Whether it’s to slip into your favourite pair of sandals or take a leisurely stroll along the beach – it’s time to take out your toes. Here’s how to do it confidently:

1 Smooth Your Soles
When skin is damp, slough rough areas with a buffer. Leave some tough skin to cushion against impact, says manicurist Terri Silacci.

2 Snip Your Tips
Using a tool like a nail clipper, cut nails straight across so they’re even with the edge of your toes. If they’re longer, they can push against the front of your shoes, which can cause ridges and white spots.

3 File
Rough emery boards are too harsh for nails. Use a finer file or a glass file. Moving in one direction create a slightly rounded shape – squared-off nails are more prone to ingrowns.

4 Coddle Cuticles
Massage in moisturiser. Then gently nudge down tissue that’s grown onto the nail with a cuticle stick.

5 Prep, then Prime
Clean nails with nail polish remover to take off any residue. Apply a base coat to fill in any ridges and help the lacquer to adhere.

6 Colour and Shine
Hold the brush like a pen. If you’re right handed, start with the baby toe on your left foot, moving from left to right. (If you’re left handed, go from right to left.) Do a second coat, then finish the edges with an extra swipe to prevent polish from chipping. Apply a top coat to seal the polish and protect against dings.

Words: Dailyfix
Image: Website