by Elise Warren

Created on: May 31, 2007

I used to think that pedicures were for rich ladies only. The ones that sit on satin pillows and eat bon bons. (Where do you get those things anyway?) Then , two years ago, my coworkers bought a gift certificate for me to get my first pedicure...and BOY...I have been hooked ever since! They make me feel special and pampered, without spending a fortune. I am sure that every pedicure is a bit different, but they basically consist of these treatments:

You begin soaking your worn out feet in a warm spa tub, where the hot/warm water swirls around and begins softening your feet. Often bubbles or a mild soap is added.

After about five minutes, the pedicurist takes one foot out of the bath, and dries it a bit. Do not feel badly if your specialist uses a pair of soft gloves, as this is a safety issue for her AND you. A sloughing or exfoliating scrub is placed on the foot and massaged in. Then a file is used to scrub off dead skin and hardened yellow foot dermis (yuck!) This can take awhile , depending on how calloused your skin seems to be. The foot is massaged again, including the "ball" and arch of your foot, and is rinsed off.

The toes are massaged, and each toenail is clipped , and shaped with a nailfile. Then , my pedicurist sprays some tingling mint concoction on my foot, wraps it with a towel, and proceeds to the other foot.

After each toe, and both feet are sparkly, soft and shiny, a lotion is applied to the foot and a bit on the lower leg and massaged in. Then, the nail polish that you have chosen is applied to your toenails . You may also have time to place your feet in a nail dryer. Finally, you leave in your "pedi-sandals" (unless you brought your own), a new woman! Wait! Don't forget to make your next pedicure appointment! Most pedicures last a month and only cost anywhere from 25 to 35 dollars! Here is to looking great in your beach sandals this summer!

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