The Secret to Doing Your Own Pedicure

Manicurist Mila Yagoudaief showed Health reader Lisa Heywood insider tricks to pulling off a salon-perfect pedi at home.

Remove old polish, then pour a capful of a salt-based foot soak, like Sally Hansen Salon Mineral Foot Soak ($8), into a basin of warm water; submerge your feet for 10 minutes. “The salt helps to soften skin and cuticles,” Yagoudaief explains.

Use a clipper to trim your toenails straight across so they’re about even with the top of your toes (leave just a hint of white tip). Next, use an emery board—like the Design Nails Nail Files ($2.49)—to softly round the outer edges of each nail.

Rub a pumice stone such as Cuccio Earth Stone Pumice ($11) over callused spots. Next, massage on a thick exfoliating scrub, like Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi ($25), to gently remove any remaining dead skin. Rinse with warm water.

Lock in moisture by rubbing on a rich foot cream containing shea butter, like Kiss My Face Peppermint Foot Crème ($10). Wind tissues between toes, then apply a base coat.

Dip the brush into your polish, and wipe off excess. Place brush in the middle of your nail at the cuticle line, and pull it toward the tip. Repeat on the sides, adding more polish, if needed. Finish with a top coat to prevent chips.