WHEN it comes to looking good naked, you can't neglect those feet. And, with killer heels, platform wedges and gladiator flats the footwear de jour – not to mention the fact that women strut an average of three miles more than blokes each day – chances are your tootsies need some TLC.
Give your aching feet a post-summer pick-me-up with our guide to fab feet.
GROUNDWORKLay the right foundations for your feet and you'll be ready to flaunt them in no time. If you can't afford a regular salon pedicure, keep up a
regular routine at home.
"One of the key elements to an at-home pedicure is good tools," says Cowshed Spa senior therapist Rachel Mashford. "A foot spa, foot file and pumice stone are a great start to a DIY routine.
"Soaking the feet and adding some peppermint oil or bath salts helps to soften the skin. A foot file or an exfoliator can then be used to get rid of the dead skin. Always put foot cream on afterwards, at night is best."
Start by smoothing away rough patches every week with a foot file. To help stop build-up of rough hard skin, use a foot scrub every time you're in the bath or shower while the skin is softened.
Try a Ms Pedicure Pumice Stone (£4.99, Boots), Boots Seriously Smooth Foot Scrub (£4.29), and Philosophy Soul Owner Exfoliating Foot Cream (£14, Space NK).
FEET TREATSThe key to healthy feet is hydration. The skin on our feet is thicker than anywhere else on our bodies, which makes it harder to penetrate. Invest in a good moisturiser and ensure you are taking the time to let the cream soak in. Moisturising with an overnight rescue cream and popping your feet into cotton socks when you go to bed is an instant remedy.
"For cuticle maintenance, avocado and olive oil is a great way to keep them in perfect condition," says Rachel. "Key elements to healthy feet are exfoliating and moisturising. Give your nails a break and don't always wear varnish, it lets the nails breathe."
Try Scholl Party Feet Foot Spa (£29.99, Argos), Champneys Deeply Moisturising Softening Foot Butter (£6), Origins Reinventing The Heel Mega-Moisture (£17, John Lewis), Bliss Softening Socks (£36, Harvey Nichols).
PEDI-READYFinishing touches are all-important. A file and polish will ensure great results.
"File the nail length down whilst dry, as there is less chance of the nails bending and then peeling or splitting," recommends celebrity nail technician Andrea Fullerton.
"Always, always file straight across, never down the sides as this causes ingrowing toenails."
Polishing is the final glam touch. "Before polishing, always basecoat the toenails," Andrea says.
Try RED Diamond Dust Nail File (£7.99, Boots), GOSH Cuticle Nipper (£6, Superdrug), Kiss Colour Magnet (£7.99, Boots) and Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Intensive Nail & Cuticle Therapy (£6.95).
Finish off with a summer polish. Nails Inc at Harvey Nichols and Leighton Denny at Celeste Beauty Spa are two long-lasting brands.
• Rachel Mashford is a senior therapist at the Cowshed Spa at Escape Health & Fitness, The Scotsman Hotel, North Bridge The full article contains 530 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
