Get those feet ready for Summer!

Article by BR Natalie

I'm not one to get down on my body, it's a wondrous thing.  But let's be honest, when it comes to our feet, evolution was definitely erring on the side of function and practicality over asthetics. 

I don't know what it is about my extremities, but safe to say I have not been blessed with particularly attractive hands, nor indeed, feet.  Now when my octogenarian hands are bothering me I slather them with moisturiser and paint my nails - they look instantly better.  My feet on the other hand (now that's a poor turn of phrase), are well, feet.  They have weird wiggly toes, bumpy bones, thin skin that shows every vein before it turns in to thick crepe-y skin.  Don't even get me started on toe nails, of which I have 8, thanks to my overly-enthusiastic brother and a pair of nail clippers.  Going au naturale with toe nails is never the better option.  It's not like bed head which can look endearing, or a bare face which can look fresh and youthful.  Toe nails will never be attractive if left to their own devices.

Ok, I might have a slight issue with feet, but I'm going to bet I'm not alone.  So for the foot-phobes out there, getting ready for Summer really means only one thing - getting our tootsies fit for sandals.

I sat Beauty Review's Beauty Therapist Zoe down to share her top tips for getting your feet ready for summer. 

- Wear the right shoes.  Ok, hands up.  How many of you own a pair of cheap ballet pumps? And how many of you suffer from blisters, sore feet or stinky (as in you daren't slip your shoes off stinky) feet? No matter what effort you put in to your feet, if you continually wear ill fitting or unsupportive shoes you're going to be fighting a losing battle.  Now we're not saying you have to live in nanna shoes, but buy shoes that fit and offer the support you need for the majority of the time.  Save the heels or impractical shoes for special occasions.  

- Moisturise.  Dry feet and cracked heels are not only unattractive, they're at risk of splitting and becoming really sore.  Moisturise your feet every day with an intensive cream (not lotion) and at night before bed, slather your feet in moisturising cream, pop on a pair of cotton socks and wake up to gorgeously soft feet.

- Treat splits.  If your heels have split, you'll need to treat the wound before you tackle the dry skin.  Clean the wound using antiseptic and protect when you'll be on your feet.  Heels generally split when the dry skin has built up, so with some regular attention you can prevent these painful sores.

- Get rid of calluses and rough skin.  Calluses are caused by the friction of your skin rubbing against your shoes.  (See why wear the right shoes was our first tip?!).  To get rid of calluses or areas of hard skin there are several options;

• Use a pumice stone to gently smooth away hard skin in the shower.  Scholl's Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is a battery powered rotating pumice that effortlessly removes rough skin.  Check out the lovely Charli showing you how it works in this BR How To Video
• Massage the area with an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells.
• Glass foot files or raspers (they look like a cheese grater) can be used on wet or dry skin.  File gently and in one direction over rough spots, continually checking for smoothness.
• Never use a razor to remove skin - one wrong move and you're going to risk infection.

- Trim your toe nails properly.  To trim your toe nails cut them straight across. If you try to round the corners you'll encourage them to grow inwards.  If you have ingrown or painful toe nails, don't try to remedy them yourself, go to the podiatrist.

- Look after your cuticles.  Just as you would (or should) with the cuticles on your finger nails, apply cuticle oil to the cuticles on your feet daily and gently push them back.

- Paint your toe nails!  Unless you are one of a handful of people blessed with good looking toe nails, you're going to want to paint them.  Check out our Hottest Shades for Spring for some inspiration.  Rubbing a cut lemon over your toe nails can remove discolouration.

- Know how to avoid and look after blisters.  Again, see our first point.  The best way to avoid unsightly blisters is to buy shoes that fit. 

• If a blister isn't bothering you, leave it and let it heal. 
• If a blister is painful, you'll need to pop it.  Insert a sterile needle in to the blister, drain it, clean the area with some antiseptic and cover.
• If your shoes are rubbing there are many options, like Scholl's Party Feet range, with plasters and gel cushions that fix inside your shoes to prevent discomfort.

Well there's our tips for getting your feet ready for summer - do you have any tips to add?  And don't forget to stay tuned to Beauty Review this week, where one trial team will be putting the Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi to the test!