This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
How to have lovely feet. Ever since the Covid lockdowns when we couldn’t get to a beauty salon and now, due to rising prices, quite a few of us have turned into DIY beauticians. Happily painting our own toenails for example. But do we all remember to look at the state of our heels? With this glorious weather we are having, it’s too hot and sweaty to trap our feet in anything but revealing sandals. So here are a few tips on how to have lovely feet that you’ll be proud to show off anywhere (front and back!):
Cracked sore heels
To be fair, one of the reasons we get hardened heels is wearing sandals that don’t cushion or support our feet very well. If your heels are already hard, cracked and bleeding (ouch!) you’ll need to sort out the fissures first. Our family has had success with a cream called Lotil. It contains rosemary extract – a highly effective anti-oxidant – and aloe vera, well known for its moisturising and soothing properties as well as its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Blisters
Can develop from too tight sandals, digging straps or sunburn. To pop or not to pop? The best-case scenario is to let the blister heal on its own. Just dab with antiseptic cream and cover with a plaster. But if you can’t resist, pop it with a sterilised safety pin (heat the end) and drain the fluid. Do not remove the excess skin – it acts as a barrier to protect the fresh skin from infection. Dab on antiseptic cream and cover it up.
Rough heels
SHOP NOW
I have tried lots of different products to keep the hard skin on my heels at bay but none, and I mean none (especially those pathetic battery operated rollers), work better than this Bio Sana Pedi-File Foot Dresser which was recommended to me by Jane Wormleighton, who is an outstanding podiatrist.
This foot file lasts for literally months. All you need to do is give it a quick scrub with a washing up brush after you have used it and leave it to dry. It has an antibacterial and waterproof coating and rough and fine sides. But most of all it is effective. Not boasting but I have seriously smooth heels and it is all down to this particular foot file. The size is perfect, not too small and not too large. You can use it in the shower ie wet, or dry. Don’t be tempted to buy one that looks similar, this is the real deal.
Dry skin
Margaret Dabbs Foot Hygiene Cream. In a nutshell, it’s an incredibly effective, multi tasking cream to help relieve symptoms of sore, dry, blistered skin and discoloured nails. £22 at M&S BUY NOW
To gel or not to gel?
Gel and shellac is fab for an instantly-dry varnish in the winter when you don’t want to dash home from the salon in the freezing rain wearing your flipflops. However, in these warmer months, I think Nailberry’s breathable varnishes are worth consideration with their patented L’Oxygéné technology.
Or you might like another brand that my sister treated me to – Gel Effect longwear polish by Nails.Inc. I like the ultra glossiness of this high pigment polish which incorporates a nourishing flower extract to help strengthen and condition your nails. The wide brush makes application a breeze and the polish has a plumping agent which levels out any imperfections on your nail.
Sunburn
When it comes to applying suntan lotion, the tops of our feet are one of the most commonly missed areas.
Sweaty feet
If your feet are slipping and sliding in your sandals, try sprinkling talcum powder once or twice a day to wick away moisture.
If you wear sneakers, look for socks labelled ‘moisture wicking’ to keep perspiration at bay. Where there’s sweat, there’s odour. Scrub, not soak, your feet daily and dry thoroughly, patting dry in between your toes.
Yellowing nails
Usually are the result of a fungal infection. Read more here
Exfoliate
Once a week, exfoliation will help you get rid of surface dry skin cells, making your feet look and feel smoother. Plus your moisturiser will be more effective when you slough off flaky skin first. Try a refreshing peppermint foot salt-based scrub, such as the one from the Body Shop featured here. If your skin is dryer, opt for a sugar scrub as it is less dehydrating.
Enjoy your lovely feet!
Did you see my post on the latest sensational summer sandals? Check out my fashion finds here