Article by BR Georgiana
How long has it been since you last pampered your feet? Emm…this pause is taking too long. Quite a while, right? Ok, but don’t feel TOO guilty; this is rather common. They usually get less TLC than our faces or hands so, good thing they can’t speak!
Our precious footsies help us move around from morning till after dark, not to mention they allow us to channel our fantabulous shoes, so we say they deserve to be spoilt! In case you agree (and you should!), here are 10 glorious tips that will help your feet stay fab this summer:
1. Soak (and S)often
The rough skin on your feet is impossible to avoid, especially if you walk much. But soaking your feet more often is a great solution to this problem. All you need is warm water and some drops of essential oil (pick rose for a great scent!) or olive oil. After a good 10-minute soak, removing the dead skin will be easy-peasy.
Pro tip: like the modern Cleopatra that you are, add to the water 1-2 cups of fresh milk. It will make the experience so much better and your feet so much softer!
2. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
Nothing works better on soaked feet (particularly heels) than a good scrub, so use a pumice stone to smooth dry areas and get rid of dead skin. The posh version of the stone are the foot scrubs (made with exfoliators, such as sugar or crushed fruit pit powder) that have the same softening purposes. Remember to exfoliate your feet frequently, mostly in the evenings when they feel tired and need relaxation.
Tip: make your own homemade exfoliating foot scrub by mixing brown sugar with olive oil and baking soda. Quick, cheap and super-efficient.
3. Declare War on Calluses
Sexy summer feet don’t rhyme with calluses. The horror!
However, it is normal to get them, especially if you are an active lady. They are actually the body’s natural way to protect stressed skin that suffers repeated friction and pressure.
Go easy on them, and use a callus file in the shower without being too aggressive, otherwise you might make them thicker. Follow with a cream containing softening lactic acid. If they don’t disappear after some weeks, you might have athlete’s foot, for which you will need an anti-fungal cream
4. 
Moisturise with Love
In summer your feet are true stars. This is the season when they are exposed, analysed and admired, so make sure you keep them well hydrated. Use moisturising foot creams (look for the ones with coconut oil and Vitamin E) and, once in a while, treat them to a natural honey mask that works wonders on cracked heels.
Tip: if your skin is seriously dry, try an old trick before going to bed. Massage a generous amount of cocoa butter into your feet then put on a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. Your feet will feel super-soft in the morning! Addictive.
5. Get a Pro Pedi
Don’t you just love getting pedicures? We are absolutely in love with them! Just make sure you find a great specialist, because technique is key, ladies. If your nails are trimmed clumsily, you can expect ingrown nails or hangnails. It is also important that cuticles are gently pushed back rather than cut, which often leads to infections. Either you opt for an oval or square shape, have your toenails trimmed to a suitable length so they are not too long for enclosed shoes, but not too short either, because it might cause discomfort. Who said being a woman was easy???
6. Find a Superstar Nail Varnish
Groomed nails (and sexy summer sandals) scream for cool nail varnishes. Once operation “Pedi” is over, choose a trendy shade that will instantly transform your toes in tiny jewels.
This summer you won’t go wrong with tasty sorbet shades, heavy metals, demure nudes, attention-grabbing white or a ladylike French. They are all on-trend. What’s your call?
7. Bid Adieu to Swollen Footsies
Swollen feet are a perennial summer trend. And we just hate it!
If your job happens to keep you standing much of the time, be prepared. Have with you at all times a foot gel that contains menthol or ginkgo biloba. They have amazing de-swelling powers. In case you wear tights, a refreshing foot spray will be equally happy to help. Another trick is to soak your feet alternately in hot water (2-3 minutes) and cold water (max.1 minute). A total of 12 minutes = magic.
8. Walk in the Right Shoes
The right shoes might sound like utopia to many of you, but as long as you remember to buy shoes that don’t feel too tight (otherwise they cause blisters and corns), are made of leather and allow your feet to “breathe” a little, you are safe.
As much as we might praise summer for our sandals and ballerina shoes, we still love to go “wild” on special occasions and slip into a pair of high diva pumps (but only if they are not brand new). Always allow new shoes to break in before wearing them for an extended period of time, otherwise you will just be looking for free seats.
9. Introduce Your Feet to Anti-Perspirant
Just like armpits need a great anti-perspirant, feet will appreciate one as well.
This product is perfect to prevent excessive sweating (especially when temperatures go crazy) and that nasty odour we all dread when we take off our shoes after a long day.
Look for a product that contains baking soda. It’s great for neutralising the smelly stuff.
10. Quick’n Relaxing Foot Exercise
There is no excuse for not doing this. Yes, even at the office! When possible, take your shoes off while seated and roll a spiky massage plastic ball under your feet. It increases blood flow, energizing and stimulating tired feet, and offers an amazing feeling of relief. Get one and enjoy the benefits!
Ladies, what are your great tricks for gorgeous footsies? We would definitely love to know (and steal) them, so be generous and share!
Photo Credits: allzinfo.com, blog.spcard.ca, telegraph.co.uk, pathogenkiller.com, allthingschic.com, dreamstime.com, alxeipress.com, hansaplast.com, amazon.co.uk,
These tips are awesome . Il definately give it a try