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Pedicure season is upon us, ladies. And while we all love a little reflexology and a fresh coat of polish, one of the worst things in the world is spending $36 plus tip on a pedicure only to ruin it in your shoes immediately after. (Ok, there are many, many worse things in the world, but this one’s a personal pet peeve). To help you NOT waste your hard earned money by chipping fresh pedicures, we spoke with celebrity manicurist Erica Marton, who shared her expert tips for NOT ruining yours (these are so good):
Don’t forget the flip-flops: As Erica explains, “You wouldn’t wear an evening gown to get a facial, so don’t wear closed-toed shoes when you know you’re getting a pedi!” If you don’t want to wear the paper ones provided by your salon (or buy a new pair if they’re selling ’em!) bring your own from home.
Use accelerators–they really work. Erica swears by Qtica’s Half Time Polish Drying Accelerator and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. “QTica’s dries your toe nails rock hard in 10-15 minutes! It’s pure magic!”
Skip the plastic wrap: Erica is skeptical of whether plastic wrap, which is commonly used at nail salons, actually works. In fact, it might even do more harm than good. “Saran Wrap can actually generate heat, which can help ‘melt’ the polish and cause smudges to happen!”
Check the pinky toe first. Gently run your finger over the polish (like you’re touching a butterfly wing–that gently!), starting with the pinky toe. If the pinky is dry, wait 10 minutes to check the big toe, which is bigger and needs more time to dry.
Watch the pool! The bottom of the pool is a “killer” when it comes to scraping up fresh pedicures. Erica advises her clients to keep that in mind during the summer months.
Wait a solid hour before putting shoes on. Don’t risk it!
Take care of your feet between appointments. Just like how you brush your teeth between dentist appointments, you should take care of your feet between pedicures! Employ whatever tools you have at home–pumice stones, callus creams, foot lotions, nail files, whatever–to keep your feet looking fresh and pretty! Erica recommends Kersal foot ointment–“it’s the best for calluses!”
Any lotion is better than no lotion! ‘Nuff said.
