How to get a perfect pedicure

Step 2: Start the water

Begin to fill a basin (or your bathtub) with several inches of warm water. Add desired amount of foot soak, bath salts or Epsom salts so that it dissolves in the water as the tub fills.

Step 3: Out with the old

While the tub is filling, remove any old polish from your toes with nail polish remover and cotton balls. If necessary, clip and file nails to desired shape and length.

Step 4: Soak and relax

Grab a good book or magazine, turn on some music or just sit back and enjoy the warm water on your tired feet. Soak for as long as you like, but at least 5 to 10 minutes.

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Step 5: Brush to buff

Using the small brush, gently buff one foot, then the other. This will help remove dead skin cells and also to soften your feet. Next, use a foot scrub -- here are a few to try: Freeman Bare Foot, de-luxe BAIN Hawaiian Cane Sugar Scrub or Dr. Scholl's for Her Pumice Foot Scrub. Massage the cream onto your feet, paying special attention to your heels and any rough spots. This will further soften and exfoliate.

Step 6: Dry and massage

Remove both feet from the tub and dry them gently with a towel, then massage using your favorite lotion. Try some highly rated foot massage lotions, such as HeelFast by e70 Intense Foot and Heel Treatment, Udderly Smooth Extra Care Cream or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Creme.

Step 7: Prep for polish

Using an orangewood stick, gently push your cuticles back along the nail. They should be supple after the soaking. If you wish to paint your toenails, you can use toe separators to facilitate the process. Apply a base coat of nail polish to fill in the ridges and uneven surfaces. Base coats are generally clear or slightly opaque and help strengthen the nail to avoid breakage.

Step 8: Apply nail color

Choose your desired shade of nail polish and apply. Allow the first coat to dry and repeat. (Hint: For touch-ups, dip a Q-tip in the nail polish remover and gently swab away the unwanted color.)

Step 9: Add a top coat

Apply a crystal-clear top coat to add shine and protect color from chipping.