Get Your Feet Ready for Summer: The Ultimate At-Home Pedicure Guide

Sandal season is here and whether you're heading poolside, packing for a holiday, or simply swapping your boots for sandals, there's no better time to give your feet a little love. The good news? You don't need a salon appointment to get professional-looking results. With the right steps and the right products, beautiful summer feet are completely within reach at home.

Here's our ultimate guide to the perfect at-home pedicure and because we believe feet deserve the same professional care as your nails, every product recommendation comes straight from the CND™ range.

Step 1: Soak & Soften

Every great pedicure starts with a good soak. Fill a basin or foot spa with comfortably warm water and settle in for around 10 minutes. This is the step that does a lot of the heavy lifting, warm water softens the skin and loosens dead cells, making every step that follows far more effective. A handful of Epsom salts or a few drops of essential oil can make it feel gloriously spa-like.

Short on time? Jump straight into your pedicure after a warm bath or shower, your skin will already be softened and ready to go.

Step 2: Exfoliate Away Dead Skin

Once your feet are soft, it's time to tackle any rough or hardened patches. The soles of our feet bear our full body weight every single day, so some build-up of hard skin, particularly on the heels and the ball of the foot which is completely natural. The key is to remove it gently and regularly, rather than trying to overdo it in a single session.

Work an exfoliating scrub into the skin using gentle circular motions, paying particular attention to the heel and any callused areas. Think of this as a mini massage as much as a treatment, your feet will thank you for taking your time.

Step 3: File with the CND™ Foot File

For stubborn hard skin that needs a bit more than a scrub, a quality foot file is essential and the CND™ Foot File is the best one to use. It is designed to professional salon standards, this ergonomic tool is built to deliver results that feel genuinely effective without being harsh on the skin. Its durable, high-quality materials make it a favourite among nail professionals and it's available for your at-home routine too.

After exfoliating, use the foot file on the heel and the ball of the foot, the areas that tend to accumulate the most build-up. Gentle, consistent strokes are the key here. This is very much a case of little and often: regular maintenance will always outperform an overzealous once-a-year session. Once you're done, rinse your feet thoroughly to remove any loosened skin before moving on.

Pro tip: Keep toenails cut and filed straight across, it helps prevent ingrown nails, which are especially common on the big toe during summer when we're squeezing into sandals.

Step 4 – Trim, File and Tidy

Gently cut and file toenails before beginning your cuticle work - use a cuticle pusher or birchwood stick to gently ease the cuticles back. Be gentle as nails don't need aggressive treatment. If you have any hangnails or lifted dry skin, a cuticle nipper can tidy those away, but healthy cuticles are best left exactly as they are. 

Pro tip: Keep toenails cut and filed straight across, it helps prevent ingrown nails, which are especially common on the big toe during summer when we're squeezing into sandals.

Step 5: Treat Your Feet to Intensive Moisture

Before reaching for polish, this is the moment to give your feet a proper hydration hit and CND™ has two brilliant options depending on what your skin needs.

CND SPA Intensive Hydration Treatment for Feet  is our hydration hero for dry or cracked feet and heels. This deeply hydrating, prebiotic complex-enriched treatment is formulated with natural-origin shea butter, avocado oil and aloe leaf a trio that works together to relieve severely dry skin, soften callused heels and soles, and leave feet looking visibly healthier. It's the kind of treatment that makes you look down and wonder why you didn't start using it sooner.

If your feet just need a daily top-up of hydration rather than an intensive treatment, the CND Hydrating Lotion for Hands & Feet is a brilliant everyday option. Lightweight and enriched with the same prebiotic complex, shea butter and avocado oil, this lotion absorbs quickly with no greasy residue, so you can smooth it on and step straight into your sandals without waiting around. The subtle cucumber scent makes it a lovely sensory treat too.

Massage your chosen product all over the foot, including the heel. Allow it to absorb fully before you move on to polishing and remember to remove any residue from the nail plate itself with nail polish remover to ensure your colour goes on cleanly.

Step 6: The Perfect Polish with CND Vinylux™

This is the step your whole pedicure has been building toward and it's where CND Vinylux™ makes all the difference. Unlike standard nail polish, Vinylux is specially formulated to interact with natural light, building strength and resilience over time. The longer you wear it, the more durable it becomes, all without a gel lamp or any complicated application.

Before you begin polishing its important to remove any oils or debris from the surface of the nail.   To get the best possible polish result then Vinylux should be applied to a clean, dry nail. Scrubfresh is CND nail plate cleanser and dehydrator. Ideal for using right before polish application.  Simply apply to a cotton pad and scrub over the surface of the nail.

Base Coat

Vinylux is a 2 step system so there is no need to apply base coat. Just begin with the first layer of colour.

Colour

Apply two thin coats of your chosen Vinylux shade, waiting around two minutes between each coat. Rushing this step is the number one cause of smudging, the brief pause is absolutely worth it.

With each coat, remember to "cap" the tip of the nail by running the brush across the very edge. This tiny extra step seals the colour against chipping and is the professional's secret to a pedicure that genuinely lasts through holidays, beach days and everything in between.

Summer shade inspiration: The Vinylux range has over 100 shades, so there's a summer colour for every mood. Right now, our picks for the season include corals and warm peachy nudes for sun-kissed days, punchy fuchsias and tropical brights for making a statement in sandals, and classic reds for that effortlessly chic look that never goes out of style.

💅 Better value this summer: Pick any 5 Vinylux shades for just £49.95 with our Summer Shades Bundle — the perfect excuse to stock up on your seasonal palette.

Top Coat

Seal everything in with a layer of CND Vinylux™ Top Coat for a glossy, salon-quality finish that extends the wear of your colour significantly.

Can't decide? We have two brilliant options:

• CND Vinylux™ Long Wear Top Coat — the classic high-shine finish that protects colour and extends wear
• CND Vinylux™ Gel-Effect Top Coat — for a mirror-like, gel-finish shine without the lamp

Allow adequate drying time before putting footwear back on — patience here protects everything you've worked for.

Step 7: Maintain with CND™ SolarOil™ Daily

Your pedicure looks incredible but the care doesn't stop here. To keep your results looking fresh and your nails and cuticles in their best condition throughout the summer, apply CND™ SolarOil™ every single day.

A single drop massaged into the base of each nail takes seconds, but the difference it makes over time is remarkable. SolarOil actively improves nail flexibility and overall nail health with regular use which means your polish wears better, chips less, and your nails stay in great shape ready for your next colour change.

Keeping Feet Summer-Ready: Ongoing Tips

The secret to effortlessly beautiful summer feet isn't a single heroic pedicure session, it's a little consistent care throughout the season:

Moisturise daily. Feet dry out quickly in summer, especially with exposure to sun, salt water and chlorine. Keep your CND Hydrating Lotion somewhere visible, by your bed or in your bathroom, so you remember to use it.

Don't forget SPF. The tops of your feet are seriously easy to forget when applying sun cream. They're exposed whenever you wear sandals, so make them part of your daily sun protection routine.

File little and often. A quick pass with the CND™ Foot File once a week is far more effective than waiting until hard skin becomes a problem.

Give your nails a break occasionally. A few days between polish applications keeps your nails in the best condition for the next coat of colour and it's the perfect time to apply a little extra SolarOil.

Summer feet don't have to be complicated. A little preparation, the right professional-grade products, and a commitment to regular care is all it takes to keep your toes looking pedicure-ready from now until September.

Shop the full CND™ pedicure range at LoveCND and find your perfect summer shade today.

If your polish is separating, thickening or just not applying how it used to, you’re not imagining it. Pigment naturally settles over time and shaking only does so much.

That’s where imix® comes in. A hands-free mixing device designed to give you smooth, consistent colour in minutes.

Here’s everything you need to know before you start using it.

How do I set up imix®?

Getting started is simple. Plug in your imix using the USB cable, place your polish bottle on the base and press the function button. You can adjust settings like timer and light mode depending on how you like to work.

Can I turn off the lights?

Yes. If you’re working in a calmer environment or just don’t want the lights on, press and hold the function button for a couple of seconds while adjusting the settings to switch them off completely.

Is imix® really hands-free?

Yes! Once your bottle is in place, imix does the mixing for you. No shaking, no effort, no stopping mid-service to remix.

How do I use the miXer?

Drop the miXer into your polish bottle, replace the brush, then place the bottle onto the imix base. The magnetic technology will blend the formula evenly, giving you a true, consistent colour.

Do I leave the miXer inside the bottle?

It depends on your formula:

• Magnetic/gel formulas: remove the miXer after mixing

• Non-magnetic formulas: you can leave it in, just tilt it to the side so it doesn’t interfere with the brush

Once your bottle is empty, remove the miXer, clean it, and reuse it.

How do I clean the miXers?

Use the miXtractor to remove the miXer from the bottle, then drop it into a small amount of acetone to clean. They’re designed to be reused again and again.

What if the ball bearings come out with the miXer?

This can happen and it’s completely normal. Just remove the ball bearings from the miXer and place them back into your polish bottle.

How long does imix® take to mix?

The standard mixing time is 5 minutes, but you can adjust this depending on how thick your product is or how long it’s been sitting.

How long will my polish stay mixed?

Your polish should stay evenly mixed as long as it’s used regularly. If it’s been left for a while, just run it through imix again or give it a quick shake.

Can I use imix® for base and top coats?

No need. Base and top coats don’t contain pigment, so they won’t separate in the same way colours do.

Why did my imix® flash white?

If imix flashes white, it’s detected a thicker formula. It will automatically start a full mixing cycle to properly blend the product. You can always run another cycle if needed.

Why use imix® instead of shaking?

Shaking might mix your polish but not evenly. imix gives you a more consistent blend, which means smoother application and truer colour payoff.

It also cuts down on repetitive wrist movement, which is a win if you’re doing nails regularly.

Does imix® come with a plug?

imix comes with a USB cable, so you can plug it into a laptop or a standard USB adaptor.

If you’re dealing with uneven colour, thick formulas or constant shaking between sets, imix® is one of those tools that just makes sense. Less effort, better results, and way more consistency.

Related products:

• IMIX POLISH MIXER
  

• imix magnetic miXer 20 pack
  

• miXtractor
  

(Perfect to use together for the full setup)

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, is a vibrant global festival that transforms the world into a sea of green. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Tuesday, though festivities like London's famous parade will kick off early on Sunday, March 15th. 

The History Behind the Green

While many associate the holiday with leprechauns and rainbows, it originally began over 1,000 years ago as a religious observance in Ireland to honor the death of Saint Patrick. St. Patrick was not actually Irish; he was born in Roman Britain and brought to Ireland as a missionary in the 5th century. 

The iconic shamrock became a symbol of the day because legend says St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. While St. Patrick was originally associated with the color blue, green rose to prominence in the 18th century as a symbol of Irish nationalism. 

Go Green!  

To celebrate in style, why not let your nails bring the color? CND™ Vinylux™ offers the perfect garden-inspired shade for the occasion: Olive Grove. This lively green taps straight into the botanical trend and pairs beautifully with crisp whites or denim. 

As the days get longer and your wardrobe shifts into lighter layers and softer tones, it’s officially time to refresh your nail shade rotation. Spring is all about colour that feels fresh, playful and mood-lifting. CND™ VINYLUX® delivers the perfect spring shades to complement your brighter fits and glowing energy.

Here’s your guide to the perfect shades to brighten your spring:

Blush Teddy – The ultimate clean-girl shade that pairs great with light denim. Effortless, polished, and timeless.

Cake Pop – A creamy pastel pink that feels sweet but still chic. Perfect with flowy dresses, baby tees or anything in soft whites and blush tones. 

Gummi – A playful pop of bright purple that instantly lifts your whole look. Pair it with denim, graphic tees or colour-block outfits when you want your nails to do the talking.

Live Love Lavender – A soft lavender crème with hints of pink. It works beautifully with greys, whites, or matching lilac pieces for a coordinated pastel moment.

Chance Taker – The go-to shade of blue for brunch fits, bold prints and sunshine-ready outfits. 

Fantasy Realm – A dreamy blue shimmer with an ethereal glow. Perfect layered with delicate fabrics, satin finishes or soft blue tones when you want something light but subtle.

Apribot – A warm apricot-orange that feels fresh and modern. Ideal with gold jewellery and sun kissed makeup for that effortless spring glow.

Magical Topiary – A lively, garden-inspired green that taps straight into the botanical trend. Pair with crisp whites, denim or earthy tones..

Tip: For a long-lasting, high-shine manicure, apply two thin coats of your chosen VINYLUX® shade, followed by a Top Coat. Each formula is infused with Vitamin E, Keratin and Jojoba Oil to help support healthy-looking nails all season long.

This spring, let your nails bring the colour. Whether you’re heading to a weekend brunch, updating your everyday office look or planning your next content shoot, CND™ VINYLUX® has the perfect shade to match your mood.

Explore the full collection at LoveCND.com.

Cuticle oil is the one nail care step that makes a measurable difference to how long your manicure lasts and how healthy your nails look between applications. If you do your nails at home, daily cuticle oil use is the single most effective thing you can do outside of the manicure itself.

What cuticle oil actually does

Cuticle oil deeply hydrates the skin around the nail and the nail plate itself, preventing dryness, cracking and hangnails. Regular massage application boosts circulation at the nail base, which supports healthier nail growth and helps strengthen nails from the root. The practical result: less snapping, less peeling and longer-lasting nail colour.

Most cuticle oils are built around lightweight natural oils. Jojoba oil absorbs quickly because it closely mimics the skin's own natural oils, conditioning without greasiness. Almond oil softens and smooths the surrounding skin while helping protect against breakage. Used consistently, cuticle oil keeps nails flexible, resilient and far less prone to damage.

How to apply cuticle oil

Apply a small drop to the base of each nail, directly onto the cuticle. Massage gently until fully absorbed. Daily use is ideal, and the following moments make the most difference:

After a manicure: once your nail varnish is touch-dry, cuticle oil keeps the nail flexible and helps protect the colour from lifting at the edges.

Between manicures: daily use maintains hydration and nail health in the days between applications.

After nail varnish remover: acetone strips natural oils from the nail and surrounding skin. Cuticle oil replaces what's lost and prevents post-removal dryness.

After washing hands: hand washing dries the cuticle area quickly. If you have dry skin, apply every time you wash.

Which CND cuticle oil is right for you

CND makes two cuticle oils, each suited to a different moment in your nail care routine.

CND SolarOil is the deeper conditioning treatment, blending jojoba and sweet almond oils for intensive hydration. It is the recommended daily nail and cuticle treatment for anyone wearing CND Vinylux, applied after the manicure and between applications to maintain flexibility and extend wear time. Available in the standard 15ml bottle and a pocket-sized pinkie pen for on-the-go use.

CND LightningOil is designed for speed. Powered by fast-absorption technology, it delivers instant hydration without any greasy residue, making it ideal for daytime use and quick touch-ups when you don't have time to wait. Lightweight natural oils condition nails and cuticles, scented with uplifting yuzu and ginger. Dermatologist-tested, vegan and suitable for all skin types including oily skin. It pairs naturally alongside SolarOil as part of a complete nail care routine.

CND SolarOil
CND LightningOil

Building a simple nail care routine at home

A consistent home nail care routine doesn't need to be complicated. Apply CND Vinylux colour and top coat as your weekly manicure. Use CND SolarOil daily on the cuticle and nail area to maintain hydration and protect the colour. Reach for CND LightningOil for a quick midday or post-handwash application when you need fast absorption without the wait. Remove and reapply every one to two weeks using a gentle acetone remover, following up immediately with cuticle oil to rehydrate.

Browse the full CND nail care and aftercare range.

Every year, Pantone selects a shade that captures the global mood, and for 2026, it's all about finding peace, reflection, and clarity. Introducing PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer—an airy, billowy white that feels less like a colour and more like a gentle, much-needed pause.

Described as a "lofty white" and a "whisper of calm," Cloud Dancer encourages us to step back from the overstimulation of the modern world and embrace a fresh start. It's the ultimate blank canvas, allowing your creativity to soar and your focus to return.

Our Colour of the Year Shades: The Cloud Collection

Discover the full spectrum of calm and clarity with the shades in the CND™ Cloud Bundle:

Cream Puff - The ultimate, flawless, true white. Crisp and bright, like a sunlit cloud.

Lady Lily - A soft, warm off-white with a creamy undertone.

Winter Warrior - A cool, steely white with subtle grey notes. Balanced and structural.

Studio White - A high-opacity, pure white with a modern, clean finish.

Night Brilliance - A white with a subtle shimmer.

White Wedding - A soft, classic milky white with a sheer.

All Frothed Up - A lively, creamy white with warm, vanilla undertones.

Nail the Trend: How to Replicate Cloud Dancer

Cloud Dancer is an inherently versatile hue, and the CND™ Cloud Bundle gives you endless ways to embrace it:

1. Choose one of the warmer shades like Lady Lily for a full, uniform manicure that speaks volumes through its simplicity.

2. Create a custom "Cloud" look by layering a sheer shade over a full-coverage shade like Cream Puff for incredible depth.

3. Use Winter Warrior as the perfect base for other soft, pastel colors (Pantone suggests pastels complement Cloud Dancer beautifully!).

4. Use an all-over top coat to give your 'cloud' a celestial glow.

Click here to shop the exclusive CND™ Cloud Bundle and start your nail reset for 2026!