Allure offers 10 great tips for getting the perfect spa-worthy pedicure right at home.

  1. SHAPE: Leave about one eighth of an inch of white showing and finish with strokes from the center outward to avoid a snagged edge.
  2. SMOOTH: Brush a buffer in the shape of an X but if you start to feel heat, you’re damaging the nail.
  3. SOAK: Relax with a footbath by pouring tea tree oil into a warm tub. Bath salts or smooth hot rocks can be added for pretty scents and a nice massage.
  4. PUSH: After applying a cuticle softener, push back cuticles and wipe away dead skin. Never tug at the remaining skin but instead snip it away with cuticle scissors.
  5. SCRUB: Coarse kosher salt and olive work well together to create a perfect salon-quality scrub that sloughs off dead skin. OPI’s Tropical Citrus Scrub is perfect if you favor fresh scents.
  6. SOFTEN: If you have hard heels and calluses, try a scrubbing a pumice wand like the Diamancel Diamond File back and forth until the areas feel smooth. Afterwards, rinse and pat dry with a towel.
  7. MOISTURIZE: If you have face creams and serums that didn’t work out for your face, salon owner Ji Baek advises you try them out on your feet. After putting one on, wrap your feet in a warm, damp towel and sit for at least five minutes to let the moisture soak in. EssieSpa Pedicure Kirby Crème is a perfect post-scrub treat.
  8. PREP: Ricky’s NYC RickyCare Toe separators are perfect for this next step (a twisted strip of paper towel works well, too!). Use a remover-soaked cotton ball to lift any residue and apply the base coat.
  9. PAINT: Keeping your pedicure looking professional requires thin, even coats. Paint three vertical strokes (center, left, right) and finish with one horizontal at the edge to conceal. Wait two minutes before applying a second coat and then a layer of clear lacquer, like Essie Super Duper Top Coat Nail Gloss.
  10. WAIT: To put on closed-toe shoes without ruining your work, let the lacquer set for at least 3 to 4 hours. Make sure to wait at least 3 or 4 minutes before attempting to correct any mistakes.

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