DIY Manis & Pedis

This pandemic sure has changed how we function on a daily basis. One thing I noticed early on was, “Damn girl, your nails need help!” My bi-weekly trips to the nail salon were put on hold once salons shut down here in New Jersey. And even once they reopened in June or July (I honestly can’t remember), I wasn’t 100% on board with frequenting my beloved nail salon again. I’d love to give them business, but I’m not comfortable, just yet. 

So, back to me looking at my pathetic nails thinking, “What can a gal do to feel like themselves in a world of chaos?”

Enter DIY manicures & pedicures. 

I began to do my research. Where else would I find out about the best manicure options but Instagram? I knew a few accounts I followed posted about doing their nails themselves, so I looked to them for kits and tutorials. The powder dip nail kit that I’ve been using and LOVE, is by Revel Nails. It’s the same as the powder dip kits in nail salons, but it’s nice to know that your nails are the only ones going into the powder pot. When I priced out the kit and purchased a few colors, the total was still less than what I’d spend in one visit to the salon.

Here is what I purchased from Revel and here are some of the colors I love:

Dip Powder Starter Kit

I love this kit and how simple the dip process is. 

Posh, Aurora, mood changing Cosmos, glitter Chic, & Dewdrop!

Here’s a SPECIAL 10% off your Revel purchase for our followers, using this link!

But even with the perfect manicure kit, you need some tools to prep your nails. I ventured into finding a convenient set once I started doing my own pedicures, too. I tried to watch YouTube videos about at-home pedicures, but couldn’t find one that I thought encompassed everything they do at the salon. I thought about everything they do at the salon and came up with my own process. Feel free to add in whatever steps you need, but here’s the basics:

1. Fill a  pedicure bath or small plastic tub with hot water. You can get fancy and add in bath salts. 
2. Be sure to remove old nail polish before beginning. Then, prep feet with a foot scrub or soap. I have been loving this Tea Tree & Peppermint scrub. 
3. Soak your feet in water and scroll your phone, read a book, etc. for at least 5 minutes. 
4. Take one foot at a time out of the tub and scrub with pumice stone. You can also add callus remover to the pumice stone (like they do in the salon) to help remove any excess dead skin. **Tip: Callus Remover & Cuticle remover are NOT the same thing. Callus remover leaves a film on your nails.*
5. Wash off your feet in the tub and use a towel to dry them. *You can change out the water at this point if you prefer, but it’s not necessary. 
6. Apply cuticle remover to your nails/cuticles and let it sit on your nails for a few minutes. 
7. Use a cuticle tool to push back the cuticles and clean the peeling/dry skin from around the nail bed and underneath the nail edge. Repeat on your other foot. 
8. Clip your toenails, if desired. 
9. Use the appropriate tool to clean under the nail and around the edges to remove dirt/debris. 
10. File your toenails, if desired to ensure the edges are smooth and even.
11. Use a handheld scrub brush to remove excess product off and prepare your feet for polish. 
12. Dry your feet and toenails with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. 
13. Apply the nail polish to your toenails. Let it dry. Apply additional coats, as necessary.
14. Apply the top coat. This one from Essie is my favorite. 

*This pedicure set includes everything you need to get started with at home manicures & pedicures and is one I personally use. 

** I am NOT a professional. This is just what helps me achieve salon quality pedicures at home.

After doing my own manicures & pedicures for a couple months now and seeing how much I’m saving, I won’t be going back anytime soon. If you’re a mama with little ones running around and don’t get much alone time, be sure to do this at night once those little ones are snoozing. 

I typically do mine on Monday nights after my boys are down for the night so I’m not interrupted and then I’m set for at least two weeks. 

At Salon Cost:

Powder Dip Manicure: $40

Pedicure: $25

Tip: $12

Total: $77 every 2-3 weeks, you go about 18 times a year. 

That means you’re spending on average about $1386 a year at the nail salon. 

At Home Costs:

All of my pedicure supplies cost me $58. 

My Powder Dip kit cost me $33 Dip Powder Starter Kit – Revel Nail

For $91, I have done my nails since April. Where if I was going to the salon, spending $77 each time for the past 5 months I would have spent at least $770. 

That means I’ve saved $679!!! Don’t ask me where that money is, I’ve spent it on other things. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and if you take the “dip” to do your own manis, let us know what colors are your favorite!