6 Steps to a Perfect Pedicure at Home

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your feet, but you don't have to schedule an appointment at the salon to get professional quality results. There are products on the market, (when used with some professional tips), that can help you get a perfect pedicure at home.

Step 1: Gather your materials.
You will need: plenty of towels, a basin big enough for your feet, an exfoliating foot product, Epsom salts, essential oils, cotton balls, polish remover, a cuticle stick, toenail clippers, foot lotion, pedicure socks, base and top coats, and nail polish in your favorite shade.

Step 2: Clean your feet.
Remove old toenail polish and wash feet thoroughly. Soak your feet in warm, (not hot), water and Epsom salts. You can add essential oils to your foot soak for an aromatherapy effect. Soaking is the perfect beginning to any pedicure because it will relax and soothe tired feet in addition to making exfoliation easy.

Step 3: Exfoliate.
The product that you choose to use during this step depends on the condition of your feet. For slightly rough feet, use a scrub like Avon Foot Works Thermal Exfoliating Scrub ($8.00). If your feet are severely rough, dry, or calloused, using a product like the Ped Egg (about $10 at Walgreens), before an exfoliating scrub may be in order.

Step 4: Cuticles and Clipping.
Using a clipper designed especially for toenails like Mehaz Professional Angled Straight Wide Jaw Toenail Clipper ($14.95 at www.nextag.com) to cut nails nails straight across, leaving as much free edge as you are comfortable with. Use a cuticle tool to gently push cuticles back. Smooth ridges on the surface of your toenails with a buffer, and finish by using a file to smooth the free edges.

Step 5: Pre-polish Care.
Rinse feet, and dry them thoroughly. Massage feet using your favorite foot cream. I like Avon Foot Works Berry Mint Moisturizing Cream ($1.99 at www.avon.com), but any thick moisturizing cream will work. There is no time limit for this step, so enjoy the massage! Once you have moisturized both feet, use a cotton ball and polish remover to clean the cream from your toenails. Put your pedicure socks on to help your feet absorb the moisturizer.

Step 6: Polish.
Apply a base coat to the surface of your nails and allow time for it to dry. Follow the base coat with your polish of choice. I feel that french manicured toes always look clean and classy. The French Tip Dip (about $25 for the full set) makes this pedicure look easy to achieve. Once your polish is dry, finish with a top coat. To make your pedicure last, apply another layer of topcoat every other day. This will prevent chips and fading.

Remember, if you have certain health problems, it may be best for you to have your nails trimmed by a qualified medical professional.