Open-toe season has arrived, meaning your regular pedicure appointment is that much more important. Georgia Rae–better known as the queen of “soapy” manicures, and as Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding day nail technician–has a few tips on how to create the most flattering pedicure possible, specifically for feet that may be drier, more pigmented or have loose skin.

Milky Pink

“Soft, milky pinks and sheer rose-tinted nudes are some of the most flattering shades for mature feet because they instantly make the skin look clean and groomed without feeling too ‘done’,” Rae says. Creamy, smooth pink colors tend to blur pigmentation, texture, and dehydration marks on the nail plate, which, as we age, can appear white or chalky, she explains.

Warm Neutral

Neutral tones with a warm undertone–like a warm beige or peach–can soften the overall appearance of the foot, Rae tells me. Cool tones, like a cool, purple-toned beige, can sometimes make the feet look a little flat.

Deep Berry

“Genuinely ageless,” a deep berry polish or classic red pedicure is always a good choice, according to Rae. “Richer shades add warmth and sophistication without feeling too trend-led. A beautiful red always makes sandals feel intentional and luxurious, too.”

Soft Ivory

Forget stark, opaque whites. Rae says a milky white or soft ivory shade brightens the overall appearance of the foot, while still feeling understated.

What nail length is best for a pedicure?

Short is best, says Rae. “Ideally, nails should sit just below the skin line with a soft, square shape.” To achieve this, she says to file straight across the free edge (tip), gently softening the corners so they’re not sharp. “Short toenails tend to look fresher and healthier, as well as being much better for overall foot health as there’s less pressure exerted on the nail from footwear.”

How often should you get a pedicure?

Every four to six weeks is the sweet spot for healthy feet and polish that stays looking its best, Rae advises. A good tip, she says, is to book a pedicure for every second manicure you have. This tends to be the best rhythm for maintenance and upkeep.

It’s not all about aesthetics, though. Regular appointments help “manage dryness, callus buildup and overall nail health”, she explains. By maintaining a good base, it feels as though the feet are in need of rescuing when you do make it into the salon.

How to Take Care of Your Feet Like a Celebrity Nail Technician

Prioritize Foot-Care

Rae recommends using a nourishing foot cream consistently, ideally at night. Best practice is to rub a good amount in and then pop a pair of socks on until you feel the moisture has been absorbed enough to take them off. Once or twice a week, she says to gently exfoliate the skin on the feet instead of aggressively filing the skin down with a hard skin remover. “Over-filing can actually make some areas of hard skin worse, so it’s about maintaining softness rather than removing everything at once.”

Scrub Your Toenails

One easy tip Rae loves is to use a soft nail brush and scrub the toenails in the shower. Doing so every other day helps loosen any buildup of dead skin around the nail folds, which can sometimes lead to discomfort along the sides of the nails if left to accumulate.

Cuticle Oil Can Be Used on Toes, Too

“Cuticle oil on the toenails is so underrated,” Rae implores. “It helps keep the nail area hydrated and conditioned. That goes for SPF, too. Applying it to the tops of the feet is one of the best, skin-protecting habits people often forget.”