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With spring just around the corner, the new season often brings a few beauty and wardrobe updates. Most notably, it\u2019s sandal season once again. While we may be thinking about spring dresses and pretty pastel shades of baby blue and lavender for our manicures, there\u2019s one detail that\u2019s easy to overlook: the feet.<\/p>\n
After months of boots and warm socks, it\u2019s time to break out the sandals\u2014and your feet may be in need of a little extra TLC. Whether you\u2019re heading to a pedicure or planning a DIY spa day at home, start by prepping your toes and revitalizing your feet before finishing with a fresh spring pedicure. From seasonal nail art to bright new polish colors, there are plenty of ways to welcome the season.<\/p>\n
Ahead, how to refresh your feet and heels, plus plenty of pedicure ideas to inspire your next look.<\/p>\n
Feet can easily be forgotten during the winter months. \u201cAfter months of colder weather, the skin on the feet is often dry, thickened and lacking proper exfoliation,\u201d says Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. \u201cAs we transition into spring and more open footwear, it\u2019s important to focus on restoring smoothness and hydration.\u201d But how exactly do you do that?<\/p>\n
First, Dr. Chacon recommends \u201cgentle but consistent\u201d exfoliation, especially on the heels and soles of the feet. \u201cUse a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients such as urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid to help break down thickened skin on the heels and soles,\u201d she says. \u201cThese ingredients soften callused areas more effectively than harsh mechanical scrubs.\u201d DRMTLGY\u2019s Concentrated Foot Cream ($29) contains lactic acid, ceramides and other nourishing ingredients to exfoliate and soften.<\/p>\n
Next, remember to deeply hydrate your feet with an occlusive. \u201cApply a rich emollient foot cream containing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin or petrolatum before bedtime and cover with cotton socks,\u201d says Dr. Chacon. Wearing socks afterward \u201chelps lock in moisture and significantly improves dry, cracked heels,\u201d she adds. L\u2019Occitane\u2019s Karite Confort Foot Cream ($34) contains shea butter to nourish and soften.<\/p>\n
If a regular foot cream or moisturizer isn\u2019t doing the trick, consider a more intensive foot mask or overnight leave-on treatment, such as Patchology\u2019s PoshPeel PediCure ($22). \u201cHydrating foot masks or exfoliating peel masks can help rejuvenate dull, rough skin,\u201d says Dr. Chacon, who especially recommends these treatments at the start of spring or the end of winter. \u201cThese treatments are especially useful at the beginning of the season to reset the skin barrier and remove accumulated dead skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lastly, remembering sunscreen becomes especially important as we start spending more time in the sunshine. One easily overlooked spot is the tops of the feet. Dr. Chacon reminds us to apply SPF daily to this area if wearing sandals. \u201cMany people forget that the tops of the feet are frequently exposed to UV rays when wearing sandals,\u201d she says. \u201cApplying a broad-spectrum SPF helps prevent sun damage, pigmentation and premature aging in this often-overlooked area.\u201d Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and if you\u2019ll be outdoors, a water-resistant formula is best, like Supergoop! Unseen Body Sunscreen SPF 40 ($42).<\/p>\n
Now that you\u2019ve taken good care of your feet, they\u2019re ready for a pedicure and a fresh spring polish. To match the season, \u201cSpring pedicure colors should feel fresh, soft and uplifting,\u201d says Olha Shtanhei, professional nail artist and championship judge\u2014advice that applies to manicures, too. \u201cI recommend light pastels and clean, elegant shades that look beautiful with open-toe shoes,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
With so many color options for spring, Shtanhei recommends choosing \u201cshades that look fresh in natural daylight and complement your skin tone.\u201d Specifically, \u201cSoft pastels and luminous corals are especially flattering and help the feet look healthy and well-groomed,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
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Choosing a vibrant springtime color is a perfect way to usher in the new season. This raspberry shade is \u201ca bold yet cheerful pink-red that just says it\u2019s spring,\u201d says Sofiia Mazur, nail artist and educator in Calgary, Alberta. \u201cBright, juicy and eye-catching, it\u2019s the perfect shade to add a fresh pop of color to your pedicure.\u201d She recommends OPI Nail Lacquer in California Raspberry ($12), which \u201clooks vibrant in daylight, pairs beautifully with open-toe shoes and instantly makes your pedicure and outfit look lively.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lavender Pastel<\/h3>\n
One of Shtanhei\u2019s favorites right now is Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Fun & Games ($10), \u201ca soft lilac that feels playful yet sophisticated and perfectly captures the light, romantic mood of spring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blushing Pink<\/h3>\n
If you prefer a versatile, timeless look that works year-round\u2014especially in spring\u2014Shtanhei often recommends Essie Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers ($10). \u201cThis milky blush pink gives the feet a very clean, polished appearance and works beautifully on almost every skin tone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vibrant Coral<\/h3>\n
Brighter spring pedicures often rely on peach and coral shades, such as Shtanhei\u2019s recommendation, OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp ($12), a cult-favorite shade from the brand. \u201cIt is a classic peachy coral that instantly adds warmth and energy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Subtle Green<\/h3>\n
Lastly, go green. \u201cAnother trend I\u2019m loving this season is soft mint green,\u201d Shtanhei says, specifically recommending polishes such as Chanel Le Vernis in Cavalier Seul ($34) and Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Mint To Be ($10). These mint pastel tones feel \u201cfresh, modern and slightly unexpected,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Spring Pedicure Nail Art Ideas<\/h2>\n
Spring nail art is always fun, but it doesn\u2019t have to be reserved just for your fingertips. Embrace some fun with pedicure nail art as well. \u201cSpring pedicures are all about freshness, softness and a hint of playfulness,\u201d says Shtanhei.<\/p>\n
Animal Print<\/h3>\n
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Whether you opt for trending tiger print or a classic leopard print pedicure, animalistic patterns are timeless. \u201cDesigns inspired by leopard, zebra or snake patterns add a stylish statement to any manicure or pedicure,\u201d says Mazur. \u201cThese prints are perfect when you want something a little more fashionable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though animal print nails are super popular right now for both manicures and pedicures, they \u201cnever really go out of style, which makes them a fun and confident choice,\u201d she adds. \u201cThey bring texture, contrast and personality to the nails, making even a simple set look trendy and expressive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Milky Finishes<\/h3>\n
Milky nails are everywhere lately and offer a nice switch-up from classic opaque polish. While not a detailed design, the finish adds a little boost of interest to your toes. Shtanhei specifically likes milky pastels this season, including \u201csoft shades like lavender milk, peach blush and baby blue,\u201d she says. These shades \u201ccreate an elegant, clean look that feels very modern,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Dainty Florals<\/h3>\n
Gone are the days of big, over-the-top florals on pedicures\u2014at least for this season. Shtanhei instead recommends more minimal floral accents this spring. \u201cDelicate hand-painted flowers on one or two toes add a subtle seasonal touch without overwhelming the design,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
French Pedicure<\/h3>\n
French pedicures (and manicures) are timeless, but if you\u2019re wondering how to modernize them for spring, Shtanhei recommends a glossier or more colorful twist. A \u201cglossy French pedicure is a fresh take on the classic French with softer white or pastel tips instead of stark white,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Glazed Donut Pedicure<\/h3>\n
A simple yet effective way to dress things up on your toes: chrome powder. The famed glazed donut manicure can travel down to your toes this season, too. \u201cGlazed or pearlescent finishes are luminous, light-reflecting finishes that give the nails a healthy, glowing look perfect for spring sandals,\u201d says Shtanhei.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n