Open-toed shoes can show off your pedicure. The condition of your hands and feet reveals a lot about the manner in which you care for yourself. A manicure and pedicure can enhance the appearance and texture of your hands and feet. Professional nail treatments can take substantial time out of your day and can cost a significant amount of money. Instead of going to a salon, choose a more affordable option and give yourself a mani-pedi right at home.Difficulty:Moderately EasyCotton ballsNail polish removerNail clippersEmery boardHand and foot basinEpsom saltTowelCuticle removeCuticle stickNailbrush or toothbrushScrubMoisturizerBase coatNail polishTop coat1
Remove all traces of old nail polish. Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball and swipe it over old nail polish residue on your finger and toenails. Use a nourishing, non-acetone-based remover to limit the drying effect on your nails.
2
Trim your fingernails with nail clippers to the desire length. File and shape your fingernails with an emery board. Make sure the board only goes in one direction. Remove sharp edges and aim for a natural rounded fingernail shape. Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
3
Soak your fingernails in warm water for three minutes. Avoid using soap, because this dries out your nails. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes in warm water. For extra soothing and softening, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to the water. Dry your hands and feet with a clean towel.
4
Rub cuticle remover into the cuticles of your nails and toes. Use a cuticle stick to push your cuticles back. Avoid pushing the cuticle back too much or cutting your cuticles. Cuticles are important because they help protect your nails.
5
Brush your finger and toenails with a nailbrush or an old toothbrush to remove debris on top and underneath your nails.
6
Exfoliate your hands and feet. Buff your feet with a pumice stone to remove calluses. Wet your hands and feet and massage a commercial foot and hand scrub onto your hands and feet. Use Epsom salt as an alternative. Rinse the scrub and dry your hands and feet with a clean towel.
7
Massage moisturizing lotion into your feet, legs, arms and hands.
8
Swipe a cotton ball with nail polish remover over your finger and toenails to remove any product residue that may interfere with your nail polish application.
9
Polish your nails. Apply one layer of base coat to your fingernails. Apply a base coat to your toenails while your fingernails dry. Coat your fingernails with one layer of nail polish and proceed with your toenails as your fingernails dry. Apply another layer of polish to your fingernails and toenails. Finish off with one layer of top coat. Give your nails one hour to dry.
10
Reapply a layer of top coat every other day to keep your nail polish looking fresh.
If your toenails are thick, soak them before cutting them. Soaking your feet softens your toenails, making them easier to cut. However, if possible cut them before soaking, because cutting after soaking may tear your nails.
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