There’s nothing quite like a professional pedicure—the scrubbing, buffing, and that relaxing massage at the end always put me in a great mood. I have no problem treating myself to a $25 or $30 pedicure every now and then.
That said, sometimes an at-home foot pampering session is just what you need. Maybe you’re getting ready for a big date and want your toes to look perfect, or perhaps you’ve had a stressful day and need a soothing soak to unwind. Or maybe you just feel like indulging in a little self-care—because why not?
If you’re ready to create your own DIY foot spa, here’s how to do it.
Start by filling a large basin with warm to hot water. You don’t need a fancy foot spa—any deep container will do, like a clean litter box, a deep foil baking dish, or even two large bowls.
Next, soak your feet. A classic option is to mix one cup of Epsom salts with a bit of body lotion. If you have essential oils, add a few drops of your favorite scent for an extra touch of relaxation.
If you’re dealing with athlete’s foot or another fungus-related issue, try a Listerine soak. Just mix one part Listerine with two parts water, then let your feet soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
The Epsom salt soak helps loosen dead skin, making it easier to scrub away. You can use a loofah, a pumice stone, or, if you want something extra effective, a tool like Le Edge, which scrapes off dead skin in the most satisfying way.
For even more exfoliation, make a simple DIY sugar scrub. Mix 1/4 cup sugar, 1/8 cup olive oil, and a teaspoon of honey. Massage it onto your feet and legs for about three minutes each, then rinse thoroughly.
Once your feet are dry, apply a thick layer of lotion and slip on the softest, coziest socks you own. Bonus points if they’re cute—because even if it doesn’t actually make your feet look better, at least you’ll be lounging in style!