How to Give Yourself French Pedicure

Getting a French pedicure is a hot trend this summer. Why not pamper yourself and your toes with a do it yourself French pedicure? A French pedicure, like a French manicure, is always in style and will compliment your entire wardrobe. It will give your feet a well-groomed appearance and will look great with your new sandals. And by doing the French pedicure yourself you can easily save over 75% of the cost of having it done in the salon. A French pedicure is a must this season!

A French pedicure, like a French manicure, is typically done in soft shades of white or light pink. You will find a wide variety of colors to choose from at your local pharmacy. You should purchase two complimentary colors like an opaque white and a sheer white, as well as a clear topcoat. You can also sometimes find kits for French manicures that come with everything you will need. These kits will work great for your French pedicure as well.

Once you have selected your nail polish you are ready to begin your French pedicure. First use polish remover to remove any previous polish from your toenails. Next trim your toenails. It is best to keep them cut almost straight across. Then file them to remove any rough edges. Now you are ready to soak your feet in some warm water to soften your cuticles. Then gently push back the cuticles of your toenails using an orange wood stick. You are now ready to apply the polish for your French pedicure.

Begin with the darker or more opaque colored polish. This is often a bright white that looks almost like white out. (But don't worry; the appearance of this polish will be softened by the application of the second color.) Using a steady hand, apply a thin strip of polish along the top edge of each toenail. This strip is the hallmark of the French pedicure so takes your time to apply it well. This strip of polish will be much thinner than you may be used to having on a French manicure on your fingernails. This is because toenails are much shorter than finger nails. The strip of polish on your French pedicure should follow the slight curve of your toenail but will be close to being a straight line. Allow this coat of polish to dry completely so that your French pedicure will not smudge.

Next apply a coat of the lighter colored nail polish. This coat will go over the first coat, completely covering your toenails, giving a finished look to your French pedicure. Once this second coat of polish is completely dry you are ready to apply the topcoat. The topcoat is done with clear polish and will make your nails shine as well as protect your French pedicure from chipping.

Your French pedicure is now complete. Now put on your new sandals and show off your well-manicured feet!