Five simple steps to the perfect pedicure

Confession: I will never step foot outside the four walls of my humble abode sans polish on my toenails. NEVER. The truth is, I feel stark naked with bare toenails, so it's no surprise I feel the need to 'dress' them all the time. Oh, and the fact I find feet one of the ugliest parts of the body may also have something to do with it...

But do you know how do get the perfect pedicure at home? Do you feel confident in giving your tooties a salon-worthy paint job? If not, you've come to the right place, because here is our cheat's guide to getting a flawless pedicure at home...

STEP ONE: Preparation makes perfect

Want your paint job to last longer? Then don't skip this step. By soaking your nails and removing any traces of old polish – and giving your heels a good scrub down while you're there – you'll be starting with a clean base, which means the polish will adhere properly to the nail. Do push your cuticles back after soaking, too, but never cut them unless they are damaged. If you do, they'll only grow back harder and stronger.

STEP TWO: Shape-up

No, don't reach for your runners – grab a pair of nail clippers instead. But, before you starting clip, clip, clipping away, listen up: don't ever cut your toenails into a rounded shape. Keep them square with slightly rounded edges instead, as this will help prevent ingrown toenails.

STEP THREE: Get even

This has nothing to do with revenge, and everything to do with toe separators. So, grab one and use it, as they'll help make for an even polish application and prevent any annoying smudges.

STEP FOUR: Colour in

But before you do, apply a base coat or nail hardener to prevent stains and strengthen your nails. Then, give each nail two coats of your selected hue, allowing plenty of drying time between each coat. By doing so, you practically guarantee a mark-free, high-shine finish.

STEP FIVE: Gloss over

Finish up with a shiny topcoat to seal in all your hard work, and give your pedicure some longevity. Just don't leave the colour on for too many weeks. If you do, you'll end up with damaged, discoloured tooties.

Tip: To keep your feet looking faultless, apply a super-hydrating foot treatment before bed, concentrating on your heels. Better yet, pop a pair of cotton socks over the top to help hold in the hydration. As this area tends to get dry and crack easily, this will keep both your feet looking as fabulous as your pretty paint job.

Are you a fan of the DIY pedicure? How often do you put aside the time to show your toes some love? And do you have any winning tips on how to get the perfect pedicure?

58 Member Comments

Susmat 3 Apr 2020 6:51 PM

I find it difficult to work on my own feet, other than painting my toenails

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Shop A Everyday 21 Jan 2018 11:44 PM

Those glitter based polishes take so long to remove don't they!!!

Susmat 3 Apr 2020 6:50 PM

Yes and are not friendly to the environment either but they do look pretty

Shop A Everyday 4 Apr 2020 12:18 AM

No they wouldn't be at all

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jlsta 5 May 2017 9:19 AM

I can't DIY, need to go to the salon!

Bellefleur 24 Apr 2017 11:07 PM

I have been doing step 2 all wrong - I do shape my toe nails into a round shape. I think this will be very difficult to change now

Shop A Everyday 30 Jan 2017 12:44 AM

Love how my feet feel after a pedi at home

Meedee 29 Sep 2016 9:47 AM

Im much better with a DIY Pedi then having someone else touch my feet. Im way too ticklish and cant relax. I end up with my feet and legs jumping all over the place...lol

misfortune8 29 Sep 2016 5:42 AM

I'm with you Cherie: I wear toe nail polish absolutely all the time! My fingernails might be bare sometimes, but my toenails - never!

I don't get toe separators. I usually paint my toenails while I'm watching tv, then walk around while they're still wet & they never smudge.

missjasminejay 28 Sep 2016 11:14 PM

I cant help but agree with the point on giving your feet a good clean up before you start, a pedi doesn't feel as nice and fresh when youve got a thick layer of dead skin on your feet! Forget diamonds pumice stones are a girls best friend lol! However i find that a pedi will stay on for the long run no matter how you do it. Manis on the other hand barely last a day no matter what tips and tricks i use. :(

josella432 28 Sep 2016 4:14 PM

Want your paint job to last longer? But doesn't polish on toenails last through the apocalypse?!

Vi 28 Sep 2016 10:45 AM

I prefer to get a pedi professionally done then doing it myself as when I look down for a long time I get a headache. Every now and then I do cut my toe nails myself and do my own nail polish.

skincare junkie 28 Sep 2016 8:46 AM

I am too lazy to mani let alone pedi. If I absolutely have to I go to a salon. But I've only doen Pedi once in my life, I think, and I wrecked it before stepping out od the salon.

I am hopeless when it comes to nails.

Beauty Fan 69 28 Sep 2016 5:57 AM

I am a fan of DIY pedicures and unfortunately I haven't been putting aside enough time to show my toes some extra love. I do apply a nourishing foot treatment just before bed though.

blackkittykat 27 Sep 2016 9:13 PM

Ok maybe it is time that I paid my feet some attention and gave them sove love and affection. Lately the routine has consisted of 'hide feet in shoes'. I can definitely follow these steps!

katrina176 27 Sep 2016 8:15 PM

I too can't stand having naked toe nails ! Mine are always painted, sometimes the paint job is a bit slap happy though but always have a colour on !

Yohanna 27 Sep 2016 2:36 PM

I do not like my feet being touched by others (feel very odd and weird...not sure why...), so DIY is the only way. And now after winter, time to pop the colour on!

Yohanna 27 Sep 2016 2:31 PM

DIY pedicure? ya! Always! Thanks for reminding me to refresh!

mrsB_ 27 Sep 2016 2:28 PM

My feet/toes are so neglected from Autumn until Winter. It's almost sandal weather so time to do a nice pedi!

PandaBear18 27 Sep 2016 2:08 PM

as summer comes around an i can no longer hide the tootsies away i should probably start on this advice!

Princess Perfume 27 Sep 2016 9:55 AM

I always DIY my toenails but I have to confess that I haven't done them for a while - I should really take some time to paint them.

Margaret 322 27 Sep 2016 9:33 AM

Time to get the tootsies out.

Sparkle 77 27 Sep 2016 7:59 AM

I love the hot pink, wonder what it's called? Is it OPI?

Yohanna 27 Sep 2016 2:35 PM

I wonder too! It is my fave toe nail colour....I think Essie will be on sale soon in Pl, so will go and see if they same colour. I remember using same one in CND (vinylux weekly), and adored it. But is is long gone

Sparkle 77 26 Sep 2016 9:35 PM

I can't stand having my feet touched so I always do my own pedicures. I'm busting for the weather to be warm enough to paint my toe nails.

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