A lot of women I know treat themselves to professional manicures and pedicures on a regular basis. Personally, I prefer to do them myself at home for several reasons. First, it saves a lot of money! Secondly, I honestly don’t enjoy the process of professional manicures and pedicures. My feet tend to be ticklish and I just can’t relax enough to enjoy it. As for manicures, I’m a strictly natural nail gal — I don’t like the feel of any sort of enhancements and I just don’t have the patience for the removal process for gel polish. With the right products and a little practice you can get great results in the comfort of your own home!
About once a month I give myself a full pedicure. I start by soaking my feet in apple cider vinegar. It doesn’t smell great but its a pretty effective way to soften hardened skin and help it shed more easily. It’s antimicrobial properties also help kill bacteria or fungus that can cause foot odor.
After soaking for a few minutes, I use the Onyx 3 Step Miracle 3-in-1 Callus Fix Set. This has everything you need to remove even the most stubborn calluses and dry skin. It comes with one handle and 3 different attachments. If you have a thick build up of hard, dry skin you’ll want to start with the blade attachment to carefully and gently smooth out the toughest areas. Next, you’ll use the grating tool on your heels and other problem areas. This works really well to slough off dead skin but leaves it feeling a bit rough. You’ll need the file attachment to smooth out the skin. The end result is super soft and smooth feet, ready for all your cute summer sandals!
Next, I clip my toenails and apply Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover. Then, using an orangewood stick, I push the cuticles back. Finish with a salt or sugar scrub if you have one you like or just wash your feet off with soap and water. I like to use a nail brush on the toenails to get them extra clean. Then finish with your favorite polish!
In between pedicures I continue to use the file and grater attachments from the set as needed in the shower to keep my feet smooth and soft! The Onyx Play Footsie Double Sided Pumice Stone is another great option for frequent exfoliation use.
My manicure process is similar — apple cider vinegar soak and Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover. I use a glass cuticle pusher and glass nail file to shape my nails. Before painting my nails, I use an alcohol wipe to make sure they are free from any oils and ensure my nail polish has a nice clean surface to adhere to. This makes them a lot less likely to chip. Next, I use a good base coat. My favorite is Cuticula Mic Drop which helps smooth out any nail ridges followed by 2 coats of polish. I use everything from drugstore brands to indie brands — my collection is ever-growing — I can never have too much polish! After the polish, I always use a quick dry top coat. Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in the red bottle is an excellent and affordable drug store brand. I also really like Out The Door. I follow this almost immediately with a good cuticle oil.
To maintain my manicure and make it last longer, I add a coat of Sally Hansen Double Duty on day 2 followed by another coat of quick dry top coat. Trust me when I tell you that this is the secret to a long lasting manicure. Double Duty contains nylon which makes the polish practically chip-proof. I can get a full week or longer out of a manicure following all of these steps!
I also have a few secrets for growing your natural nails long and strong. Keeping them hydrated is key! This may sound a little crazy but having your hands in water actually dehydrates your nails — always wear gloves while cleaning, doing the dishes etc. I like nitrile gloves in a thicker gauge so that my fingernails won’t puncture them.
I make sure to use a cuticle cream or oil every single day (multiple times a day if you’re able!). I really like Onyx Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream which contains jojoba, the only type of oil that can actually penetrate the nail, even through nail polish! It also contains Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Calcium and Shea Butter to strengthen your nails and moisturize the skin around them. The Island Coconut scent is sooo heavenly! Here are some details about the product, direct from the brand:
- This natural nail strengthener is infused with vitamins, minerals and emollients to strengthen and condition your nails and cuticles
- Repairs Damaged Nails: A nail treatment formula to help restore and fix damage caused by fake or acrylic and gel nails. It absorbs quickly and deeply penetrates your nails, providing the nourishment they need. Plus, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind
- Promotes Nail Growth: If you want to grow nails longer and stronger, our trusted formula for over 25 years is the perfect nail growth cream for you. It helps prevent splits, chips, peels, and cracks on even the most severely damaged and fragile nails
- Natural Ingredients: If you prefer natural ingredients that help nourish and repair your nails without harsh chemicals or topical nail polish, then use Hard as Hoof. Our nail strengthener and growth cream conditions with calcium, jojoba oil and vitamins
- Quick Results: If you have tried other nail strengtheners or nail growth serums without success, then Hard as Hoof is a must-try. Noticeable results that gives nails high endurance and long lasting strength. A nail care cream tried and trusted for over 25 years
- Can be used as a great hand lotion
This product can be used over nail polish which is awesome because keeping your nails painted helps protect them from water and other things that can damage them. The directions say to massage into nail beds, cuticles and underside of nails three times a day or as often as needed. Keep a jar of this on your desk or next to your bed so you’ll remember to use it. You’ll have strong, healthy nails in no time!
These are the procedures and products I use to keep my hands and feet looking great all year round. Did I miss anything? What are your favorite products and methods for at-home manicures and pedicures?
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Complimentary products were provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.
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