5 tips for summer ready feet

Yes, our feet have been confined and hidden away in warm socks and furry boots all winter, sad and neglected.  The summer is well and truly upon us now, but are your feet ready to bare all?

Here are my recommendations for tip-top tootsies.

1.  Hard-working feet are often prone to dry, hard skin particularly on the heels and balls of the feet.  Smooth them by first soaking in a bowl of warm water.  Using a pumice stone gently exfoliate and rub away that dead skin.

2. Dry thoroughly and slather on a rich moisturiser.  My favourite is Shea Butter Foot Cream by L'Occitane which I think is unbeatable, although I have been known to use the Shea Butter Hand cream on my feet too! I always stock up on L'Occitane products at John Lewis when I visit as I can't buy them locally. This foot cream is deeply nourishing and contains both antiseptic and cooling essential oils.  Pop this on your feet just before you go to sleep to wake up with beautifully soft soles. To prevent greasy footprints on the carpet, I sit in bed and do this, or you can pop a pair of cotton socks over after you've applied the cream.

3. For neat and pretty nails, give them a thorough clean with a nailbrush.  Trim nails squarely - cut straight across and never cut the corners, or cut them too short or you may develop painful ingrown toenails.  Before painting your nails, use a good base coat to prevent staining and go for a bold statement colour to add some zing.

4. Choose some pretty but sensible sandals to show of your lovely feet. Fitflops are ideal as not only do they relieve pressure for hard-working feet, but they will tone your legs as you walk too.  John Lewis stock a range of Fitflop sandals and my favourite are the Glad Via Suede ones which look fab with a tan. Don't forget sun cream on the delicate and vulnerable tops of your feet.

5. Finally to cool feet after a hot day, fill a bowl with tepid water and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to leave them feeling zingingly, tinglingly refreshed. 

What are your favourite feet treats?  Do you have any tips for beautiful soles?

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