DIY Lemon Foot Soak: Achieve Soft, Sandal-Ready Feet

Sandal season is officially upon us — which means you’ve probably been scared at the sight of your own feet lately. That’s why we turned to Donna Perillo, Founder of Sweet Lily Natural Spa in NYC to help us bring the luxury home with a DIY version of her Lemon Aid Pedicure.

While the natural alphahydroxies in lemon juice work to slough off dead skin cells (which feels so amazing), the citrus-smelling foot soak means your living room will feel like Miami. Sound divine? Welcome to your new evening ritual:

Homemade Lemon Foot Soak Recipe 

Prep

The Soak

To make your soak, combine one gallon of warm water and two cups of fresh lemon juice in a small basin or tub.

The “Lemon Zest” Scrub/Exfoliant 

Gather all ingredients and combine in a small bowl:

• 1/4 cup organic granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest

The Moisturizer
Any pure body oil or all-natural lotion you might already have in your beauty stash.

Instructions

1. Begin by removing old nail polish with a soy-based or non-acetone remover.
2. Trim and file nails to desired shape and length, making sure to round the edges to avoid ingrowns.
3. Soak feet in the warm lemon footbath about five minutes.
4. Gently push back cuticles with a wooden orange stick, available online or at any pharmacy.
5. To exfoliate—take a scoop of the Lemon Zest scrub in your hand and apply in a circular motion to feet, giving extra attention to heels, in-between toes and calluses.
6. Rinse feet under warm water, then towel dry.
7. Massage lotion of choice into the skin, again, giving extra TLC to heels and toes.
8. Remove excess oils from the nail with a bit of non-acetone remover on a cotton ball.
9. Apply polish — or just enjoy your soft feet!

Sweet Lily offers a 60-minute version of the original Lemon Aid at their salon in TriBeCa. Until your next appointment, we’ll see you in the produce section, lemons in hand.