How to give yourself a quick and easy Mani-Pedi at home.

We all deserve to be pampered, especially now that we find ourselves back in national lockdown, with spas and nail-bars closed indefinitely. In all the business of exam period, why not carve out some time for self-care, and treat yourself to an at-home mani-pedi. This will also help you boost your confidence and remind you of just how fierce you are.

Start by soaking your feet in a bowl of warm, soapy water. I would recommend adding your favourite essential oil to moisturise your feet and to fill your room with lovely scents. Whilst your feet are sitting in the water, use a nail brush to gently remove any dirt from under your toenails. Wait until they have been submerged for at least five minutes, and then use a pumice stone to remove any hard skin. By now, your feet should feel soft and clean; remove them from the water and towel dry.

Wash your hands with warm water and soap and using your nailbrush to give your fingernails a deep clean. Using either a hand or body cream, moisturise both your hands and feet, rubbing the cream in with small circles whilst applying gentle pressure to give yourself a mini massage. Make sure to target your cuticles whilst you do this in order to soften them too.

Use nail scissors to shape your fingernails and toenails, and with a nail file, neaten them up and remove sharp edges. Once you are happy with the shape, use a cuticle stick to push your cuticles back, starting in the middle and working towards the edges. Use cuticle oil if necessary, but you should find that by moisturising, you have softened them sufficiently. Buff your nails with a felt buffer to remove any marks leaving your nails with a healthy-looking shine.

If you are planning on painting your nails, apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and polish each nail. This will help to prevent the polish from chipping. As a hack, rub Vaseline on the skin around your nails to make it easy to wipe away stray paint before you start. Choose your colour, and then start at the base of your nail, painting with three brushstrokes: one on each side, and one in the middle. Paint three coats to give yourself a colour that lasts before applying a clear, top coat for added protection.

You may want to pair this pamper-session with a facemask, hair-mask and your favourite music for an evening of thoroughly deserved self-care. Remember, you deserve to relax and feel beautiful, pandemic or not.

Edited by Michelle Almeida