My feet have definitely seen better days! So far this summer I have put off wearing sandals and opted for wedges with covered toes whenever the sun has shone.

But now we are heading into the summer, I don’t think I can hide them any longer. It is time to take action and make preparations for my feet to come out of hiding.

If your feet are anything like mine you probably surfaced from winter with a mass of hard, dead skin on your heels and soles. Sadly, there’s no way to disguise dry, cracked skin; the only solution is to soften, remove and smooth. Here’s how I’m going to do it.

10 Steps To Gorgeous Feet

1. The first step is to get your feet ready for the onslaught. This is my favourite bit, fill a basin with warm water, add some antiseptic Epsom salts then pop your feet in, sit back and read a copy of Heat or some other deliciously gossipy magazine. By the time you’ve finished reading (cover to cover should take about 10 minutes!) even the hardest skin with have softened. Now is the time to attack!

2. One of the fastest ways to remove your newly softened dead skin is with a foot file. They look like mini cheese graters and they’ll scrape away dead skin before you can say Gorgonzola! Use the metal side to remove the hardest outer layer then the softer side to smooth the new skin underneath. If your heels are very cracked or sore, move the file from top to bottom not side to side. I use Virgin Cosmetics’ Foot Steps Emery Board, £4.75.

3. Follow up with gentle exfoliation. Using a foot exfoliator will further soften the soles and remove dead skin from the tops of your feet and toes. Try Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Warming Hand & Foot Scrub, £14. Or do it yourself by massaging sea salt mixed with almond oil into your feet and legs up to your knees. Rinse then dry thoroughly.

4. Rub some Qtica Intense Foot Repair Balm, £15.95, or sweet almond oil into your feet and lower legs to moisturise them. Don’t forget to include your soles and toes.

5. Using an orange stick or cuticle pusher, gently push back the cuticles around your toenails.

6. Clip your toenails straight across so they are in line with your toes. This will help prevent ingrown toenails. Elegant Touch Toe Nail Clippers, £1.45 help make the job easier.

7. Then file the edges of your toenails until they are nice and smooth. Always file in one direction, not backwards and forwards, to prevent splitting.

8. Now your feet are ready for decoration. This summer, the best-dressed toes will be wearing coral nail polish. It looks equally good against pale skin as it does a tan and it will work with every colour in your wardrobe. Most brands have coral nail colour; I like Coral reef by Essie, £8.50. If coral isn’t for you, hot pink makes a great alternative. Pinky by Pop Beauty, £6 is lovely and bright.

9. Touch up your nail polish regularly and reapply completely every few days to keep your toes looking good (sorry! Fab feet are rather high maintenance).

10. Finally, use your foot file everyday while you shower or take a bath to keep dead skin at bay. Moisturise your feet (including the soles) each time you moisturise your body and they will stay looking great all summer long.

Oh...and don’t forget to give them a treat and sometimes go barefoot on grass – they’ll love you for it!

 

Stockists

Virgin Cosmetics
Elizabeth Arden – department stores nationwide
Qtica
Essie
Pop Beauty - 020 87410957