There’s only one full month of summer left and, while time seems to be standing still, chances are your nails may be in need of some maintenance. Even with salons open, I’ve been doing my nails at home and have been trying to keep my pedicure as professional-looking as possible. The art of the DIY pedi is always a skill worth mastering, even in normal times. Once you get the basics down, it can be surprisingly easy. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned to keep my toes looking fresh this summer.

First, give yourself a good chunk of time so you can move slowly (which will give you the best results) and allow your nails to dry thoroughly. You can also use this as an opportunity to pamper your feet after months of flip-flops. Once you’ve scheduled your pedi, you’ll want to gather the right tools. The key to having professional-looking nails (for both feet and hands) isn’t only about technique, but also equipment. While it may seem like a big investment up front, good quality tools will save you cash in the long run, especially if you’re not likely to visit a salon for the foreseeable future.

A basic at-home pedi kit includes a foot file, exfoliating scrub, foot cream, cuticle oil, nail clippers, nail file, polish remover, nail buffing clock, base coat, nail polish, and a top coat. You can find all of these supplies online at Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta, or Amazon.

Next, start in the shower, which acts like a makeshift steam room to help soften the layers of dead skin on your feet. Use the exfoliating scrub after washing your feet. For serious calluses, use a foot file or pumice stone in the shower. Whether or not you regularly paint your toenails, it’s a good idea to slough off dead skin from your feet once or twice a week as a general good health practice for both women and men.

After the shower, follow up with a foot cream, then buff your moisturizing cuticle oil into your nail to prep for applying your polish. In general, I feel it’s best to leave your cuticles to the pros, but you can push them back with an orange stick while they’re still damp. I tend to skip this step and instead just clip away any hangnails before they dry. Once nails are dry you can start shaping them with a nail file. I’ve gone back and forth on shaping my nails with files and clippers but cutting toenails too short can lead to developing an ingrown nail. So, I try to take as little off as possible, being careful not to cut them right to the edge of the skin. When using a file, follow the natural shape of your toe and smooth out any jagged edges.

Once you have your shape down, you’re ready for polish! But first, apply a base coat, this will help your polish go on smoothly and help it last longer. The right base coat can also deliver strength and nourishment to your nails. Then, when you’re ready, go slow and steady as you apply your polish. Use three strokes per nail (at most) and do only two thin layers. Wait two minutes in between so each coat has a chance to dry. Finish off with a top coat and seal off your polish with a thin coat under the tip of your nail.

When it comes to color, I’m a big fan of darker polishes for the feet. Jewel tones, deep shades of purple, navy, or even black. This summer neutral colors like taupe, bronze, peach, and coral seem to be on trend. If you really want to mix it up, have an accent toe in glitter or do a rainbow effect across both feet. To maintain your masterpiece, at bedtime apply cuticle oil all over your foot in addition to your foot cream, and then put on some socks. This will act as an overnight treatment so you can wake up with smoother and softer feet.

Sound like a lot? Well, I did recommend giving yourself enough time, but that may not always be realistic. You may find it more feasible to skip the shower, but at least apply some cuticle oil and then let your nails dry before you shape them. And if you find yourself rushing through painting your nails, you can spot-fix mistakes with a cap full of nail polish remover and the end of a Q-tip.

Summer, like a good pedicure, will only last so long. But, for now, as we continue to stay at home and social distance, hopefully your nails will look good from afar.