Hot-weather footwear like gladiator sandals and open-toe wedges mean that your feet will be on display more than ever. And if you're like Busy Phillips, that means having a picture-perfect pedicure at all times.
There's no better way to make sure your toes and heels stay in tip-top shape than giving yourself an at-home pedicure. Here, Bliss Guest Service Manager Vanessa Vero reveals how to create the luxurious in-salon service right in your bathroom.
Prep your feet. As gross as it sounds, dry skin buffs off easier than wet, so conquer calluses before you dip into the foot spa.
Treat toes to a warm soak. Plunge your feet for about 20 minutes to loosen callused skin, overgrown cuticles, and lift dirt from your nail bed. Spruce up the water by adding 10-12 drops of essential oil (mint cools and stimulates circulation) or swap in warm whole milk (not skim).
Scrub them smooth. Vero recommends using Bliss Hot Salt Scrub with a Diamancel file to tackle stubborn soles. For an easy DIY exfoliating scrub, try mixing orange juice with baking soda and salt.
Seal it in with moisture. Slather on a nourishing alpha hydroxy acid-based formula. The triple-threat treatment exfoliates, hydrates, and leaves your soles soft and smooth. Vero recommends Bliss Foot Patrol — "it's packed with glycolic and salicylic acids for the ultimate pedi experience."
Clean up your nails. Carefully file your toenails into a clean square shape and avoid cutting them too short. As for cuticles, don't go clip crazy or you'll risk infections so leave that to the pros. Simply push back your own cuticles, and keep them hydrated with a cuticle softener to prevent cracking.
Perfect your polish. Start with a base coat to protect nails from polish stains. (If you do have yellowing, try soaking your nails in freshly squeezed lemon juice, which functions as a natural bleach.) Follow with two thin coats of color. Then, use a top coat to keep the polish looking fresh and to prevent chipping.
