Show off sexy summer feet

Summer is here, bringing with it promises of short skirts, sun dresses and cute sandals.
Grooming is everything – if you are going to be showing off your tootsies this summer you have to get them ready.
I headed for Perfect 10 Nail and Body Studio at the Ballito Junction last week in search of the perfect pedicure and some toe tips for summer.
Thando Mbense, a finalist in the nail technician category at this year’s Imbalie Beauty Diamond Awards, first put my feet into a warm, soapy basin. The salon holds itself to strict hygienic standards, which is important to prevent fungal infections, a common foot problem.
“This is to soften the feet before we start to work on them and make sure they’re clean,” she said.
A spot of cuticle cream on each toe makes it easier for Thando to push the cuticles back.
“Toenails must be clipped neatly and filed straight across, slightly rounded at the corners as this is healthy. File the heel of your foot first and then the rest, this makes them smooth.”
Thando used an OPI sugar exfoliator to rid my feet of dead skin and polish the top layer of skin.
This was followed by a mask because “feet need love and care,” she said.
“A mask hydrates and nourishes your feet the same way a mask would work on your face. It is brilliant for sore, tired feet. Once the mask is applied, the feet are wrapped in a packet to open the pores and lock in moisture.”
When painting, Thando started with a base coat to protect the nail against staining from nail lacquer.
“We only use nail lacquer, not polish, as polish merely coats the nail while lacquer seals and protects it.”
A luxurious foot and lower leg massage followed, to promote healthy circulation. Perfect 10 seats their clients in massage chairs, which give your whole body the feeling of ultimate relaxation.
I chose my nail polish from a colour wheel and Thando used two coats of hot pink.
The final step – top coat to lock in the polish and give your toes a stunning shine.
All in all, an hour well spent and something every lady should definitely do regularly this summer.

Perfect 10’s tips for perfect toes

1. You should have a pedi at least once a month to keep your feet in tip-top shape.
2. Home care is essential. File your feet and use products like OPI’s Double Coverage and Callous Therapy to treat your feet.
3. You can visit a salon every two weeks to get your toenails filed and colour changed.
4. Citrus, neons and hot pinks are the colours for summer. The brighter, the better.
5. Another emerging trend is plain white toenails – it is classy and trendy plus it matches everything.
6. Matching your finger and toenail polish is totally outdated!
7. Closed shoes protect your feet but make sure you air them to prevent smelly, sweaty feet.
8. Wearing sandals is cool, as long as you keep your feet clean and hydrated!
9. Perfect 10 has a large male clientele who thoroughly enjoy their tailor-made pedicures, not only for the ultimate in pampering but mainly for the health and hygiene of the feet. The modern metrosexual knows that every woman appreciates a well-groomed man.