Easiest DIY Pedicure

With summer just around the corner, your toes may be in need of some extra lovin'. Before you hit the beach, follow these simple steps to give your feet some pampering with a pedicure at home:

Soak. Fill a large kitchen bowl with warm water, add some fragrant bath salts, and soak your feet for five to ten minutes. If you're willing to splurge you might consider purchasing a luxury foot bubbler, which you can find for under $30. Relax with a good book or soothing music - mmmm, bliss.

Soften. Pat your feet with a towel, but make sure they stay a little damp. Then brush cuticle remover around your toenails - try Sally Hansen Vitamin E Cuticle Oil or Dead Sea Spa Care Cuticle Oil Treatment. After the oil soaks in for a few minutes, push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick. Don't try cutting your cuticles - leave that to professionals.

Exfoliate. Paying special attention to rough areas like the heels of your feet, use a pumice stone to strip away dead skin. You can pick one of these up at any drugstore. Don't brush too hard, and never scrub the tops of your feet. If you have calluses, never use a razor to try shaving them away - you could cut your foot. Plus, calluses can actually serve as protection for your feet.

Trim. Clip your toenails straight across into a square shape. Make sure you don't cut nails too short. Round the edges with a file.

File. Don't saw back and forth - this will make your nails uneven. Instead, be sure to file in one direction.

Scrub. To get rid of any remaining dry skin, rub a salt scrub over your feet.

Moisturize. Rinse your feet, then smooth on a moisturizer. Try a lavender massage lotion for optimum relaxation.

Massage. (The best part!) Massage the balls of your feet, and swirl your fingers around your toes. Even better if you can get your partner to help! Afterwards, scrub off any oils from your nails with a nail brush and use antibacterial soap. Rinse. Let your feet dry.

Paint. Brush on one base coat, first. Next, apply two thin coats of your favorite summer color. Try a bright pink or blue shade by O.P.I.Finish with a top coat for long-lasting protection and shine. If you're painting your fingernails and toenails, keep in mind that it is not necessary to match colors. Try a lighter shade on your fingers and a darker one on toenails.

Relax. Don't ruin your pedicure while it dries! Watch TV or read - after 15 minutes you should be able to dab on a nail oil, and voila - perfect summertime feet!