Summer is almost upon us and it's time for feet to come out of hiding. In the first article in our summer-ready series, we reveal the five steps to tootsies worthy of your new summer sandals.
1. Clean and soak
Start by removing all traces of nail polish, and soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften up the skin. Add to the water a teaspoon of tea tree oil (to banish stinky bacteria), a capful of witch hazel (to cleanse and tone), a half cup of Epsom salts (to rejuvenate), and a few drops of peppermint oil (to freshen). If you don't have these ingredients handy, try a soak like The Body Shop's Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak.
2. Exfoliate
If you've been living in boots all winter, your feet will no doubt be in need of a good exfoliation. Instead of a classic pumice stone or foot file, reach for a PedEgg to remove as much dead skin as possible. Remember to clean under your nails, too, as debris can build under the nail beds if they haven't been tended to for a while.
3. Shape nails
Towel dry your feet and ease back your cuticles with a cuticle stick, and cut nails straight across with nail clippers. Use a nail file to gently round the edges of your toenails so they won't snag if you are wearing tights.
4. Moisturise
Apply an intensively hydrating product all over your feet like Soap & Glory Heel Genius™. Slip on a clean pair of cotton socks and hop into bed to let the product soak in overnight, leaving feet baby-soft.
5. Finishing touches
Apply a base coat, two layers of polish and a high-shine topcoat to your nails. To ease into summer, opt for a chic nude hue like OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons Nail Lacquer. For a low-maintenance finish, add a coat of stain corrector which instantly brightens the nail tips.
Voila!