New York-based celebrity nail artist Jin Soon shares her essential guide for an easy at-home pedicure. Your feet will be sandal-ready in no time, writes Shonagh Walker.
Step 1: Smooth and shape
Wash your feet using a mild soap-free cleanser with anti-bacterial properties, then remove all traces of old nail enamel. Now, clip and shape the nails. “Summer’s best shape is rounded-square,” says Jin, who has tended to the talons of Sheryl Crow, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Hilary Swank and Madonna. “This is the most natural shape. Keep the nail straight on the sides, with somewhat rounded corners and a slightly convex-free edge.” Use a fine-grain nail file and work in a gentle back-and-forth motion from corner to corner.
Try:
A’Kin Eucalyptus & Tea Tree Hand Wash, $13.50.
Manicare Toenail Clippers, $7.65.
Manicare Limited Edition Fashion Nail Shapers, $1.95 each.
Step 2: Soak and soften
Get to work on rough skin and calluses. Soak feet for a few minutes in warm water with hand wash from step one. The cuticles and skin will then be soft enough to treat.
“Push back the cuticles,” says Jin. “Don’t cut them. The primary purpose of the cuticle is to protect your nails. If you push them back thoroughly, you should not have to cut them.”
After soaking, perform a callus treatment, says Jin. Begin by scrubbing feet with a soothing scrub. Massage into feet, concentrating on particularly dry areas. Rinse, and then get to work with your pumice, sloughing until skin feels less rough. Dry your feet and take a few minutes to massage a hydrating, cooling moisturising cream all the way from your toes to your knees.
Try:
Essie The Cuticle Pen, $29.95.
Botani Detox Foot Scrub, $14.95.
Avon Footworks Pumice Stone and Brush, $9.
Endota Spa Foot Cream Mint and Desert Lime, $45.
Step 3: Colour and care
Wipe the nail clean from oil and moisturiser with a cotton pad soaked in nail-polish remover. After separating the toes to prevent smudges, apply the nail lacquer. “Apply the base coat first,” says Jin. This protects the nail from yellowing and becoming dry, as it allows the polish to adhere to something other than your nail.
“Two layers of colour are essential,” says Jin, “to get the true depth of your polish.” Choose a beautiful summer hue and apply one single stripe of colour down the centre of the nail, then along either side, repeating until the nail has a smooth finish of polish. Allow a few minutes between each coat for drying time.
“Finish with the top coat,” advises Jin. It adds megawatt shine and protects the polish against chipping. Your pedicure should last one to two weeks. To make it last longer, slick on a coat of clear top coat every day to enhance shine and prevent chipping.
Try:
Mavala Pedi-Pads, $6.95.
OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat, $22.45.
Jin Soon for M.A.C Nail Lacquer in Dance all Night, $22.
Jin Soon for M.A.C Nail Lacquer in Rich, Dark, Delicious, $22.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Burgundy, $36.
B Collection by Bloom Nail lacquer in Cancun, 14.95, from Target.
OPI Nail Lacquer Pink Flamenco, $19.95.
Eles Colour of Minerals Nail Enamel in Carousel Princess, $18.95.
Zoya Professional Lacquer in Renee, $17.
Bio Sculpture Nail Varnish in Sunset Shimmer, $17.95.
Your say: How do you keep your feet in summer sandal condition? Share your tips with us below…
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