Tips & Tricks for At-Home Mani and Pedi

Before you know it, it will be sandal and sundress season. We’re not here to pester you about your summer body… but we are here to help you get those hands and feet ready.

There are times where we all feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, especially when it comes to certain beauty regimens. We all know how the nail salon can be on a Friday after work or on a Saturday morning. Instead of waiting for hours, grab your supply and do your nails yourself! Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best out of your manis and pedis done at home.

• After removing your nail polish, soak your hands in water and white vinegar. The vinegar helps to remove any leftover oil or moisture from your nails that the polish remover left behind. This little trick also helps polish adhere better to your nails, which prolongs your manicure.
• When you are ready to paint, make sure you apply multiple thin coats as opposed to one or two thick coats of polish.

• If you want to avoid the messy look when polish gets on the side of our fingers, apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to your cuticles. When you are finished remove the Vaseline/Aquaphor for a nice neat look.
• In a rush? After air drying for a little while, dip those pretty hands in ice water to speed up the drying process. We recommend that you avoid sitting in front of a fan because it can cause your polish to run and/or create those little bubbles we all hate.
• Last but not least, go in the kitchen and grab some cooking oil. Spray the oil on your nails to set your manicure and prevent smudging.

Make time to treat your feet, too and soak your little piggies!

• Try mixing water and a cup of warm milk to soak your feet in while catching up on your shows (Yes, we said milk … The lactic acid in milk can help to make it easier to remove dead skin).
• Cut and file your nails to the shape and length that complement your toes.
• Make sure to buff the surface of the nail, so it is nice and smooth. This comes in handy when it is time to apply the polish.
• File away any callouses or rough spots on your feet. People may not be able to see them but it’s always good to get rid of them.
• Apply your preferred moisturizer and give yourself a little foot massage (go ahead, you deserve it).
• Before you apply your polish, make sure you separate your toes and remove any lotion or oil from your toenails. You can separate your toes with rolled up paper towels if you do not have a toe separator.
• Now, it is time to polish those bad boys! Refer to the steps mentioned above when you polish your toes. After you allow them to fully dry, walk to the nearest shoe spot and buy some new sandals.

Alright, we did our part and now you have to do yours. There aren’t any excuses for you not be on point. You use your hands and feet all day, the least you can do is treat them well! So stock up on all your spring and summer colors and let’s get painting.

Written By: Karla with a K