OPI GUEST BLOG- Beauty How-To: the Perfect Pedicure

The average pair of feet spends approximately 16 hours per day encased in shoes, so it is important that we look after them.

Follow these 7 steps by Karon McKendrick-Taylor from OPI, to get you toes in perect shape for warm nights in strappy sandals and peeptoe pumps.

Step 1: Trim

The toenail grows approximately 2mm to 5mm every month, so it is important to trim the toes shape and remove any polish.

Step 2: Start with a relaxing soak

Relax those toes in a foot bath or foot spa and soak the feet for about 5 minutes. Seek a product that sanitizes and soften the skin, and brighten the nails plate.

Towel dry the foot before beginning the next treatment.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare

Using an exfoliant cuticle treatment and massage the area around the toe nail (cuticle). Push the cuticles back gently using a pusher or cuticle stick

Clean under the nail plates. You can use a tool and cotton wool or even the corner of a towel. When cleaning under the nail at this stage, be gentle because your skin is softer. Use a CLEAN tool for each nail such as cuticle stick to avoid any cross contamination between nails.

If you notice any separation of the nail from the skin or discolouration you should consult your doctor.

Step 4: Scrub and Exfoliate

If you are suffering from cracked heals, Apply a product that will assist in softening and reducing calluses and dry skin on the feet. Rinse.

Using a foot file/paddle gently contour the hard dry skin off the souls of feet. Remember this is a protection your body has built and should never be cut off but should be reduced over time.

Massage a small amount of scrub and using a circular action rub over entire foot concentrating on the soul/heel and around the toenail to remove dead skin cells

Rinse off and dry thoroughly (Don’t forget between the toes).

Your feet should be feeling softer and looking good.

Step 5: Hydration

For a deluxe treatment you can use a foot mask, and I would recommend this for those who experience dry and/or cracked heels.  Apply a fine layer onto the foot, avoiding the toes. Allow to penetrate for 10 mins.

Remove the foot mask; use a warm damp face cloth or towel.

 Step 6: Moisten

Apply a moisturiser to the foot and lower leg, massage thoroughly, stimulating the system.

Step 7: Fabulous Toes

Remove lotion with a wipe and alcohol.

Buff the toenails using with a course grit nail file. 

Carefully apply your toe separators or folded tissues between each toe. The toe separator makes it easier when applying lacquer.

 Apply a base coat to help prevent the lacquer staining the nail plate and increase the life of your lacquer colour.

Apply two coats of  lacquer. Using thin coats will allow for more control of the product and quicker drying.

Finish off with your favorite top coat product. Top Coat will not only add shine but protects the lacquer so you don’t need to change your shade of pedicure for weeks.

1.La Source Extreme Foot Therapy$24.95 at crabtree-evelyn.com.au 2.OPI Professional Pedicure Foot File US$9.50 at amazon.com 3.Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub $16.95 at thebodyshop.com.au 4. OPI Nail Lacquer in Thrill of Brazil AU$19.95 at  adorebeauty.com.au  5. OPI Nail Lacquer in Glitzerland  AU$19.95 at  adorebeauty.com.au