During the summer months, I like to treat myself to the occasional pedicure.  But this summer, I’m short on time and budget to keep my toes looking fresh, so I need to extend time between pedicures.  Here are some tips for making your pedicure last longer.

Trim Your Own Nails at Home // It may seem silly to cut your own toenails before a pedicure, but it’s a surefire way to make it last longer.  Many nail techs file or trim nails on the longer side, so after two weeks, you need a new pedicure to combat too-long-toenails. I trim my own nails at home the day before my pedi appointment.  This way, I get the maximum amount of time between appointments.

Why not trim day on the day of?  The skin might be sensitive and that could cause the treatment products to burn and sting when applied.

Protect Your Toes // Nail polish may dry quickly, but it takes a full day to completely cure and harden.  So make sure you bring a roomy pair of sandals to slip into.  (I carry these $9 orthopedic sandals in my car.)  If you wear gel polish on your toes, you can skip this advice, but I find that gel is hard on my nails, so I don’t wear it.

Clean Up Your Calluses // Callused feet are a dead giveaway for a fading pedicure.  This Flawless Touch Pedicure Pen lets you touch up your heels and soles.  I also like to use an orange stick to clean up cuticles and dry skin around the nail beds.  (It works best if you do it when you’re fresh from the shower.)

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize // First tip is to avoid perfumed lotions.  Scented products often contain additional chemicals that will weaken nail polish.  Instead, try First Honey Foot Rescue. Made with Manuka Honey, the product quickly heals dry, cracked skin.  This Aloe Vera Heel Stick also heals cracked skin, but with a bit less mess.

To supercharge your moisturizing efforts, use a pair of spa socks.  These socks are infused with Jojoba and other moisturizing ingredients to give your heels a boost.  Wear them to bed, and wake up with noticeably softer feet.  After a few wears, your feet will be as soft as a baby’s backside.

Reapply Topcoat and Polish Regularly // Topcoat protects your paint job, but it begins wearing off after a couple of days.  I keep a bottle of Seche Vite Topcoat to reapply every few days.  Fresh topcoat prevents cracking and chipping longer.  I also keep my pedicure favorites — Bogota Blackberry and Beach Cruiser — around to touch up early chips.

Do you have any tips for making a pedicure last longer?  I try to book every 3-weeks, but right now, I’m running more like four.  Luckily, I still have a little bit of time to get things sorted before sandal season.

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