Start with a clean slate by removing every last bit of old polish. Doing so allows new polish to go on more smoothly and last longer. If you're removing a dark color, use a cotton pad and a mild acetone polish remover (we like OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover, $5.95, because it contains moisturizing ingredients, like grape seed oil and aloe leaf extract). "Acetone remover cuts through pigment faster than non-acetone remover, which can leave traces of pigment on nails that can lead to discoloration over time," says Valinoti.
If you really can't stomach the smell of acetone, try Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish Remover, $22. It's a non-acetone, non-toxic, non-flammable, plant-based nail polish remover that smells like mint, so you won't get any dirty looks from housemates for breaking out your polish remover in a confined space.
"Make an at-home pedicure more relaxing by soaking your feet in a large bowl with a foot soak for 10 or so minutes," says Dihn. "Read a magazine or listen to music and just relax." We like the fizzing sensation of Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Footloose & Fancy Fizz, $15.
Tip: Add epsom salt to your foot bath to soothe tired feet and help reduce any swelling at the end of a long day. Go plain for a no-frills soak or try Osmia Organics Organic Tea Bath, $29, for a spa-like experience.
Pull one foot from the foot bath and put a drop cuticle oil on each nail. Try NCLA So Rich Cuticle Oil, $18, for a strong dose of nail-repairing vitamin E. Massage it in and glide a wooden cuticle stick (Urban Beauty United carries colorful "Cutiecools," $8.99, that are emery tipped -- perfect for smoothing nails) around the nail to push back any dead skin that might be clinging to the nail plate. Switch feet, submerging your first foot back into the water, and do the same on your other foot.
If you want to feel like a true professional (or if you just really despise cuticles), invest in a tool like the Cricket Pro Cuticle 1/4 Nipper, $19.99. The tiny nipper is extremely precise and sharp, making it easy to trim cuticles.
Remove your first foot from the foot bath and wet your leg up to your knee. Using a granular foot scrub, like Rituals Tao Qing Fa, $16 -- which contains cooling Chinese mint and Yi Yi Ren, a skin-softening Chinese herb -- gently massage along the bottoms of your feet up to the knee. "Concentrate pressure where there is a callus or dry skin build-up," says nail pro Valinoti. Rinse thoroughly and do the same with your other leg.
To really up your at-home spa game, dampen a clean towel and warm in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, then use it to help rinse your feet.
Gently glide a callus smoother over rough, dry areas on the bottoms and sides of feet and toes. Try the Silk'n Pedi, $29, a battery-operated device that comes with a coarse grain to remove callouses and a fine grain to soften feet.
