Time for a Pedicure!

Summer is fast approaching and it is time to look after those forgotten feet…time for a Pedicure!

This is my way of doing a pedicure:

1. Remove all old nail polish.  
2. Trim and file nails to preferred length.  To prevent ingrown nails, trim and file straight across.
3. Fill a large bowl or a foot soaker with warm water and mild soap, then soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Next use a pumice stone and gently remove calluses from feet.
5. Now to remove cuticles.  I use a cuticle remover because I am not a fan of cutting my cuticles.  Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a metal cuticle pusher.
6. Use a soft nail brush and remove the cuticle remover, then dry your feet.
7. Apply moisturiser to your feet, messaging it in well.
8. With acetone remove excess moisturizer from nails.
9. Apply a base coat.  It is best to use a base coat so the nail polish doesn't stain your nails.  Base coat also helps to adhere the polish to your nails.  There are a ton of base coats, I like OPI Nail Envy.
10. FINALLY the colour.  Apply a polish that makes you happy and will look cool on your toes :)  Usually I do 2 coats to achieve the opaqueness I like; sometimes more is needed and sometimes less.
11. Remove all nail polish from cuticles or anywhere else you messed up...we all do it!  I find the easiest way to do that is with acetone and an angled make-up brush or Q-tip.  You can also buy corrector pens.
12. Last but not least the top coat.  There are many out there, but my all-time favourite is Seche Vite.  Fast drying and shiny as glass.  I don't think it can be beat.
13. One more tip is cuticle oil.  After your polish is completely dry, moisturize your cuticles with some cuticle oil.                                                                                                                                               

Treat yourself to a home pedicure, you can save yourself some money by doing it yourself or get together with a friend and do each other’s!

**Just a footnote for Diabetics...remember the water temperature should be between 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (lukewarm, not hot), avoid razors for callus removal, ensure that you dry thoroughly between your toes and finally no lotion between toes.
Diabetes and Pedicures Mayo Clinic