Sometimes life is about getting things done: racing through tasks, solving problems, sorting stuff out… And sometimes, life is about the opposite: relaxing, chilling, looking after yourself.

If you, like many women, find yourself doing much more of the first than the second, why not take a moment for you and have a DIY mani-pedi? This fun, home-based activity is a way to slow-down and enjoy yourself, indulge in a bit of pampering and end up with great-looking finger and toe nails at the same time. To help you do just that, here’s our step-by-step guide to the perfect mani-pedi at home.

Step 1: Prepare your kit.

First, work out everything you’ll need and make sure you have it all to hand. Items will vary slightly depending on how you do your mani-pedi, but you’ll need nail varnish remover, nail varnish, moisturiser, clippers, pumice stone, somewhere to soak your feet and toothpaste (more info on why later).

Step 2: Plan for messiness

Mani-pedis can get messy so be sure to have kitchen roll and bathroom towels to hand.

Step 3: Remove nail vanish

When you’re ready to begin, remove any existing nail varnish on your fingers and toes. Interesting fact: you can use toothpaste for this. It helps remove nail polish stains from nails when gently rubbed in and washed off! So make sure you know how to get rid of toothpaste stains before you start.

Step 4: Wash your feet

Now soak your hands and feet in warm water, preferably with some nice-smelling soap added to help soft the skin.

Step 5: Cut your toe and finger nails

Give them a clip if needs be. Remember – round edges for finger nails, corner edges for toe nails!

Step 6: Pumice areas of hard skin

With your skin nicely soaked it’s time to remove any hard, cracked areas such as around the heel. Use a pumice stone and sand away to get to fresh skin underneath.

Step 7: Exfoliate and moisturise

Now, using an exfoliating body butter scrub away the top layer of dead skin all over and make sure your hands and feet are thoroughly moisturised.

Step 8: Strength your nails

Another great use for toothpaste in a mani-pedi: rub it into your fingernails for a few minutes and it’ll make them stronger as well as less easy to chip.

Step 9: Polish, polish, polish

Finally, re-paint your nails in whatever colour you fancy! Get artistic and do some patterns or add a layer of glitter on top.

Step 10: Relax!

Once you’ve finished painting your nails you’ll need to let them dry. So just sit back, relax and admire your gorgeous hands and feet!

Follow these steps for a perfect at-home mani-pedi.. Just remember to prepare well in advance by knowing things like how to get rid of toothpaste stains and having all the useful kit to hand. Then you can just take it easy and enjoy a fun, pampering session!