Photo: Rune Enstad | Unsplash
Party season is upon us, and with it, frequently comes strappy sandals, heels, or peep-toe footwear as the perfect party dress accompaniment. However, to pull off the full glam look, a little prep is required to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.
We’ve gathered a collection of some of our favourite foot care products, along with some helpful tips from McPherson’s Beauty Expert Kerrie Moore.
Tips for best looking feet
As we don’t have oil glands on the soles of our feet, dry dead skin can build up because of a lack of moisture. Dryness can vary from dry and flaky to thick, cracked, and painful.
- Gently exfoliate to gently remove any hard skin or calluses that are building up in high-pressure areas, such as on the balls of your feet or your heels.
- Daily use of gentle exfoliating foot file and regular moisture will help maintain soft, smooth feet during the warm summer months when feet are exposed in open-toed shoes.
- For soft smooth hydrated feet, apply a nourishing emollient-rich moisture cream to your feet and cotton socks overnight, to help moisturiser absorption.
- To remove dry, thick, and course skin from heels, it is recommended to soak feet in warm soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before using callous remover or foot exfoliating file.
- Keep your exfoliating foot file implements clean, rinse after each use and allow to air dry completely in a cool dry place.
Other suggestions:
- Don’t forget to use sunscreen on feet when wearing open-toed shoes; there’s nothing worse than burnt feet and they age too
- Wash and dry feet regularly especially in summer, paying particular attention to between the toes. This can also help prevent fungal infections. Feet contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands, which can produce over 250ml of perspiration each day.
Treat your feet to this lush-iously pampering foot mask – either for a revitalising pre-event pick-me-up or to soothe and cool after long hours on the dance floor. With kaolin and pumice to deep cleanse, fresh tomato for a cooling effect and stimulating menthol crystals; your feet will thank you with softer smoother skin. It’s happy feet in a pot.
PRO TIP: Apply generously to entire foot, wrap in a warm towel, put your feet up for 20 minutes and relax before washing off.
Manicare PEDIPRO Soft Roc Foot Exfoliator $17.99
An effective exfoliator for gently buffing away dry skin on heels or knees, leaving skin feeling smoother and softer. Ergonomic design for 360º coverage makes it easy and comfortable to use. For best results, use after shower or bath by gently moving in circular motion to exfoliate dry skin. Can be used on dry or wet skin.
This Works Perfect Legs Body Butter $56
Possibly this season’s must-have in your self-care arsenal, this vegan body butter with hemp extract helps support the skin microbiome, while moisturising Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing Shea Butter leave skin feeling truly pampered and cared for. Elevating it to the next level is the mix of geranium and sweet orange essential oils, designed to add a little mood-boosting goodness. It’s the ultimate pre-bed treat for tired legs and feet.
Weleda’s Foot Balm is especially formulated to cosset neglected feet. Designed to smooth, soften, refreshes and deodorise super-dry, tough skin, it’s freshly fragrant with essential oils of Litsea Cubeba – the Mountain Pepper Tree – and of Lavender and Rosemary, while astringent Myrrh extract brings its ancient gifts. Soothing calendula and organic olive oil help soften tough skin with fine kaolin clay ensuring a pleasant finish. Free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants or raw materials derived from mineral oils.
Neat Mg+plus Magnesium & Arnica Essential Recovery Spray, $55
Instant bliss for overworked feet and legs, this Neat Magnesium & Arnica Recovery Spray is 100% natural and oh-so-good. Made in New Zealand, alongside the key ingredients of magnesium and arnica, it also includes turmeric, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus. Just spray and massage in, or spray on the bottom of your feet.
PRO TIP: Keep the small 20ml sample size in your purse for aching feet, back or muscles.
ManukaRX Skin Rescue Ointment $23.95
This is one of those versatile products that lends itself to everything from chapped lips and small cuts, to cracks and splits on heels. Made with natural ingredients including East Cape mānuka oil, this sunshine yellow tube packs a powerful antibacterial punch (perfect for massaging between and around troublesome toes). It’s also something of a miracle worker for blisters – a common issue with party feet! Plus of course, we love the fact it’s a New Zealand company based in the rural East Cape.
Manicare PEDIPRO Callus File $28.99
This high-quality callus file features the brand’s Diamondcel multidirectional grit design to file calluses easily and quickly. The double-sided file offers coarse grit to remove tough top layers and fine grit to smooth skin. Non-slip with a soft touch handle for a comfortable grip. Can be used on dry or wet skin.
PRO TIP: Apply moisturiser to rehydrate your skin after use. Leave feet in socks overnight to help moisturiser absorption.
Revitanail Total Strength 8-In-1 Nail Treatment $25.99
A multipurpose treatment for the ultimate all-in-one nail care at home. This superior, salon-strength treatment solution is scientifically proven to strengthen nails, boost keratin after 24 hours to stimulate growth, fill in nail ridges, help prevent nail breakage and improve nail thickness. In addition, it assists in improving nail hydration and acts as a base coat and top coat.
Available at pharmacies nationwide
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