Pedicures

By Spa NK

Price: £45 for 60 minutes

Stockist: Space NK

Best for: Anyone in need of pampering

Claim:
“Our outstanding nail technicians will buff away dead skin, perform expert cuticle work and a meticulous application of polish, while a bespoke selection of luxurious balms, creams, scrubs, oils and specialist nail treatments will condition, soften and restore.”

Pros:
I really liked this spa; it was instantly relaxing and felt really friendly. What sets this pedicure apart from others I have tried was my therapist's personal approach according to the condition of my feet and my preferences rather than their own formal process. She soaked, oiled, massaged and buffed my feet until they felt baby soft. My toenails were also left pretty and tidy, after I had chosen Rococo’s nail polish in Jaded.

Cons:
It required quite bit of drying time so I had to walk out of the salon with their disposable flip flops which soon got torn on the way home. Note to self: always take flip-flops to a pedicure appointment.

Verdict:
My feet felt light and rejuvenated. It's great for a quick pamper after a tiring day of work.

By Pacifica Day Spa

Price: £75 for 60 minutes

Stockist: Pacifica Day Spa

Best for: Anyone who expects more then just a file and paint with their pedi.

Claim:
“The famed yoga pedicure which combines a deluxe foot/nail treatment with rejuvenating reflexology”

Pros:
My feet were soaked and scrubbed and my legs were exfoliated and moisturised with Elemis products. Then, before my chosen coral shade of OPI polish made its way onto my nails, I was handed a pair of flip flops. And this is where the ‘yoga’ element comes in. The sandals have four thongs instead of one so that all of your toes are separated, which makes them very useful when it comes to nail painting. But they also help to spread the bones of your foot and help improve your posture. Oprah Winfrey is a very big fan apparently. The polish has lasted really well and my feet are softer and smoother than they’ve been for months.

Cons:
If you’re seeing images of having your nails painted while doing the Downward Dog then think again. I have to admit to being sceptical about the yoga tag – although the flip flops did ensure that I didn’t smudge the polish, so who am I to argue?

Verdict:
The spa and the pedicure were lovely and well worth the trek to North London. I like the sandals (and you get to keep them) but don’t expect some mad yoga-pedi hybrid.

By The Organic Pharmacy

Price: £75 for 75 minutes

Stockist: The Organic Pharmacy

Best for: An indulgent, rather than surgical, pedicure.

Claim:
“Feet are soaked, softened and exfoliated with our organic sugar and honey scrub infused with rose petals and therapeutic essential oils. A deep relaxing foot massage and nail treatment is followed by shape and non-toxic polish.”

Pros:
I’m a fan of the Organic Pharmacy’s products but it had passed me by that they did salon treatments too. I imagined sleek surroundings - clinical but friendly - and sweet-smelling natural potions picked from the apothecary-lined walls. I was right. This is a very pleasant place to while away 75 minutes. Reclining in a private room with a cup of rose tea, some chocolate and a stack of OK magazines - I mean, ELLE… it was the perfect antidote to a hectic life. Foot bath, tick; scrub, tick (with crystals, no less); lovely massage and very good paint job.

Cons:
As much as I love foot massage, where pedicures are concerned, unless a razor blade is produced to carve my feet back to new born status, I don’t think it’s worth doing. My feet were loofered, but no more. And reading back the treatment description, I doubt lymphatic drainage took place. But then maybe I was engrossed in a Kerry Katona spread…

Verdict:
Worth it for locking yourself away from it all and the great paint job. But if you prefer more podiatry with your pedicure, go elsewhere

By Margaret Dabbs

Price: £75 for 45 minutes. Oxygen Capsule £22 for 15 minutes.

Stockist: Margaret Dabbs

Best for: Feet in need of a complete overhaul.

Claim:
“Full medical pedicure addresses the feet, giving safe long lasting results following treatment for all chiropody conditions.  The feet are transformed with the safe, surgical removal of all dead and dry skin and callus.  The nails are re-hydrated, shaped and buffed, and skin of the feet left revitalised and glowing”

Pros:
Upon arrival, very friendly staff and a rather posh looking skinny latte greeted me. I was then led into a private room (great for those who don’t feel too confident with their feet on display) where I was given a full foot examination. I was told I had very healthy feet apart from one corn on my toe, which was quickly and painlessly removed along with my dry heels and cuticles. My nails were then filed, painted with Rococo polish – and I was left to relax in an oxygen capsule – an egg type room in which I sat on a vibrating chair while oxygen was pumped into my nose. I left feeling exhilarated.

Cons:
If you are squeamish and do not enjoy your feet being touched then this pedi is not for you. The tools, which were used, made me slightly ticklish which was not very relaxing.

Verdict:
This was a brilliantly thorough pedicure that made my feet feel healthy, vitalised and ready for summer. I would also recommend the oxygen capsule for those who would like a post-work pick-me-up.

By Elemis

Price: £70 for 70 minutes

Stockist: Elemis

Best for: An indulgent treat.

Claim:
“A total sensory experience for your feet”

Pros:
The revitalising lime and ginger salt scrub used to buff and exfoliate my tired soles was just what they needed. Warm oils were rubbed in to my neglected feet, followed by a nourishing milk bath and a thorough massage which left me feeling sleepy and relaxed. Once this part of the treatment came to an end, my toes were painted with a bold, red Essie polish.

Cons:
It’s not worth the money if all you’re looking for is a fast, basic pedicure.

Verdict:
Ideal for anyone in need of some pampering, my feet are definitely ready for summer now.