A recent survey* of over a 1000 Brits revealed that 15% were more embarrassed about their feet than any other body part. That would equate to around 9 million people if true of the population at large.
If you’re one of the many women afraid to show their feet in public, then read on. Set your feet free this summer with our home pedicure guide.
1) First things first. Remove old nail varnish with a non-acetone remover (acetone can dry out your cuticles).
2) Next, cut your toenails straight across. Do it any other way and you risk in-growing nails. Then gently smooth the edges with a nail file.
3) (This is the best bit) Sit down, and soak your feet in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. If you don’t have a foot spa, a big bowl placed over a towel will do. Remove calluses and thick skin with a pumice stone, and scrub your lower legs and feet with an exfoliator to encourage blood circulation and remove dead skin cells.
4) Once you’ve dried your feet, massage them with a moisturizer or rich foot cream that's packed with refreshing, nice-smelling ingredients like mint. Better still, get someone else to do it while you sit back and relax!
5) Now it’s time for the nail varnish. It might be tempting just to put on one coat, but if you want your feet to look their very best in public it’s worth taking your time to do a proper pedicure.
First apply a clear base coat, starting in the middle of each toenail. When they’re dry, add two coats of color - but wait two to three minutes between coats. A summery light-coloured, formaldehyde-free polish is best (dark ones tend to stain the nail). Finish with a clear top coat. To make your efforts last, stroke the top coat up and over the tip of the nail. You may want to use a toe separator for this step.
Keep in mind that it can take up to an hour for nail polish to fully dry, so wait as long as you can before slipping into your sandals.
Pedicures should last two to four weeks. You can prolong their life by applying a fresh layer of top coat every four to five days to protect the polish and add shine.
6) "As a treat, once a week before you go to bed, massage lots of rich moisturiser into your feet. Then put on a pair of comfy old socks and by the next morning your feet will feel and look smoother,” promises Gina Akers from Channel 4's The Salon.
Now you can wear your flip flops and sandals with confidence!
*by the makers of athletes foot treatment Lamisil |
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