Get set for summer!

Kazia Pelka reveals how to make treatments last

MY EASY TRICKS for lasting pedis and waxing

As June heralds the start of summer, toes are exposed and swimsuits braved. This makes bikini waxes and pedicures a priority. The only problem is, it all needs doing again in no time! So here are a few tips to get the best from your Brazilian and make that pedi last a little longer.

FOR YOUR PEDICURE You can’t beat a pedi to kick off summer, but to get the best value, it’s crucial to continue the good work once the treatment finishes. I slip on a pair of old socks cut open at the toe after the therapist has worked on my feet, but before she paints my nails. This protects my freshly hydrated feet while they’re in flip-flops, which are essential post-pedi, as nail polish takes at least four hours to dry. Apply a top coat every other day to keep colour shiny, and run it along the edge of your nail to help keep polish chip-free. For long-lasting shine, I love Jessica Diamonds Glistening Topcoat, £14.25. To keep feet sweet, use an emery board-style foot file (like The Body Shop File A Foot, £5), on dry skin before a shower and moisturise morning and night. Always use a targeted foot cream, as they contain ingredients aimed at tackling hard skin – body lotion doesn’t. If you need better-looking feet overnight, try a nourishing mask with socks left on. Use an exfoliating toner first for best results.

FOR YOUR WAX Hot wax is best for bikini lines and check that your salon uses a specialist wax suitable for intimate areas. Perron Rigot or Lycon are two of the names you want to hear. Exfoliating your bikini line ahead of treatment helps the wax grab your hair, not your skin, but granular scrubs can be too aggressive. Use an exfoliating toner with AHAS (like glycolic acid) every other day in the week before your treatment – it will do the job gently and helps discourage ingrowing hairs. Dry skin makes waxing tricky for the therapist and you won’t get the best result, so moisturise after you’ve exfoliated.

(E45 Cream, from £2.35, is unperfumed, making it a good option for this area.)