American women spend over $6 billion dollars a year on manicures and pedicures. While professional pampering is always a delight, Bobbie Thomas, “Today” style contributor and co-host of “Fashion Police,” can help you find fabulous ways to take care of your hands and feet at home this summer.
Smooth and Sun-Spot Free
Before you can even think about having healthy nails, you need to consider the skin that surrounds them. Slough away dead skin cells to reveal a silky soft layer. Crabtree & Evelyn's La Source 60 Second Fix Kit ($25; www.crabtree-evelyn.com) will cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize dry hands, while Avon's Exfoliating Manicure is designed to condition your cuticles ($6; www.avon.com). And just in time for summer's strappy sandals, Spa-la-la Sugar Scrub and Pedistone will whip winter's worn-out feet into shape ($5.99 each; Walmart stores).
Our hands are not only exposed to the world most often, but also expose our age most often. Avoid wrinkles from your wrist to your fingertips by using a cream like Apivita's Propolone Antispot Hand Cream with SPF 20, which will minimize age spots while protecting your skin from the sun at the same time ($19; www.bigelowchemists.com). From drugstore to designer, there are numerous products that reverse already-obvious signs of aging hands. Try Elemis Intensive Hand Repair ($72; www.nordstrom.com), Borba Age-Defying Fiber Knit Concentrate ($45; www.borba.net) or Neu Complete Anti-Aging Discovery Kit ($9.99; www.drugstore.com) for younger, healthier-looking hands.
Walk and Heal
The average person walks about 10,000 steps per day. So before you toss those socks and pound summer's hot pavement, think about a little extra cushion. Inserts have come a long way baby, and brands such as Airplus for Her and Dr. Scholl's have special styles designed to slip into our sexiest shoes.
If you're looking for a smooth stiletto rear view, the Artemis Woman Heel Smoother ($29.99; www.artemiswoman.com) can lend a helping hand. And if you find yourself dancing 'til dawn, HoMedics Massaging Pedicure Flip Flops have plenty of cushioning, and are battery operated ($19.99; www.drugstore.com).
Home School? No, Home Spa!
Preparing your fingers and toes for the perfect mani/pedi requires some simple planning. Glass nail files from 95 and Sunny are not only designed to last a lifetime and are easy to sanitize, but they can also be custom engraved or embellished ($5-$54; www.95andsunny.com). HoMedics Style Spa Deluxe is a 15-piece nail-perfect kit that even comes complete with a built in dryer ($22.99; www.drugstore.com), while Revlon's Moisture Stay Paraffin Bath smoothes skin and elbows with a DIY salon-like moisturizing wax treatment ($24.99; www.target.com). And for the ultimate at-home pedicure, the ConAir Body Benefits Massaging Foot Spa combines vibration, heat, bubbles, water jets and air power for a foot-rub so soothing, you'll forget to paint your toes ($49.99; www.bedbathandbeyond.com)!
Do your nails and delight your friends at the same time this summer by throwing a poolside pedicure party! Some of the most extravagant treatments from celebrity-favorite spas and salons are now available for you to try at home. ME! Bath's Ice Cream Sundae pedicure is being performed at Canyon Ranch and the Ritz, but you can also treat yourself and your friends to this delicious pedicure ($6-$25 per product; www.mebath.com). Or try the Rita's and Rocks pedicure from the Paint Shop in Beverly Hills. Specially formulated lime and cilantro Foot Polish and Cooling Leg Gel are stored on ice and served up for your feet to enjoy. So forget the beauty technician and hire a bartender instead ($12-$20 per product; www.paintshopbeverlyhills.com)!
Nail News in Polish
Last summer surprised us with dark shades emerging as the trend for nails and toes. But you can color your nails neutral this summer, and most importantly, pick a polish that performs! DuWop's Toe Polish protects your toes against fungus ($12; www.sephora.com), while the nail strengthener from OPI's new “Feet” collection prevents breaks, chips and splits ($9.95; Ulta stores). Dig for your keys without dryer's-remorse with Avon's new instant color enamel strips ($8; www.avon.com). These stick-on strips are pre-dried and can be easily removed with just a bit of nail polish remover (or peel them off with the tips of your nails!). Or, have some fun and enjoy a hangover-free happy hour with Nailtini! Lacquers, which can be layered until you find the perfect cocktail combination. Try yours “on the rocks” for a glitter-heavy glam look ($12 per color; www.nailtini.com).
Last but not least, Nail Art is not just for little girls anymore! Add embellishment with drugstore stick-ons or let modern technology wow you with its magic. ImagiNail's Nail Fashion Printer can apply high quality fashion images — in vibrant color and photographic clarity — directly onto natural or artificial nails in seconds. Laser your four-legged Fido or precious pictures of your new bundle of joy! Less permanent than a tattoo, it's certainly just as creative (www.imaginail.com).
Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12856816/
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