7 Steps For Great Feet

Let’s be honest, feet are not often a priority in your grooming spectra. As easy as it is taking them for granted, your feet put up with a host of challenges as well as carry you through life. So, follow our tips below and show your feet the extra love they deserve!

1. SOAK & BUFF
Start off with a clean slate. Lather up your feet properly in the tub and get in between every toe. Then fill a basin or your bathtub with warm water, add a soak of your choice and let them soak for 5 minutes. Remove your feet from the soak and while they are still slightly wet, buff both feet carefully with a file, using either the coarse or fine grains to file away calluses and dull skin.

2. EXFOLIATE & SCRUB
After a proper cleanse, it’s time to get rid of those dead skin cells. Depending on your feet’s condition, use a scrub that does double the trick (cleanse and hydrate) or go for a lighter polish with nourishing oils and ingredients for a gentler feel. Exfoliate for about a minute, then wipe off the remains of the scrub with a damp towel, leaving your feet refreshed and smooth. For some over-the-top care, also try using a cuticle scrub.

3. SHAPE UP
Time to get out your pedicure kit. To avoid any sharp edges, trim your nails is when they are still soft and warm. Cut your nails straight across and don’t dig into corners (no one likes ingrown ends). File your nails carefully in a straight angle and use the emery board underneath the edge to gently shape and smooth each nail.

4. CUTICLE CARE
Get your cuticles in order! Start by applying a few drops of nail serum to the base of each nail. Wait 1 or 2 minutes for it to dry, then get out your manicure stick and gently push back each cuticle. When you’re done, use a cuticle nipper and carefully nip away the dead skin. Be aware never to cut live skin any parts of the cuticle that is still protecting your nail bed as this can cause infections or inflammations.

5. PROTECT & POLISH
Since your feet and nails spend most their time cramped into shoes or sandals, it is even more important to add some extra hydration and nurture. Switch up the protection by applying moisture gel or nail food to revitalize fragile and dry nails. For extra armour, add a coat of nail shield and your feet will thank you later.

6. MOISTURISE & BOOST
When all nails are set and done, it’s time to get smooth, soft and flexible. Treat your feet to a great moisturiser that will please your needs. Use a richer cream for cracked heels, mix a little foot serum to an overnight feet mask, go for a super nourishing cream, a cooling cream in warm temperatures or in case of some unwanted odour, go for a fresh foot spray.

7. GO THE EXTRA MILE
The average pair of feet walk around a quarter of a million miles in their lifetime, which makes it even more important to go the extra mile for your feet. Use proper support like heal cushions or shields to ease the pressure on your soles and keep your feet healthy by regularly visiting a podiatrist. For invigoration and freshness, let your feet breathe as much as possible and try hot and cold therapy from time to time; Place your feet in cold water for one minute, and then switch comfortably to hot water. It’s truly a refreshing experience!

Words by: Photographs by: Oriflame