Easy At-Home Pedicure Shortcuts

Make your feet sandal-ready in 2, 5, or 35 minutes flat.

If You Have 2 Minutes...

0:00 to 1:30: Buff

Use a buffing block to smooth each nail surface and remove yellow stains. Start with the gritty side, then switch to the smooth side, which gives a high shine―not as shiny as polish, but close enough in a pinch. You can also use the gritty side to soften skin at the tips of your toes, says John Gerardo, a nail technician at Spoiled A Day Spa, in Studio City, California.
RS pick: Sephora 3-Step Ergo Buffer, $6, sephora.com.

1:30 to 2:00: Moisturize

When feet are hydrated and free from dry patches, they automatically look well-groomed. Massage a rich foot cream into your skin, paying close attention to the driest areas, including the backs of the heels and around the cuticles.