Allure magazine's September 2012 issue featured a list of 10 steps to a perfect pedicure.
- Shape - The general rule of thumb is to leave about an eighth of an inch of white nail tip showing. Then, with a fine-grain file, shape nails into ovals by rounding the corners slightly. Over-filing is an invitation for in-growns. Finish with strokes from the center outward.
- Smooth - minor bumps can be concealed with basecoat, but really noticeable ridges require slight buffing. Only three to five strokes per nail are necessary.
- Soak - Relax feet in a warm tub for at least three minutes. Adding a cup of warm milk or a scoop of bath salts or Epsom salts will help soften rough skin as well as a few slices of lemon or lime.
- Push - Before pushing back cuticles, apply cuticle softener to dry feet.
- Scrub - Use an exfoliator or mix coarse kosher salt with a couple of glugs of olive oil. Try OPI's Pedicure Scrub.
- Soften - Use a foot file or pumice wand to work out calluses.
- Moisturize - Allow feet to soak with a moisturizing product for five full minutes so the moisture can sink in.
- Prep - Separate toes with a tightly twisted strip of paper towel, then apply basecoat like Zoya's Anchor Base Coat.
- Paint - Keep polish coats thing and even. Finish with a horizontal stroke across the tip of the nail. Try Essie's Super Duper Top Coat.
- Wait - Lacquer takes three to four hours to fully set, so don't let clients walk out with closed toed shoes. Use Zoya's 3-in-1 Remove+ to clean edges.
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