apply a base coat of nail polish to fill in the ridges and uneven surfaces. Base coats are generally clear or slightly opaque and they help to strengthen the nail to avoid breakage.

Step 10: Choose your desired shade of nail polish and apply. Allow first coat to dry and repeat. (Hint: For touch-ups, dip a Q-tip in the nail polish remover and gently swab away the unwanted color.)

Step 11: Apply a crystal-clear topcoat to add shine and to protect color from chipping.

Step 12: Enjoy your smooth, soft feet and beautified toes! You are now ready to sport your favorite sandals or cozy up at home in your comfiest slippers. Whatever the occasion, your feet will look and feel great!

Approximate time required: 45 minutes to an hour, depending on personal preference.

About the author: Kate D'Imperio lives and writes in Pennsylvania.

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