Tried & Tested: Pedicure

Aug 29 2009 by Katharine Everitt, The Journal

THIS week we roadtest a pedicure and gel nails treatment.

Sunshine days – on the odd occasion we see them – there’s nothing nicer than slipping on a pair of jeweled sandals or comfy Birkenstocks to go with a floaty dress or a pair of linen trousers.

But that does, of course, mean our tootsies are very much on display and often these are the most neglected parts of our bodies.

Let’s face it, tatty toenails and rough skin are not a great look! If, like me, your feet don’t bear close scrutiny, then a pedicure and glossy gel nails treatment can work wonders.

So it is I find myself sat on a heated bed, feet up, while a therapist at Serenity in the City day spa in Jesmond, transforms careworn tootsies with a wonderful mini-pedicure. The therapist had her work cut out sloughing, filing and buffing up for England, before feet were luxuriously slathered in Leighton Denny moisturiser.

Next up was the Bio Sculpture Gel nails treatment, which transforms toenails into polished glossy visions in under an hour.

A clear gel coat is first applied and set under a UV lamp, followed by a couple of coats of colour or French polish, which also harden under the lamp. The treatment is all finished off with a high-gloss coat.

The semi-permanent overlay is rather like an application of thick nail varnish. Looked after properly, it doesn’t chip or split, and comfortably lasts several weeks, so is perfect for holidays.

Simply pop back a few weeks later for gel infills where the nail has grown.

And step out in style.

Mini-pedicure and Bio Sculpture Gel nails combined treatment costs £45.

Bio Sculpture Gel nails for toes costs £21.50.

Serenity in the City, 48 Osborne Road, Jesmond. Tel: (0191) 281-9222, www.serenityinthecity.com