I’ve never had a professional pedicure. My feet didn’t really need any attention until I started giving them a little bit… and then like typical girls, they kept needing more. While I would love to have a full on pedi, I’ve managed very well (& had compliments from those who regularly do!) on my home DIY system, so I thought I’d share it with you today.
Naturally, start with clean, freshly washed feet. If you like to pre-soak them, go for it… some recommend it, but personally I don’t bother. With two small children around, my beauty treatments generally need to be done on the run (often literally).
These two items are at the core of my DIY pedi, so I’ll start with explaining how they work.
Step 1: Scholl Instant Hard Skin Remover
This is such a simple contraption, yet it’s the most effective I’ve ever used - and I’ve tried a few. It is ergonomically designed to remove tough, thick, hard skin - quickly and painlessly.
The Instant Hard Skin Remover is very lightweight and easy to manoeuvre: just repeatedly scrape over areas where skin is too thick for removal with a simple file and it does all the hard work for you. I normally use it outside, but you could just set an old towel or newspaper under your feet, to catch the errr, foot dust.
I find this process quite satisfying as I see the results so quickly! When I’m happy that I’ve removed the worst of the hard skin - ie when it starts to feel a little bit tender and like I might do some damage if I continue - then I move on to step 2.
£9.39 at Boots and still on 3 for 2, as it was when I purchased mine.
Step 2: Scholl Hard Skin & Callous File
Sometimes my camera huffs on me and the digital macro absolutely refuses to work, usually when I’m particularly keen to capture detail like this. (It always works when I’m taking a close up of my face and would quite happily put up with a bit of blur!)
This file is double sided: a coarse side and a slightly finer one for finishing with. I use it to smooth out what I’ve begun with the supersonic device in Step 1. Although it’s quite big, again the design is quite genius and the shape works really well with the foot’s contours. It even works on small areas, like skin on the tips of toes.
Again, a gap between the two blades allows the foot dust to fall out naturally as you go along.
£3.99 here, though I got mine as part of the Boots 3 for 2 deal and they may have it instore (not currently online).
Step 3: EcoTools Foot Brush and Pumice
Not quite as soft as the EcoTools powder brush (which I use almost daily), the nylon bristles on this sustainable bamboo brush are not as tough as they look. It’s pleasant to use and would be great to include in the pre-soaking regime or even in the bath to gently exfoliate dead skin from feet and ankles. The bristles are firm enough not to tickle, but not so firm as to cause discomfort - similar to a body brush I guess.
The eco paper file, made with 95% natural wood pulp, works in a similar way to a pumice stone, smoothing off small amounts of dry skin. I use it to achieve an ultra smooth finish after the foot file (when I have time!) or to maintain my feet between major overhauls. The brush is also really useful for dusting off the feet when you’re finished (though I’m pretty sure it’s not intended for this!). £4.99 here.
Between-Pedi Maintenance
I’m very fond of each of these products for different reasons…
Neutrogena Cracked Heel Foot Cream, £4.59 here: my husband uses this for its proper function as I don’t suffer from cracked heels, but it seems to work for him. I just use it occasionally when my feet are in need of super moisturising and again it does the job. The texture is quite waxy, a bit like the hand cream. If you do suffer from cracked heels, friends have raved about Flexitol Heel Balm, £10.24 at Boots.
Scholl Rough Skin Remover, £3.39 here: this is an odd one… it looks a bit like really thick exfoliant, which it kind of is. You spread it on your feet, leave it to ‘work’, then rinse it off. It dissolves a bit of the rough skin, but won’t have much effect if you have loads. Would probably work best if you have a basin of water to dip your feet in… I’ve always tried to walk across the bathroom on my heels & get into shower without getting it all over the floor, really not easy!
Badger Foot Balm, £3.99 or £6.99 here… I just love these little tins of organic balm - the Sleep & Cuticle Balms are also firm favourites. The Foot Balm, with peppermint and tea tree, is nourishing, refreshing and soothing.
Liz Earle Foot Spritzer*, £7.75 here… the ultimate treat for tired tootsies - I just love to spray this on when my feet are uncomfortably hot, or to extend the joy of removing high heels for the pure ahhhh factor. Cooling menthol, hydrating aloe vera and nine essential oils including peppermint and rosemary, create the perfect cocktail to leave feet (& legs!) feeling and smelling sweet.
Dirty Works Toenail Scissors*, £4.99 here: I’m sharing these purely because I think they’re super cute. In all honesty, I didn’t find them strong enough for adult toenails, though they do work well on my children - and the prettiness and novelty are usefully alluring when it comes to them letting me trim their toenails! Happily, Dirty Works also make good old fashioned toenail clippers for just £2.49 here and there’s 33% off their Best Foot Forward Butter with Coconut Oil & Shea Butter (down to £1.99) to complete your pedi!
My final tip is little and often does it… pick up your file once a week and that really stubborn skin won’t be allowed the chance to build up. Oh and of course, moisturise, moisturise, moisturise - don’t neglect your feet when you apply body lotion and if you apply hand cream before you go to sleep, treat your feet to some too! :)
Do you DIY or are your feet treated to the pros? I really must try it one day to see the difference - I’m sure it’s very relaxing.
