Deciding to pass up on that visit to the spa could be for several different reasons. Maybe you do not feel comfortable with other people handling your feet, or maybe you are concerned about just how clean the tools they are using on your feet are.

Perhaps you cannot justify that monthly $20 to $30 spent on your feet, or you just do not have the time to run out to a salon and have a pedicure done. What ever the reason, the good news is that a home pedicure is easy and cost effective. All of the tools that you will need for a home pedicure are most likely already in your house, meaning no extra expense to you!

Before beginning the home pedicure process, set aside these tools:

• A tub, bowl, or basin large enough for your two feet
• A towel
• Nail polish remover and cotton balls
• Toe nail clippers
• An emery board (non-metal)
• Cuticle remover and orange stick
• Basecoat, top coat, and a shade of nail polish
• A pumice stone or exfoliating product
• Foot cream or moisturizer

(1) Begin by using a non-acetone nail polish remover on your toe nails. Soak a cotton ball or pad with the remover, and be sure to remove any traces of old nail polish, oil, or any residues from your toes.

(2) You want to then fill the basin or tub up with warm water, and add some soap and your favorite essential oil to the water for a true spa-like experience. Some women prefer to soak their feet later, but soaking your feet now will help soften up your toenails and make them easier to cut and file. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes and relax!

(3) Take your toe nail clippers and cut a straight line across the toes. You want to be sure that the toenail does not extend over the tip of your toes. Take your emery board and sweep it across the top of the nail and the edges, making sure that you file your nails in one direction only. Avoid any “sawing” or back and forth motions.

(4) You may want to re-dip your feet into the warm water again at this point to help soften up the hard skin on the bottom of your feet. To really help soften up the dead skin on you feet, add ¼ cup of milk to the warm water.

(5) Take the cuticle remover and rub it into the cuticles of your toenails. After a moment has passed, take your orange stick and gently push the cuticles back so that they are even. If necessary, trim any excess with cuticle trimmers (though this is generally not recommended).

(6) Take the pumice stone or exfoliating lotion and rub it into the bottom of your feet. You want to leave a smooth finish to the bottom of your toes, but you do not want to leave your feet sore and raw.

(7) Dry your feet well, taking care to dry between the toes with a towel and allow them to air dry for a bit. Apply a deep penetrating foot cream, like a peppermint cream, and allow it to soak in

(8) Take your nail polish remover, and again swipe a cotton ball doused in remover over your toenails to remove any oils and residue.

(9) Apply one thin coat of base coat over each of your nails. Wait for the base coat to dry, and then apply one coat of your colored nail polish. If you are applying a second or third coat, wait for each coat to fully dry before applying the next. Finish off with a top coat and you’re feet are now ready for summer!