BUFF polish & PAINT

It’s the season for your toes to shine so they deserve a little pampering, writes Harriet Pudney.

There is no better beauty treatment than a pedicure. Well, maybe a hair appointment. Everyone sees your hair, and you can keep your feet pretty much to yourself for most of the year. But I got my first pedicure of the summer the other night, and I’m feeling evangelical. Indulge me.

While there’s a passionate minority who would disagree, I don’t think feet are especially pretty. When I find myself eye-to-toe with mine (usually in a forward fold or pigeon pose), I find it a bit offputting, mixed with a nagging feeling that I should do something about them.

It’s a bit like contemplating your tax return: repulsion, obligation and a little fear.

Fingernails are easy enough to keep clean and tidy yourself. While a bit of colour is always welcome, it’s not strictly necessary.

But if toes are to be displayed, they had better be buffed and polished. This is simple good manners.

It’s early summer, and it’s already warm enough for sandals most days in Melbourne. I have worn heels out at night a couple of times lately and steps had to be taken. So I popped over the road to the nail shop, and put my feet in the hands of the professionals.

This typically presents some challenges as I am extremely ticklish, but it is unquestionably worth it. The amount of calloused skin that comes off would make this service a bargain at twice the price. The main thing you are paying for is pure skill. I don’t have the dexterity to paint the tiny little sliver of toenail that lives on each of my pinky toes, or to get the rest of my nails an even shape.

Good news, then, that all I need to do is pick a colour. I go for OPI’s Lincoln Park After Park or Big Apple Red, both $20, farmers.co.nz, every time.

I will be back in a month, if not sooner. Until then, I will keep my feet presentable with the Volcano Foot Mask, $20, lush.com/nz. Made with pumice and kaolin clay, the treatment exfoliates and softens, leaving feet almost fit for public viewing, which is no small achievement. It’s a winner between pedicures, or if you prefer to do-it-yourself.