Beautiful and well-maintained nails make your feet look good and make a statement for a woman's style.

Nowadays, girls tend to spend more time treating their fingers and nails with colorful nail polishes that go perfectly with the outfits they wear. How to paint toenails and do a pedicure? It is comparatively easier than doing your fingernails as you can use both hands.

Necessary things:

— Nail polish
– Nail polish remover
– Cotton balls
– File
– Wire cutters
– Cuticle cream (cuticle is the skin rim that borders the plate)
– Cuticle stick
– cotton swabs (not necessary, but useful)

Instructions

The basics of manicure and pedicure nails include trimming and shaping, treating cuticles, treating hands and feet with moisturizers, and polishing nails. Typical home manicure and pedicures, which are a popular alternative to expensive beauty salons, are treatments that consist of the following simple steps and can be easily done with some nail care tools. While more emphasis on manicures and pedicures is aimed at women, men also often include a basic manicure and pedicure to keep their hands and feet healthy and well-groomed.

Nails that have grown too long are usually the first destination for manicures and pedicures. Some people choose to trim off excess nails first with nail clippers, although this practice can often result in overly sharp nail edges. The trimmed nails are then usually straightened with a nail file. This step can be done with either a disposable sandpaper disc or a metal file. Some professional nail technicians caution and always avoid using metal files with extra coarse grains because they can sometimes leave jagged edges on the nail. If at least once the fingernails and toenails have been properly done and shaped, the powdery residue should be wiped off the hands and toes before moving on to the next steps.

1. Remove old varnish

First of all, you need to remove your old varnish that is on your fingers. For hard-to-reach edges, you can use a Q-tip to remove old polish.

2. Treatment of the tops of the nails

Since toenails are rougher than fingernails, It is advisable to use a varnish buffer in order to smooth out the ridges and grooves. This process will eliminate the residue left from your old pedicure and force the new one pedicure hold on longer.

4. Wash your feet

Soaking your feet in a basin of warm water is usually the next step in a pedicure, and this can be done in a portable spa or foot bath. The water clears away any residue from your nails and softens any calloused foot skin to make it easier to exfoliate.
While the feet are soaked for about ten minutes, the toes also typically need to be soaked in a bowl of warm water for about three to five minutes to soften the cuticles of the skin. Once your feet and hands are sufficiently soaked and dry, lubricate them with a moisturizing cream.

Wash your nails thoroughly after trimming and filing. You need to remove all the nail polish remover and then soften the cuticles.

5. Check your cuticles

Excessive skin cuticles on the nails usually look like white coating at the base of each nail. Some nail experts recommend gently exfoliating the skin with a damp washcloth rather than pushing the cuticles back and trimming them. It's easy to overdo it when trimming cuticles, and sometimes this can lead to infection and removal of the protective layer. Moisturizing can generally be done with any type of lotion, as well as any type of cuticle cream.

After preparing your toenails, you need to push back the cuticles using a cuticle stick. If you feel it needs trimming, use a cuticle cutter. Later, apply the cream to your cuticles, but make sure you remove any cream that sticks to your nails.

6. Separate your fingers and apply base layer

Now you need to separate your fingers so that you can easily apply the polish. Then add a base layer that is fortified with calcium.

7. Choose color and varnish

After applying the base coat, choose the color you want to use on your feet. Then apply the varnish carefully so that it is evenly distributed. You should apply the varnish in a light thin layer and let it dry for 10 minutes. After drying it, you need to apply another layer of varnish in the same way.

If you want to wear fashionable sandals in the spring, presentable feet and toes are a must. For the spring season, a pedicure is always in order. A discreet leg makeover can be achieved right at home, without having to travel to the nearest spa. The procedure is not that complicated and all you need to do is follow a few simple steps to do a pedicure yourself.

How to do a pedicure step by step

1. If available, it is better to use a foot massager.
2. Remove all old nail polish and push back the cuticles.
3. Now you can trim your toenails, but not too short.
4. Smooth out sharp corners with a nail file.
5. Now, using a callus scrub, you need to remove calluses from the soles of your feet.
6. The same must be done for the back of the heel.
7. If you use a scrub that is too harsh, you may scrub your skin and injure your foot.
8. Now you need to massage your feet using an exfoliating cream, which will leave your skin soft and help with regeneration. With the cream on your hands, gently massage your feet in a circular motion.
9. Now dry your feet with a soft towel and apply body cream to your feet. After massaging thoroughly, use a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover to dry your feet.
10. Now, apply two more coats of bright nail polish. The only thing to remember is to apply dry varnish.
11. To extend the life of your pedicure, apply a top coat of color.
12. From here on, you need to apply body lotion to your heels on a regular basis to keep your feet smooth.
14. It is recommended to apply a topcoat to your nails every four days to keep them shiny and avoid chipping.
15. You should try to wear cotton socks while sleeping to prevent them from sweating.

Are you used to envying those with perfect pedicures? It's time to give up on this bad habit, because getting the perfect pedicure at home is not so difficult! Knowing it correctly and carefully, you can achieve an ideal result and forget about such troubles as peeled nail polish or unsightly stains on the surface of the nail plate.

Preparing the base for varnish

In order for the coating to look neat, regardless of the color and type of varnish chosen, it is necessary to carefully treat the nails before applying it. Unlike fingernails, which are usually not very durable, toenails are usually difficult to process with tools, so experts recommend steaming your feet first, and only then proceeding with a pedicure.

The surface of the nail prepared for painting must be smooth and free of grease - only in this case the varnish will lie evenly.

Apply a single layer of base coat onto the treated nail and wait until it dries completely; you cannot apply polish until then! Painting nails without first applying a base is also not recommended: firstly, the base makes the nail smoother and “holds” the varnish well, and secondly, the coloring pigments of the varnish (especially dark colors) can eat into the nail plate and give it an unsightly yellowish tint .

Applying varnish

When choosing toenail polish, you can choose the boldest options - this season bright shades are in fashion. Apply the polish from the center of the nail, using broad strokes.

Pay attention to the shelf life of the varnish: thickened varnish does not adhere well and dries slowly, so the coating looks sloppy and uneven. All colored varnishes should be applied in two layers: in this way the color “reveals”, acquires saturation and richness. In addition, even if the first layer of varnish did not lie perfectly evenly and in some places the color of the nail is visible through the thin coating, the second layer will correct this defect. But before applying the second layer, be sure to wait until the first layer of varnish has completely dried! If, while painting your nails, you slightly caught the cuticle with your brush, you can quickly remove the excess with a toothpick (before the polish dries).

We consolidate the result

To ensure that your painted toenails look perfect for a long time, you should coat the varnish with a fixative. Open shoes or a love of walking barefoot does not at all prolong the service life of the coating, so in the summer you cannot do without a fixer. In addition, the fixative helps the varnish maintain its brightness and neat appearance for a long time; the coating is less scratched and does not peel off closer to the ends of the nail. Today on sale you can find not only a transparent nail polish fixer, but also its more interesting varieties - for example, a glitter fixer, which allows you to achieve a summer-style elegant and sparkling effect!

Drying correctly

Nail polish manufacturers certainly don't skimp on their promises: by telling consumers how quickly their products dry, some trademarks use the phrases “thirty seconds” or “a couple of minutes.” But let's face it: after you've had a pedicure and painted your nails with any polish, you should wait at least an hour before putting on your shoes. Otherwise, all your hard work can be ruined in an instant! Are you in a hurry? Use a special spray dryer for varnish.

We have said more than once that the image of a woman lies in the details. Throughout their lives, ladies spend a lot of time taking care of themselves. Sometimes the procedures bring joy and pleasure to ladies, and sometimes they bring trouble. To ensure that self-care brings only pleasant moments, you should not put off beauty until tomorrow. It becomes very important for a woman to toenail care, which is what we want to talk about.

Manicure and pedicure are procedures that every woman should perform. Of course, you can spend time in the salon if you have the money for it, but this is not enough. If you really want to have strong, healthy and beautiful nails, then they must understand how correctly the procedures are performed.

The frequency of pedicures is 1-2 times a month. The procedure begins with a preliminary stage in which the legs are processed and prepared for the procedure. This is what it looks like:

  • The basin is filled with warm water and soap. If desired, you can add lemon juice (it helps whiten the skin), fresh or dry mint leaves (has a deodorizing effect) or olive oil.
  • The legs are steamed for 10-15 minutes.
  • Using a scrub or penza, the skin is cleansed. Heels and soles are thoroughly rubbed with pumice. All rubbing should be done in a circular motion.
  • After the dead, rough skin cells have been removed from the feet, the feet are rinsed with clean, cool water.

After completing the preparatory stage, the pedicure procedure itself begins.

  • Using a special manicure spatula, carefully push the cuticle away from the nail. This will allow the nail plate to “breathe”.
  • Use other manicure tools to give your nails the desired shape. Pay attention to the nail on thumb– it is cut exclusively in a straight line. If you deviate from this rule, the risk of painful ingrown toenails increases.
  • Move on to painting your nails.

The procedure will become more effective and enjoyable if you listen to the following useful tips:

  • After taking a foot bath and softening your feet, dry your feet with a soft towel and apply nourishing cream.
  • File your toenails in one direction, avoiding curves and curves.
  • After the feet and toes are lubricated with cream, have a short massage session. A softening effect can be obtained by using a small amount of lemon or orange juice with olive or other vegetable oil.
  • If the shape of your toenails is not attractive, do not focus attention on them by applying bright polish. The best option will use colorless varnish or gel.
  • Use an orange stick to push back the cuticle.
  • Don't forget to use a cuticle softener.

Painting your toenails is an art, and no less so than carrying out a similar procedure on your fingernails. And there are secrets here:

  • Using a polishing pad, polish your nails - this will allow you to apply the varnish in an even layer.
  • Gently coat your nail plates with base coat. Let your nails dry. This action will straighten and protect the nails and increase the period of wearing the pedicure.
  • Taking a bottle of varnish, shake it.
  • Cover the nail plates with varnish. Apply to the brush the amount of varnish that is necessary to cover one nail. Paint your nails from the middle to the tip and vice versa. Then carefully blend the varnish with the left and right sides. Wait until the varnish dries.
  • Just as you applied the first coat of polish, apply a second coat to your nail. Give the varnish a chance to dry.
  • Cover your nails with a layer of topcoat varnish.

Basic rules for caring for toenails

Good condition of toenails is preceded by compliance with the rules of foot care. Take note of them and don’t forget to follow them!

  • Trim your toenails promptly. Before starting the procedure, do not forget to take a steaming foot bath and massage your feet and toes.
  • Make sure to always keep your nails in dry, clean, and soft shoes. Of course, shoes should be tight. Otherwise, you provoke the development of fungal diseases, which we will talk about a little later.
  • Wash your feet daily, morning and evening.
  • Wear socks from cotton fabric and change them every day.
  • If necessary, use foot deodorant or refreshing cream. It would also be useful to use special herbal foot baths.
  • Disinfect your pedicure tools every time you use them.

Fungal nail infections, which, unfortunately, are very common, will help reduce everything to nothing. Let's try to understand the causes of their occurrence and methods of treatment.

To be fair, we note that on average, 50-70% of people have fungal cells on their skin on their feet, which in turn are the ancestor of numerous fungal colonies. However, fortunately, many people are saved by strong immunity and the protective function of the skin. In other people, the fungus independently penetrates the nails and settles there.

The most common fungal nail disease is onychomycosis.. This is a very contagious disease that develops on keratinized epithelium. Onychomycosis often develops against the background of common diseases such as: varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, swelling in the legs, thrombophlebitis, vitamin deficiency. Fungal spores and cells can be stored in cracked floors, such as baths, saunas, sports pools, hotels and even beaches.

The development of mycosis of the nails and skin of the nails is accompanied by the following factors:

  • Professionally caused need to wear plastic or rubber shoes all day long
  • External factors that reduce the body’s immunity: the use of antibiotics, background radiation, etc.
  • Established habit of wearing airtight sports shoes
  • Poor hygiene (washing feet, cutting nails, etc.)
  • Using someone else's shoes
  • Excessive foot washing deprives the skin of its protective properties, which provokes the development of the disease.

The presence of onychomycosis is indicated by:

  • Skin rashes
  • Peeling skin or cracks between the third and fourth toes
  • Changed color or structure of nails
  • Rough or thickened skin on the sides of the heels or feet
  • Itching and bad smell legs

How to get rid of mycosis of nails?

To give an absolutely accurate and correct answer, you need to consult a doctor who will determine the extent of the disease and select the necessary treatment.

If you managed to notice the development of a fungal infection at an early stage, you can buy an antifungal cream: travogen, batrafen, exoderil and other external agents that contain terbinafine.

To treat fungal nail infections, there are special varnishes, such as batrafen. This varnish should be applied to the nail plates every time after taking a foot bath, trimming the nails, filing them or cleaning them. In the first month, the varnish is applied every other day, then twice a week. Also, do not forget to remove any remaining varnish with a special liquid once a week.

Surely you have already encountered this problem, because the quality of shoes leaves much to be desired and even the most comfortable ones at first glance bring troubles that you won’t immediately notice.

You can use traditional home remedies to treat the problem of ingrown toenail. It is recommended to do the procedure itself at night.

  • Prepare vinegar, glycerin and iodine. Pouring into a basin hot water, soften the skin of your feet and nails. Dry your feet.
  • Treat the problem nail. Gently push back the cuticle and place a little under the nail butter. Treat the nail plate with a mixture of iodine, glycerin and vinegar (the mixture is prepared in equal proportions) with the addition of two parts of water. Leave the nail overnight.

This procedure should be carried out every day.

It should be noted that soaring feet is strictly prohibited for pregnant women and people with diabetes.

Toe nail extensions

Undoubtedly, if you want to have beautiful, even nails (which, unfortunately, nature did not endow you with), you can try the procedure of toenail extensions. You can do this service either yourself or in a salon. It should be noted that in the salon this service is seasonal, and toenail adjustments are carried out 1-2 times during the entire season.

If you have uneven nails, toenail extensions are a must. If you choose acrylic extensions, the material will force the nail to grow in the desired direction, pulling it down. Acrylic extensions also help get rid of the problem of ingrown toenails.

Taking care of your toenails is essential. Beautiful, well-groomed toenails are not only a sign of beauty, but also a sign of health!

How many nuances does a woman need to take into account to look stylish? Not only should manicure and pedicure be present as a fact, but you also need to think about how they fit your appearance, match your clothes for the near future and look great with lingerie or a swimsuit if you have to undress. Moreover, the color of the nail polish on the arms and legs should match each other. That's what we'll talk about.

The general principles of combining colors have not been canceled, so they will also be useful to us here. But it would be boring to consider the issue only from the point of view of color, so I saved a couple more ideas and tried to choose harmonious duets. I hope something is useful to you.

What principles should you use to select a duo of varnishes?



By Color

1. Same color for fingernails and toenails

The simplest but most boring option. But it cannot be denied that matching it to clothes is becoming easier. If you suddenly decide to make such a choice, then it is better to choose a fairly classic and popular color (red, fuchsia, coral, etc.) or something that looks very harmonious with the outfit. No all neon or gold.


2. One gamma

Two different shades of the same range are always harmonious and are also very easy to choose a suitable wardrobe. Shades may differ by 1 or several tones.


It is possible to have only pink on your hands and only lilac on your feet.

3. Complementary colors

Yellow and green, lime and purple, etc. Colors can be the same or different in saturation. Two delicate shades, two bright or one soft and the other rich.



4. Light + dark

Applies to both colors of the same range and different colors. Black and white, beige and dark cherry, pale pink and mallow, etc.


5. Neutral + neutral

This includes all skin tones; accordingly, each skin color will have its own range of skin tones. The lighter the skin, the lighter the range of varnishes, and vice versa. Again, black and white. French can also be included here.


6. Neutral + any other color

Any neutral manicure goes well with other colors, be it pastel or bright polish. Gold and silver are also very versatile. They can be combined with any color.


7. Neon + soft or neutral color, gold or silver.

It’s better not to choose another neon shade to pair with neon. The risk of looking vulgar is too great, and in this case, each of the neon varnishes loses its effectiveness at the expense of the other. If neon is present interspersed in complex manicure, it can be chosen as the main color of the pedicure.


8. Multi-color manicure/pedicure + one of its colors or neutral

If, for example, you have a multi-color creative manicure, choose one of the colors present in it and repeat it in the pedicure. Also, a colorful manicure/pedicure can be paired with neutral colors.

By Texture

There are a lot of options here, since there are now so many varieties of varnishes with different textures on sale, from classic glossy to craquelure and liquid sand. The main thing is either the texture is different or the same.

1. Glossy + matte

2. Glitter + matte/glossy

3. Metal + matte/glossy

4. Volume + smooth

4. Same texture, etc.

Same textures don't always work well together. Classic options as glossy ones go together perfectly, but two types of liquid sand or two matte ones are not the best combination. It’s definitely better not to do craquelure for manicure and pedicure at the same time, but two types of metallics or glitter can exist in a duet if there is a common organic image.

By Design

If you have a very rich design on your fingernails, then it is better to make the pedicure calm, without unnecessary bells and whistles. As with textures, it’s easy to get the effect of too much. For a couple, a manicure with a design will suit either one of the shades present in it, or a neutral one. If the nail design is made in neutral colors, then any single-color option, bright, light or neutral, is suitable for a pair. Sometimes paired with an elegant design, a minimalist style, a graphic option, looks good.

On the topic

Very often, a manicure is created for a specific look for one evening or to maintain a certain style for a longer period. How extravagant your experiment is is up to you. Maybe you just want to bring only a veiled idea into the image, or create a themed manicure.

The more complex the idea, the more difficult it is to combine manicure/pedicure with other elements of the image. A creative manicure looks best with a plain or minimalist pedicure.

Cold and hot

An unobtrusive option for combining cold and warm shades, gray with peach, gold and silver, etc.

Space

Pearl shine, unusual colors, low tide can create a magnetic effect. Such polishes are very effective with outfits in the minimalist style with futuristic accessories.



Everything that is stated as a manicure can be used in a pedicure, and vice versa.

Tell us whether you like monochromatic polishes or creative solutions. How do you combine manicure and pedicure polish? Write about your favorite colors and designs.

We've collected 30 tricks and tips for girls who love to take care of their nails on their own. How to dry your manicure quickly? How to make varnish? How to carefully draw a French jacket? About this and more - in our article.

1. Wash off the varnish carefully

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To prevent the skin around your nails from looking like you killed someone or were poking around somewhere after removing red or other bright polish, apply a rich cream to your hands before the procedure.

2. Remove any remaining varnish from the skin


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If you did not use the previous advice and the skin around your nails is stained, tape will help remove stains. Adhesive tape It perfectly collects varnish residues, especially silver ones.

3. We erase the varnish quickly

In the manicure departments of cosmetic stores they sell various products for quickly removing nail polish. They are bubbles with a sponge soaked in cleaning liquids. You don't need to run the cotton wool over your nails: just dip your nail into the bottle and wait a little.

You can make this product yourself. Take a small glass jar, place a sponge cut to size in it and soak it in nail polish remover. The principle of operation is the same.

4. Remove glitter polish

Soak cotton pads in nail polish remover, apply them to your nails, and wrap each finger in foil. After 10 minutes, the polish will come off easily, despite the glitter.

5. Whiten your nails

Sometimes colored polish is absorbed into the nail plate, leaving behind an unsightly yellow discoloration. You can get rid of it with whitening toothpaste. Take an old brush and brush your nails with it.

But to prevent such incidents from happening at all, do not forget to use a base coat before applying the main varnish.

6. Saving a broken nail

You will need a tea bag and clear nail polish. Apply the latter to the damaged nail, and then place a patch cut from tea bag. Re-coat the nail with clear polish.

7. We store varnishes conveniently

If you store your polishes in an opaque box, label the caps with the appropriate shades. This way you don't have to take out all the vials to find what you need.

8. We make our own varnishes

If you have few varnishes or cannot find the desired shade in the store, you can make what you want yourself. You will need clear varnish and mineral shadows. They dissolve perfectly in varnish, and you can adjust the color saturation.

You can also add various glitters to your homemade varnish.

9. Open a bottle of nail polish easily

If the varnish cap is glossy, screwed tightly and does not give way, they will help you deal with the problem. By wrapping them around the lid, you will get the desired grip and easily open the varnish.

10. Extending the life of manicure

If you want the varnish to last longer, before applying it and applying the base, the nail plate must be thoroughly degreased. To do this, wipe your nails with a cotton swab dipped in white wine vinegar.

11. Paint your nails correctly


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The accuracy of a manicure largely depends on the technique of applying varnish. How to paint your nails correctly, read this.

12. Create an even coating


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One thick layer will never lie as smoothly and neatly as several thin layers. Just be patient: let each layer dry.

13. Making a matte finish


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Matte varnishes have been very popular lately. But if you don't have one, then just mix light loose powder with a clear polish. In this case, you should mix as shown in tip No. 8.

14. Making the polish brighter


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Many girls know that if you apply shadows to the base, they go on more evenly and the color turns out more saturated. It's the same with varnishes.

If colored nail polish looks faded, use white as a base. matte varnish. You will receive bright manicure and you can avoid multi-layer application.

15. Apply glitter correctly

This video shows how to apply polish with large glitter so that it adheres well to the nail and does not bulge.

16. Protect your skin

Applying stamping or gradient to your nails can seriously stain the skin around you. We have already written that in this case a special one will save you. But if you don’t have one, use PVA glue: it also forms an easily removable film.

17. Eliminate defects in manicure

Paint your nails and do not stain the skin around them, especially on right hand, quite difficult. But it doesn't matter if this happened.

Take a thin brush, soak it in nail polish remover and erase the blemishes. Unlike cotton swab, the brush does not cling to the varnish and does not leave lint.

18. Draw patterns on your nails


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If your eyeliner has dried out or simply doesn't suit you, don't rush to throw it away. Her excellent elastic brush - as a rule, this is exactly what is there - can be used in nail design to draw fine lines.

Some girls even use ordinary stationery markers for nail art.

19. Create an animal print on your nails

If you cut the eraser on a pencil like this, you get a homemade stamp: dip it in black polish and make leopard print designs on your nails.

20. Making blanks for nail art

Add varnishes of different colors to the water one by one. Use a toothpick to create a pattern. Remove the resulting film and cut out blanks from it.

21. Making sliders for design

The principle is the same as in the previous case. Only here you need to make a film of transparent varnish and apply drawings on it. For example, using dots.

22. Replace dots

A dots is a stick with a tip in the form of a metal ball. With it you can create various designs on your nails.

If you don't have a dots, use available tools. For example, safety pins, toothpicks, empty ballpoint pens and so on.

23. Doing a French manicure

French manicure looks feminine and suits almost any occasion. But not everyone can draw a smile line for a French jacket. The video shows several ways to do this carefully.

In addition, you can highlight the tips of your nails using a regular rubber band.

Just pull it around your finger and apply white polish. This is a budget alternative to special vinyl stencils.

24. Masking the unevenness of the French coat

If, despite all the tricks, you cannot get even stripes, you can use a trick. Draw a line under the white part with glitter varnish. Glitter will hide flaws, and you will get an original design.

25. Making stencils from electrical tape

This irreplaceable item can also be used in nail art. For example, for the same drawing of a French jacket.

Insulating tape also makes excellent stencils, which, unlike adhesive tape, do not stick tightly and do not peel off dried varnish.

26. Dry your nails quickly

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To protect freshly painted nails from small lint and dust, add a drop of cuticle oil on top.

28. Saving a manicure

If you have smeared the manicure you just did, do not rush to wash everything off. Just wet your finger with water and gently rub the damaged area. The varnish has not yet hardened and will easily return to the desired position.

29. Shake the varnish correctly

What do you do before opening a bottle of nail polish? Do you shake it well to make it less chewy? Great! Just do it right: place the bottle between your palms and roll it around.

If you shake and turn the varnish over, it may bubble up when applied.

30. Saving thickened varnish

Has your favorite polish started to thicken and doesn’t fit well on your nails? Place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes and then shake well.

If you have your own manicure difficulties, be sure to share them in the comments.