Ahead of summer (and sandals), Emma Gleason finds out if this treatment is truly transformative.

Until recently, this Long live Test Drive I’ve actually never had a real pedicure before (excluding polishes at the mall). Considering my feet a lost cause, I have always been somewhat skeptical about their
potential. I’ve done chemical peels and DIY’s, but eventually it seemed like it was time to see the professionals.

So, mindful of my toes and dreading my summer shoes, when beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti tasked me with trying Nail Story’s special pedicure service in Victoria Park, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to see what it was all about.

Their salon is only five minutes from our office, so I walked down the hill one afternoon to place my poor feet in their capable hands.

The treatment I am here for is advanced pedicure, which can be tailored to your needs. The Nail Story claims that its “advanced pedicure is very popular, especially for those who struggle with calluses and dryness.”

Then I am in the right place.

The cornerstone of the service is a callus removal tonic (no jargon here). It will be applied to my feet over the next hour and fifteen minutes, alongside a series of other steps, all aimed at making my skin soft and supple.

First, your feet are covered with a tonic to remove calluses (special attention is paid to my problem areas) and wrapped in plastic for 40 minutes. During this time, they take care of my toes, push back and trim cuticles, trim and file nails.

Once the film is removed, the technician gets to work (it’s really satisfying) manually removing all the dead skin using a 100/180 grit file. I see the dead skin disappearing. Another tool in the arsenal is what they call “e-file polo discs” with varying levels of abrasion, which smooth the skin.

Next comes a neutralizing toner before an exfoliating treatment. And after all the dead skin is removed from your feet, comes a mud mask (it’s nice) and a nice soak in an antibacterial bath. The final touches are cuticle oil and foot cream, both of which hydrate the skin.

“For aftercare, we recommend moisturizing your hands and feet daily,” explains Nail Story. “For feet, we recommend a professional urea cream for best results and longer lasting pedicures.”

I look down and don’t recognize my feet. My skin, toes and nails look…lovely. I dissociate as I leave the living room.

The Nail Story is located in Victoria Park in central Auckland. It’s close to major bus routes, a short walk from the train station and ferry, and there is plenty of parking nearby.

Owners Daria and Dasha launched the business in 2020, and what started with two stations has grown to seven technicians, handling everything from hair to eyebrows and (of course) pedicures and manicures.

The advanced pedicure costs $130 (or $150 if you opt for polish).

Why didn’t I do this sooner?

In the weeks following treatment, I felt much more confident wearing sandals. The internalized shame I had long carried about my feet was alleviated and I couldn’t stop admiring my toes.

I would definitely have it again, in spring and summer. And next time, now that I know how beautiful my feet can be, I’ll get them polished.

Emma Gleason is the Heralddeputy editor-in-chief of Lifestyle and Entertainment (audience), and worked on Long live for over four years, contributing stories about culture, fashion and what’s happening in Auckland.

The Viva team takes the beauty for a test drive.