It’s so easy to pretty up your feet for summer with a few DIY skills and nail polishes in soft, feminine shades. So step up to the challenge and treat those hard-working tootsies!
Step 1 to summer ready feet
Step 1: Tackle hard skin
Treat feet to a 15-minute soak in warm water. Add a quarter of a cup of citrus juice, white vinegar or milk and the natural acids will start softening skin.
Rub down feet with a pumice stone or foot file while wet.
Dry feet and finish with an intensive moisturising cream. Look for products formulated with glycerine or urea and get the full benefit by letting the cream soak in and then putting on cotton socks.
Get The Look: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi $54.99. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream $8.99.
Step 2 to summer ready feet
Step 2: Tidy up toenails
If they’re are looking a bit yellow, file the whole nail gently and wipe with a little lemon juice or lavender oil. Prevent further staining by always using a base coat before painting on coloured polish.
Trim and file toenails into a square shape. Rounding down the ends can create pressure and cause the nail to grow inwards.
Care for cuticles by applying a little oil, then push back gently with a cuticle stick or cotton bud.
Cleanse away any oil or cream before putting on polish. Just swipe nails with a little remover first.
Get The Look: QVS Fun Buff Nail Files $1.50 each. The Aromatherapy Co Therapy Range Cuticle Oil $16.99.
Step 3 to summer ready feet
Step 3: Paint on pastels
Fresh gelato shades are pretty for the early summer months.
Get The Look (from left): OPI Nail Lacquer in My dogsled $19.95. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Lacquer in Menthe Glace $9.99. Essie Nail Colour in Go Ginza $22.99. Art Deco Nail Lacquer in 784 $18. Maybelline NY Colorshow nail lacquer in green with envy $8.49.
