A Bargain Is Not Always a Bargain

On a whim last night, I went to a local salon for one of their $12 mani/pedi combos. This afternoon, I’m going for a sugaring, and the last thing I want to do is shove chipped toes in the aesthetician’s face as I writhe in “mild discomfort”. It would, I believe, be rude.

While clearly I did not expect vino or hot stones at this price point, I did have a certain degree of expectations. However, when I returned home and two toes were already mussed, I realized that even at a bargain rate, this was no deal.

So, what can we expect from a pedicure? I consulted Elsie Loreus, owner of NYC’s esteemed Paradise 54 salon:

“What is a pedicure? What is the most important part of a pedicure? It’s more than polish on toes. The polish is just the final touch. A holistic approach to the foot must be taken. It’s not just about beauty procedures, but massage is just as important to promote good circulation and the general health of the feet. All of these procedures lead to beautiful feet.”

Gotcha. So, probably my 5-minute bargain salon lukewarm foot bath would not apply.

“First of all, you must give yourself time for a proper pedicure. I prefer an afternoon pedicure. You’re not in a rush and you’re not too tired. You can relax and enjoy the pedicure. The feet should soak with sea salt in warm
water and spiked with your favorite smelling oil. After a good soak, the feet should be exfoliate with a salt scrub. Next, the feet should be coated with three layers of warm paraffin wax. Followed by a reflexology massage to pamper tired soles.”
Well, it was still daylight out when I went for my $12 deal, so I got that part right…

“Women focus too much on a youthful complexion and figure, and ignore their hands and feet. Taking care of your hands and feet is more than just about the latest trends. It’s an essential step of the boomer generation’s pursuit
of eternal youth..”

Thanks so much to Elsie Loreus for these great tips. We’re going to have a more in-depth Q&A with her soon, so send any questions you have my way. Also look forward to a She Knows piece on where to find the best pedicures in and around the city.

For now, I’m going to go find a pretty pair of socks.