7 Pro Tips For Getting A Salon-Quality Pedicure Before The Long Weekend

Pedicures are polarizing: You either love them or you hate them. For those of us who get itchy just thinking about someone taking a pumice stone and a scrub brush to our heels, there's no better time than right now — when it's basically too hot to wear shoes — to master the at-home pedicure.

Ahead, we asked nail pro Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder of L.A.'s boutique salon Olive & June, to break down her at-home plan for when we're steering clear of the salon. Her steps to smooth, polished, sandal-prepped feet are so cheap and easy, they'll make even the biggest pedi devotee feel more comfortable quitting their salon habit cold-turkey — at least for the next few months.

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Start With A Foot Soak

"We use Pursoma bath salts for our in-salon pedicures at Olive & June," Tuttle says. "You can always buy cheap epsom salt to soak your feet at home, but the Pursoma mineral formula hydrates and soothes the feet, and will make your bathroom actually smell like a spa."

Pursoma Pursoma Digital Detox Bath, $, available at Anthropologie

Follow With A Foot Peel

When you're not sure how best to approach your rock-hard callouses, turn to a foot mask once they've been softened up by a soak. These foot-peeling "shoes" are an Ulta Beauty bestseller — down to just $5 per pair during the retailer's big 4th of July sale — and use liquid enzymes to magically disintegrate the stubborn keratin buildup on your feet. Is it gross? For sure, but trust: Your feet will be baby-soft afterwards.

TonyMoly TONYMOLY Foot Peeling Shoes, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Keep A Dry Brush In The Shower

"The easiest trick is to keep a loofah or a scrub brush for your feet in your shower," says Tuttle. "That way, you'll get in the habit of making a quick foot treatment — just sloughing away any dead skin — a part of your everyday routine."

Eco Tools Foot Brush & Pumice, $, available at Eco Tools

Get Some Spa Socks

"I love those socks with lotion on the inside," says Tuttle. "If you shower at night before bed, just throw them on afterwards while you're watching TV or something and they'll soften any cracks on your heels."

Borghese Borghese - Borghese Spa Socks, 1 Pair, $, available at Walmart

Use Cuticle Serum On Your Toenails

Cuticle serum is not only going to extend the life of your at-home manicure, but your pedicure, too. Tuttle tells us that most people overlook the cuticle care on their feet, but applying a serum to your toenails before you go in with polish will make a world of difference and keep the color from chipping or peeling.

Olive & June Cuticle Serum, $, available at Olive & June

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Just like your elbows, knees, and hands, your feet need a little extra TLC — especially in the summer when you're wearing sandals and they're fully exposed. Foot creams are great if you happen to have one, but Tuttle says your standard body lotion will work in a pinch. "I sometimes use my Nécessaire body lotion on my feet if I don't have anything else," she says. "It's un-fragranced and non-greasy — I love using the shower gel on my feet, too."

Nécessaire Nécessaire The Body Lotion, $, available at Nordstrom

Go With A Bright Polish

In this stressful time, a bright color can act as a mood booster. Tuttle recommends a summery pastel, like this opaque lavender pink. "Toes are the best place to experiment with color," she says. "While you're spending time at home, what's happier than a fresh peony-pink pedicure?"

Olive & June 7-FREE NAIL POLISH in JM, $, available at Olive & June

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from refinery29