Indulging in a pedicure is always a reward after a long day. Indulging in a French pedicure at home adds an extra layer of ease and beauty to that already enjoyable experience. Though it may be worth the cost to get a professional pedicure on occasion, it's always worth the extra ten minutes to give yourself a French pedicure.
Pedicure kits come in selections to suit every need and every budget, so there's really no good excuse not to own one. You can collect the basic pedicure tools by just throwing a pair of nail clippers, an emery board, nail polish, nail polish remover and cuticle stick into a bag.
You start a French pedicure just as you would any pedicure or manicure, by washing the area with soap and water. Next, fill a bath or basin with warm water in which to soak your feet. You can use soapy water or add any one of the many selections of foot bath products.
Soak your feet in the warm water for around five minutes. Use a pumice stone or exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin, especially around your heels. Rinse your feet with clean water and pat them dry with a towel.
Give your skin a big boost of moisture with a quality lotion. Rub the lotion over the entire foot, ankle and lower leg. Make sure to get between the toes and in the arch of the foot. Once the lotion has soaked in, you need to clean off your toenails with a cotton ball sprinkled with nail polish remover.
Use an orange stick to push back the cuticles on your toe nails. Clip the nails straight across with nail clippers and use a thick emery board to smooth and shape each nail. Apply a clear base coat to your nails and let dry. Apply a light pink, or other subtle color, over the base coat and let dry. Apply a second color coat if so desired, and let dry.
Use some white nail polish made specifically for French nails to paint the tips of your toenails. Apply the polish in a line across the tip of the nail with one smooth motion and let dry. Finish the pedicure with a clear top coat to help protect your lovely work and let dry. Avoid wearing anything too tight, such as closed toe shoes, for a few hours after you finish your pedicure.
 | You can beat the convenience of having professional pedicures, but you can close to professional results at home with these DIY pedicure tips. |
 | Using a pumice stone can help you buff away dry and annoying skin. |
 | Common toenail problems can make it difficult to put your best foot forward. |
Pedicure tools can make your toes look great, but only if they are clean and prevent infections. Learn how to keep those pedicure tools clean - your feet will thank you. |
 | If the idea of pedicures for men has your favorite guy ducking for cover, help him see the light. These pedicures are all about clean and healthy feet, not ten polished toenails. |
