Top 5 Pedicures Tips and Destinations

While a chipped manicure may hurt you in the boardroom, a bad pedicure, or lack thereof, is more likely to hinder you in the bedroom. After all, there's nothing sexy about funky feet, especially when cooler weather hits, skin dries up, and said feet start scratching the sheets as you slip between them.

Here's our go-to guide for keeping toes oh-so-pretty no matter the season.

At-home maintenance

Between spa pedicures, maintain pretty feet with exfoliation and hydration.

Skip the scary at-home razors (the kind most salons aren't even supposed to be using) and opt instead for Microplane's Foot File; $14.95 and up at microplane.com. This best-in-class implement banishes dead skin with aplomb, without risking serious injury at the hands of razor blades and too sharp edges. We recommend the XL Pro ($24.95), because cartridges can be replaced, making this tool an investment that will smooth skin for years.

Keep feet hydrated by applying a rich cream at bedtime, every night, and donning socks to seal in the moisture. While you can purchase special pedicure socks that work well, if done nightly, plain old gym socks should do the trick. While some beauty insiders swear by using Desitin (yup, the baby butt cream) on feet, we prefer Theraplex FT Exfoliating Foot Emollient Callus Treatment, an ultra-rich product specifically designed to treat callused feet ($21 at theraplex.com).

Top 5 tips

Whether polishing up between professional visits or opting for DIY pedicures, here's our list of five tips you'll need to get the job done.

1. Swipe soon-to-be polished nails with polish remover to banish excess oils before applying lacquer.

2. If polish separates in the bottle, roll the bottle between the palms of your hands to mix the lacquer without causing bubbles.

3. Correct polish blemishes with an oh-so-handy manicure mistake eraser. We like the "Erase" pen from 5 Second Nail, sold for about $6 at CVS.

4. To dry nails quickly when you have places to go — or if, like us, you're just impatient — aim a blow dryer set on cool at toenails for about 30 seconds and then apply cuticle oil.

5. To remove dark polish, such as one of our favorite hues, OPI's "Lincoln Park at Midnight," use an acetone polish remover. Acetone-free removers are gentler to nails but won't do as thorough of a job at removing richly hued lacquers.

Think globally, pamper locally

Celebrities travel the world, enjoying the best pampering treats available, but A-list services are also available in Chicago, if you know where to go.

Kate Hudson reportedly opts for the $70 Pedi Colada Pedicure at Bliss in NYC. While Anne Hathaway is rumored to adore "The Musk Try" pedicure in L.A. Where should you go for A-list pampering in Chicagoland? Opt for one of PrettyCity’s recommended pedicure destinations below:

20% off all services, including our fave, the Hot Stone Pedicure w/Paraffin Treatment (normally $45) at Eucalyptus Spa in River North at 353A West Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60610. Phone: (312) 202-1118.
The Sanctuary Pedicure is a Must; an indulgent treatment using Essie Spa Pedicure products, anti-oxidant paraffin, hot towels and massage ($50). Browse Savings Invitations here.
Sanctuary Nail Spa is located in Old Town at 1500 N. Wells 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60610. Phone: (312) 867-1620.
$15 off any service over $30 including the Classic Pedicure ($40) at Red Cottage Salon & Spa located in the Northwest Suburbs at Route 22 and Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL 60047. Phone: (847) 550-1230.
Let the Pedi come to you. 20% off any first time service (wherever you are); such as the French Pedicure with Spa Where You Are® a mobile day spa serving Chicagoland and Surrounding Areas. Phone: (877) 772-1992.

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