My Trick for Getting a Pedicure in Less Than 10 Minutes
Typically, during the fall and winter seasons, I'm not as diligent about painting my toenails. But due to the pandemic, even my summertime pedicures became a thing of the past. This wasn't just because the salons were closed; frankly, staying at home made me unmotivated to take on the task myself. But after a while, I realized that I did miss my painted toes and wanted a quick and easy way to do them at home, so I looked to press-on toenails.
As a self-proclaimed press-on nail queen, I already have a few favorites for what I use for my fingers and knew where to start looking — but toes were new territory. I was excited the moment I got the nails in the mail. Unfortunately, when I applied the first set I discovered I have something that made press-on pedicures nearly impossible: long toenails.
No, I don't exactly have talons on my feet — in fact, they're a pretty regular size and shape, if you ask me — but my nails are too long for the sizing options offered in standard kits from brands like Kiss and Dashing Diva. I thought I was doomed to wait out the pandemic with paintless toenails (because realistically, I won't be painting them myself) until I discovered that ManiMe, the instant gel manicure service, also has a pedicure option: PediMe.
Now, if you've used the Best of Beauty-winning ManiMe's service before, then this process won't be new to you. But for newcomers, here's the basic system: You create an account, take and upload pictures of your nails, and choose the design(s) you want. The brand uses 3D technology to create custom gel stickers that adhere to your nail's shape, no matter how unique or long.
To take the photos, you place your toes on a card the size of a credit card or ID, ensure that all five nails are shown clearly, and take a snap. While it's a pretty simple process in theory, I struggled a bit to elongate the toes on my right foot and get a good photo, though I eventually succeeded.
After my photos were uploaded, it was time to pick my designs. The brand has over 50 options (with more on the way), including solid colors, like the fiery red Scarlet or dark brown That's Deep, and supercute printed designs, like the tropical Pineapple Colada. I picked a few solid shades, and then waited for the stickers to arrive. Each set comes with 15 nail stickers (10 for your toes and five extra), a miniature nail file, and an alcohol prep pad.
I chose the pure white color Flat White (because who doesn't love pearly-looking toenails?) and a pretty salmon shade called Flamingo Pink (which is now sold out). The instructions are simple: Wipe your nails with the prep pad, apply the gel sticker (leaving a tiny gap at the cuticle), then shape it using a nail file or clippers.
But for a pro-level pedicure, follow Los Angeles-based manicurist Holly Falcone's advice. "Apply the sticker as close to your cuticle as possible, then use your fingers to pat it down," she previously told Allure. "Finish by filing off any excess wrap, and then blow-dry the nails to adhere the sticker to the nail to ensure they don't move."
After wiping my nails with alcohol, I also primed them with the brand's Miracle Base Coat, but that is an optional step. It took me about 10 minutes to put the stickers on and file them. I struggled with shaping, particularly on my big toes, because filing the stickers down takes a little bit more work and maneuvering to get it right.
While not every toe was perfect, my nails looked good. The only sticker that didn't fit completely was the one for my right big toe, as it was a bit narrow, but still workable. The brand states that your manicure or pedicure will last up to 14 days, but I ended up wearing mine for a whole month. The pure white color faded a little (which isn't too shocking for white nail polish, in general) and my nails did grow, so the pedicure wasn't fresh, but it still looked fairly decent.
Besides a noticeable chip on my right big toe, there were no other knicks, and I was thoroughly impressed. These stickers wear just like polish, so you don't notice them or feel them on the toes.
Removal is also a breeze — you just peel the stickers off. If you're struggling, dip your feet in warm water or massage lotion along the edges, per the brand's recommendations, and you'll be set. I switched out the Flat White for Flamingo Pink in just 10 minutes. No nail polish remover needed.
The brand offers a range of color options for pedicures, which include nude polishes for different skin tones, cute shimmery shades, and vibrant solid hues. For $15, you can get your own PediMe pedicure delivered straight to your door at manime.co.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Source: Read Full Article