Must Have Hand and Footcare Equipment Kit

from hands and feet

Although a professional manicure or pedicure is one of life's simple pleasures, it's easy enough to do it yourself - with the right tools of course. If you have the time, give yourself the all-out pampering treatment; if not, at least keep them clipped and squeeze in a quick coat of polish when you can. Looking after your hands and feet takes the right equipment - here's what you will need.

Emery board The best way to shape nails - the rough side is for shortening the nail, the smooth for final shaping and smoothing. Orange and hoof sticks Orange sticks are used with a little cotton wool on the end to push back cuticles. Hoof sticks are similar, but harder to use. Cuticle cream or oil Softens cuticles, helping keep them neat and less prone to hangnails. Used regularly, it will also help nails grow through more healthily. Cuticle remover Used to gently whittle away excess cuticle skin. Nail clippers The best way to cut toenails and fingernails. Cut straight across. Stick-on false nails Simple way to glam up your hands.They last one night. Salon false nails Made of hardened gel, these are painted on in the salon and last for weeks, until they are soaked off. Pumice stone For small areas of dry skin, a pumice stone used before bathing will help soften things up. Foot file Similar to a pumice, it offers a slightly harsher scrubbing action and is suitable for drier skin. Sander This little electrical tool is the only way to get rid of very dry or hard skin on the feet.

Cuticle clippers Only to be used to treat hangnails, cutting the main cuticles infection in the nail bed. Nail oils Help hydrate and strengthen nails - look for those with almond oil, or try oil of elemi for ultimate strengthening. Nail polish remover Should be acetone-free to prevent nails from drying. Base coat Protects from dehydration and also staining with bright or dark polishes. Top coat Used over nail polish to help prolong the life of a manicure or pedicure. Nail polish Not only does nail polish help add to your look, it also protects the nails from breaking or bending. Hand cream Use it every time you get your hands wet to help keep them hydrated and strengthen nails. Foot cream Needs to be thick and moisturizing to hydrate the very dry skin on the feet. Creams containing an ingredient called urea are best. Toe separators Help prevent polish smudging from nail to nail.