By: Nicole Recard, Feature Writer

It is sandal season ladies and gentlemen and before you bare you tootsies in the strappiest of strappy sandals; please take some time to get your feet in order. Let us all keep in mind the common phrase, “put you best foot forward.”

PEDICURES
Whether or not you can visit the salon, you always have the capacity to DIY, do it yourself. Because TCM wants to make sure you receive the best pedicures, as they are the foundation for healthy, happy feet, we want to give you a few pointers to ensure that you receive great pedicures.

1) First, start by soaking you feet in warm water to soften the skin in preparation. Soaking salts or oils enhance relaxation and soften dead skin.

2) Remove your previous polish and then file and buff your toenails. Make sure to file and buff in one direction, to prevent nails from splitting.

3) Apply cuticle remover and gently push it back with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. If you’re at a salon, don’t be afraid to tell your pedicurist not to cut your cuticles. PLEASE NOTE: Cutting the cuticle can promote infection because it leaves your nails exposed. You don’t want to run the risk of infection especially if you are using shared spa pedicure stations. Infected nails and foot fungus are not a good look.

4) Next, use a pumice stone and an exfoliating scrub to get rid of the dead skin. Pay special attention to the heels, as they can get dry and cracked with constant exposure in flip flops. Dry your feet and apply a moisturizing cream. Prep toenails for you polish of choice by applying a basecoat, and seal them with a topcoat to prevent chipping and promote shine.

Now when it comes to color, gentlemen, clear or no color is usually the way to go, but ladies don’t be afraid to lighten up. Ditch the dark colors, and warm up for springtime. Light pinks, blues, and greens are some of this season’s most popular colors. And ladies, If you really want to dazzle them, do be afraid to go for a design.

To keep your feet looking great, make sure to keep them moisturized. Applying a heavy foot cream or Vaseline and socks at night keeps your feet soft and supple. Wearing open-toed shoes means chipped polish is a no-no. Apply a clear coat of polish each day to prevent your polish from chipping. Remember TCM Readers; keep those toes looking flawless for the summer.

This shoot was extremely fun and our Fashion Editor, Chanteau Garrett did her thing on the styling with the help of J. Phill of CROSS Clothing.