A Busy Bride's Guide to DIYing the Perfect Pre-Wedding Pedicure

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Johnny Miller

If there's one thing every bride-to-be is, it's busy. While we all love going to the salon for that weekly pedicure, it's not always possible to carve out an hour for relaxation when you're in the thick of wedding planning. Add in less than ideal winter weather (who wants to go outside in sandals when it's freezing or snowing?), the prospect of trekking to the nail salon for that much-needed polish change grows less and less appealing. That's why winter is the time of year when your feet become seriously neglected, but for brides tying the knot in the spring or summer, this is a serious mistake. After all, don't you want to wear those adorable wedding shoes with confidence? So, what's a bride to do?

Luckily, we found that if you buy pedicure products that look nice and are fun to use, it's an indulgent treat to stay inside and do it yourself. And if you're super busy, the good news is that you can paint your nails during your free time—you won't have to stick to a salon's hours. Best of all, a pedicure is a great way to destress from all of the wedding planning that's been keeping you so busy, and the ability to do it in your PJs makes it even better.

To help you DIY the perfect pedicure, we rounded up the products you'll need. From a foot mask and lotions to the tools and a perfect polish, these are the items that making an at-home pedicure easy and relaxing.

01 of 10

Exfoliating Foot Mask

pedicure products
Courtesy of Barney's

Before you put these one, set a book and a cup of coffee or tea on a table, and a comfy chair next to it, because you'll need an hour or so to let these socks work. (You can get up and walk around if you want, but the material the disposable socks are made of is kind of slippery, so it's best if you can just relax while they're working.) All you have to do is wash and dry your feet, then slip these babies on. They contain a blend of botanicals to exfoliate, remove calluses, and soften—and yeah, they really work.

Starskin "Magic Hour" Exfoliating Double-Layer Foot Mask Socks, $15, starskin.com

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02 of 10

Moisturizing Foot Mask

pedicure products
Courtesy of Sephora

If you're in need of a huge dose of moisture, this foot mask will do the trick. (If you're strapped for time, this is a great choice—you wear the mask for just 20 minutes.)

Sephora Almond Foot Mask, $5, sephora.com

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03 of 10

Foot File

pedicure products amope
Courtesy of Target

Forget pumice stones—if your feet seem like they're beyond help when it comes to dry, cracked heels, try the Pedi Perfect. It has a coarse roller head that spins electronically and works so incredibly well to get rid of dry skin. We're obsessed.

Amope Pedi Perfect, $49.99, target.com

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04 of 10

Aloe Socks

aloe socks
Courtesy of Ulta

Not only are these the most comfortable, plush socks we've ever worn, but they're also infused with aloe so that your feet stay soft and smooth all day (or night long). We're pretty much wearing them exclusively all winter long now.

Earth Therapeutics Aloe Moisture Aloe Socks, $7.99, earththerapeutics.com

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05 of 10

Foot Mousse & Lotion

foot lotion
Courtesy of Margaret Dabbs

This mousse makes you feel like you're at a high-end salon. Made with ground tea tree leaf and pumice to exfoliate, along with emu oil to hydrate. You'll notice that when you first put the lotion on it doesn't seem very thick, but that's so that it will absorb super quickly into the skin.

Margaret Dabbs London Fabulous Feet Foot Mousse & Lotion, €25, magaretdabbs.co.uk

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06 of 10

Hydrating Cream

pedicure products ahava
Courtesy of AHAVA

This is another product that really makes you feel like you're indulging: It's an intensive cream made from Dead Sea mud that's filled with tons of minerals to ease inflammation and hydrate. Take your time when you apply this and give yourself a foot massage to let the product really sink in.

Ahava "Dermud" Nourishing Body Cream, $35, ahava.com

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07 of 10

Cuticle Balm

pedicure products
Courtesy of Nordstrom

If your nails have been neglected (or maybe they haven't seen the light of day for a while, thanks to constant nail polish applications) this cuticle pen will make them look shiny, new, and healthy in no time. We saw a difference in just two days, and they actually look so good that we don't even need to wear nail polish on top.

Butter London "QuickFix" Moisturizing Cuticle Balm, $18, nordstrom.com

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08 of 10

Hand, Cuticle, and Foot Balm

pedicure products
Courtesy of Captain Blankenship

For tough areas to spot treat, try this completely natural balm. It contains a plethora of oils like avocado, rosehip, jojoba, and peppermint, along with shea butter and cocoa butter to help treat and protect your heels from future wear and tear.

Captain Blankenship Avocado & Peppermint Balm, $24, captainblankenship.com

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09 of 10

Foot Protection Spray

pedicure products alba
Courtesy of Alba

For a quick pick-me-up after work, use a few spritzes of this oregano and tea tree oil spray on your feet—it makes them immediately feel refreshed.

Alba Refreshing Foot Protection Spray, $14, alba1913.com

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10 of 10

Classic Red Nail Polish

nail polish
Courtesy of Paul & Joe

If you want to finish with nail polish, you can't go wrong with a classic red. We love Paul & Joe's shades not just because the colors are awesome (this true red looks good on everyone) but the bottles are adorable.

Paul & Joe Nail Polish in #206, $16, dermstore.com

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