Dare to bare… your feet
As summer approaches and we prepare to don slingbacks, sandals and flip flops, it’s time to give our feet the extra love they deserve. Here’s how to achieve a salon-like pedicure at home…
STEP ONE: SOAK AWAY
Start by soaking your feet to soften the skin to make scrubbing and clipping toenails much easier.
QV Bath Oil (Cleanser)
This range of products is specially formulated for sensitive skin and will relieve dry skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Suitable for use on the whole body, this gentle bath oil moisturises and replenishes the skin, leaving it itch-free, soft and supple.
£5.59 for 250ml, shop.qvskincare.co.uk
Bare Feet by Margaret Dabbs Soothing Foot Soak
Blended with ginger extract and manuka honey, with a clean fragrance of green tea and lime, this product is a treat for the feet! Squeeze a small amount into a bowl of warm water and soak feet for 5-10 minutes.
£7 for 200ml, barefeetandhands.co.uk
Westlab Epsom Salts
This traditional remedy is particularly beneficial for swollen feet and ankles. Epsom salts can ease pain related to inflammation – ideal for post-exercise and sports. For best results, use a cupful of salts in warm water and soak your feet for 10-20 minutes.
£6.99 for 1kg, westlabsalts.co.uk
Magnesium Flakes Bath Soak
Magnesium is a soluble mineral that can be absorbed through the skin. A bath soak can help ensure you’re getting enough without taking supplements. Simply add to a bath or a bowl and just soak the feet for about 20 minutes.
£9.95 for 1kg, healthspan.co.uk
STEP 2: EXFOLIATE
Avoid a build-up of tough, dry skin, which can lead to calluses and
infections, by regularly exfoliating the feet.
Urtekram Coconut Body Scrub
This gentle scrub is made with organic virgin coconut oil. Apply to damp skin and rub away at any dead skin cells – and in between the toes – before rinsing with warm water.
£7.85 for 150ml, Ocado Ocado.com
SkinRepublic Foot Peel Mask
The alpha hydroxy acid in this treatment gets rid of dead skin by removing the top layer to help new skin to grow. It requires seven days of application and is not suitable for sensitive skin.
£9.99, Superdrug Superdrug.com & Ocado Ocado.com
Footner Exfoliating Socks
After only 60 minutes, these clever socks will start to work their magic to remove dead skin from your feet. After seven to ten days of activating the skin’s natural peeling process, your feet should be baby soft.
£9.99, Boots boots.com, Superdrug superdrug.com
Magnitone Well Heeled 2 Rechargeable Express Pedicure System
This express pedicure system is quick and easy to use and there are two rollers for different exfoliation strengths.
£30, magnitone.co.uk
STEP 3: MOISTURISE
After exfoliating, always moisturise to protect, nourish and soften your feet to keep dry, cracking skin at bay.
Martha Hill Caring for You Extra Rich Foot Treatment Cream
This gloriously rich cream contains tea tree oil to soothe and hydrate tired, dry feet. For the best results on badly cracked skin, apply liberally to your feet and put on cotton bed socks.
£8.80 for 100ml, beautynaturals.com
Soap and Glory Heel Genius
This thick cream is best applied at night to nourish and hydrate feet and nails. Again, cotton socks can be worn after application, if preferred. It smells fantastic and only a small amount is needed to coat the foot. Rub a bit on your hands as well because it works wonders on nail cuticles!
£6.96, Boots boots.com
Weleda Foot Balm
With extracts of myrrh, calendula and organic olive oil, this deliciously smooth foot balm cools and softens feet while targeting areas of tough skin. Essential oils of lavender, rosemary and orange absorb quickly into the skin, leaving the feet smelling lovely.
£11.50, hollandandbarrett.com
Urtekram Aloe Vera Revitalising Foot Cream
Enriched with shea butter, this organic collagen- boosting cream protects your feet from excessive sweating and odour. With a fragrance of menthol and rosemary, it will soften dry skin and cracked heels – and it’s great value for money.
£4.75 for 100ml, beautynaturals.com
STEP 4: POLISH & SHINE
For the finishing touch, after tidying up your cuticles with a metal cuticle pusher, paint your toe nails one of this season’s bright shades.
Barry M Spring Hi Shine Nail Paint in Bluebell £3.99, Superdrug, Boots
Essie – Day Drift Away £7.99, Boots, Superdrug, Feel Unique
Diego Della Palma in Red Passion. £10.50, Look Fantastic
Mavala’s Mandalay £5.50, nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Nail Kind – Green Daze £10.50, Kind Store thekindstoreonline.co.uk
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