There’s no denying it; we’re living in trying economic time right now. Many women are choosing to forego several of their regular beauty treatments, which may include a pedicure, because the cost of a pedicure may seem unnecessary or even a bit too high.

An average pedicure will set you back any where from $15 to $30, though it depends on where you go and what services you opt to have done. A basic pedicure usually consists of:

• The removal of old nail polish (including any clear polish or base coats)
• A soaking, massage-like foot bath in a professional foot basin
• A thorough “scraping” around each nail so that the build up of any materials may be removed
• A toenail clipping and trimming
• A callous treatment, such as scrubbing the heels, bottoms and the sides of each foot
• A sea salt scrub and massage that is given to both the feet and calves
• New nail polish application

To cut costs, you can choose just to have the removal of nail polish, a bit of a soak, and the application of a new shade of nail polish. Bear in mind that your pedicure may last any where from 1 week to 6 weeks, depending on how much “wear and tear” your feet endure and the quality of the nail polish used on your toes.

With how much a pedicure costs, a lot of us are beginning to look for alternative, less expensive ways to pretty up our feet and toes. So why not give yourself a pedicure at home, or enlist in the help of a wonderful significant other to help? All you need is:

• A basin filled with warm water (you can use a special foot massaging tub you can buy at the store, or even your bathtub if you do not have a basin large enough for your feet)
• Nail polish remover
• Nail brush
• Some soap and your favorite essential oil (peppermint is a favorite for the feet)
• A pumice scrub or pumice stone
• Toenail clippers and nail file
• A base coat, your favorite shade of nail polish and a top coat
• An indulgent and luxurious moisturizing lotion (peppermint lotions are also a favorite here)

Start off by completely removing any traces of old nail polish with the nail polish remover, and add a touch of soap to your basin and a few drops of an essential oil. Allow your feet to soak for 10 to 20 minutes, and then pat them dry with a thick towel for that truly pampered touch. Take the pumice lotion or stone and file your heels, the sides of your feet, and any other rough patches.

Next, trim and file your toe nails to the shape and length you would like them to be, and push back any unruly toenail cuticles with an orange stick. Apply a base coat, wait for it to dry, and then apply two coats of your chosen nail polish shade. Apply a top coat, and wait for it to dry. Once the top coat is dry, finish your pedicure off by massaging the deep penetrating moisturizing lotion into your feet, and your calves, and you’re set!

So forget the pedicure cost that a salon or a spa may impose on you. With a “do it yourself” pedicure, you can have beautiful feet and toes for a fraction of the cost!