DIY Manicure & Pedicure

Manicures and pedicures are a great way to pamper yourself, but you don’t need to break the bank at a salon to achieve beautiful nails. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can create a professional-looking manicure and pedicure at home without needing expensive products or gadgets. Here are some easy tips and tricks to get your nails looking fabulous in no time.

• Simple Tips to Clean Your Hands and Feet
  
  

Keeping hands and feet clean is essential for maintaining good hygiene and overall health. Clean hands and feet help prevent infections, remove dirt and grime, and keep skin looking fresh. Here are five simple tips for keeping hands and feet clean without hassle.

1. Wash Regularly with Soap and Water

The simplest and most effective way to clean your hands and feet is by washing them regularly with soap and warm water. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing between your fingers and under your nails. For your feet, make sure to scrub between your toes and the soles of your feet. Regular washing is especially important if you’ve been out in public or have been touching potentially dirty surfaces.

Additional tip: Hand and Feet Soak

Soak your hands and feet in warm water for a few minutes once a week to soften the skin for your cuticles. You can add a little soap or essential oils to the water to enhance the experience. Once your cuticles are softened, gently push them back with an orange stick or a cotton-tipped swab. Avoid cutting your cuticles as this can lead to irritation and infection.

2. Exfoliate Your Feet Weekly

Exfoliating your feet is a great way to keep them clean and free from dead skin cells. You can use a foot scrub, pumice stone, or exfoliating foot mask to remove dry skin and smooth your feet. Do this once a week to maintain soft, clean feet.

Additional Tip: DIY Foot Scrub

If you want to give your feet a little extra TLC, you can easily make a DIY foot scrub at home using natural ingredients. Mix sugar or salt with olive oil or coconut oil to create a gentle exfoliating scrub. Massage the scrub into your feet for a few minutes to remove dead skin cells and reveal soft, smooth skin. Rinse with warm water, and follow up with your favourite foot cream.

3. Use a Hand Sanitiser

When soap and water aren’t available, a good hand sanitiser can be a lifesaver. Use a sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol to kill germs and bacteria. Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser when you're out and about, especially after touching public surfaces like door handles or shopping carts.

4. Moisturise Regularly

After washing your hands and feet, it’s important to moisturise to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Dry, cracked skin can harbour bacteria and dirt, leading to infections. Use a rich hand cream for your hands and a thicker foot lotion for your feet to keep them soft and protected.  If you have the time, apply a thick layer of lotion to your feet before bed and wear socks to lock in the moisture overnight. This will help to keep your skin soft and smooth.

5. Keep Nails Trimmed and Clean

Your nails can trap dirt and bacteria, so keeping them trimmed and clean is important. Use a nail brush to clean under your nails regularly. Trim your nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails and prevent dirt from building up.

• Simple Tips to Apply Nail Polish 
  
  

After cleaning your hands and feet, they are ready to apply a nice nail polish of your choice to give them a fresh and brand new feel. Follow these simple steps to apply nail polish flawlessly.

1. Prep Your Nails Properly

Before applying any polish, make sure your nails are clean and free from any old polish. Use a gentle nail polish remover to clean your nails thoroughly. Once clean, give them a light buff with a nail buffer to remove any ridges and smooth the surface. This will help the polish adhere better and last longer.

2. Use a Good Base Coat

A base coat is essential to protect your nails from staining and ensure your nail polish adheres well. Even if you’re using a budget-friendly nail polish, a base coat can make a huge difference in the longevity and appearance of your nails. Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail before applying colour, and allow it to dry completely.

3. Apply Nail Polish in Thin Layers

When applying your nail polish, using thin layers is important to avoid clumping and smudging. Apply one or two thin coats of polish, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth, even finish. If you’re applying polish to your toenails, be extra careful to avoid over-applying, as this can lead to smudges or uneven application.

4. Finish with a Top Coat

Apply a top coat once the color has dried to lock in the colour and give your nails a glossy finish. A top coat adds extra durability, helping your manicure and pedicure last longer without chipping. If you don’t have a top coat, you can use clear nail polish as an alternative.

5. Cuticle Oil

Use cuticle oil to hydrate your skin and keep your nails looking healthy.

Additional Tip: DIY Cuticle Oil

If you don’t have cuticle oil, apply any oil you have at home, like coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil etc. Or you can just take a little bit of vaseline or aquaphor healing ointment and apply on the cuticle.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your hands and feet clean and healthy, ensuring they look and feel great daily. These tips will ensure you can achieve a clean, polished, and well-groomed look at home without spending too much time or money on expensive tools and products. Happy pampering!