After a rough winter, most likely there’s nothing rougher than those feet you’ve been hiding in socks and boots for the last 6 months. Besides your Boo, who’s really seen them anyway? Now that spring has arrived, we’re starting to get excited about slipping on some colourful strappy sandals, cute wedges and open toes.  To get your feet summer-ready and sandal-worthy, it’s time to send your tootsies to boot camp for a little TLC. Follow these simple steps to have fabulous-looking feet all summer long.

Soak

Nothing feels better than a warm water footbath to kick off a winter of neglect. Some swear by soaking in mineral salts or Epsom salts, while others say a vinegar foot soak is the best. You can also add moisture in the form of coconut oil to your footbath to facilitate softening. The Internet is full of recipes for footbath soaks. Whichever you use, give your feet a good going over with soap and a sponge or washcloth. TIP: If your toe nails are discoloured, rub them with a lemon wedge the day before you soak to help brighten them.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation helps improve the health and appearance of your feet. Soaking your feet first makes for safer exfoliation, and you’ll avoid irritating the cracks in your heels. Fess up, who doesn’t get those from time to time? We would recommend using a pumice stone to exfoliate during your footbath. Dunk the stone in your water and use a light circular motion on the callused areas of your feet to exfoliate, but go easy … and stop if you feel any pain. Avoid using callus shavers or other razer-like devices on freshly-soaked skin. Sugar or salt scrubs are also good but don’t forget to exfoliate ankles and legs while you’re at it.

TIP: if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to soak, you might want to try the flexible, Silkfeet Bladeless Exfoliating Microscreen – the best product that we’ve found for dry skin exfoliation.

 

Trim Nails & Coddle Cuticles

After your footbath is done, gently pat your feet dry. You’ll need a cuticle stick, cuticle nippers, nail clippers and nail file. Start with your cuticles first. Gently push back the cuticle and trim with your cuticle nipper. Trim your toenails while they’re still soft and pliable to avoid splitting them. The general rule is to cut them straight across (reduces the risk of ingrown toenails) and slightly shape the sides. If you have a tendency towards ingrown toenails, you might want to let a podiatrist show you how to do it correctly. TIP: How short do you cut toenails? The idea is that the toenail should be even with the end of your toe.

Moisturize

Now that you’ve given rough winter feet the boot, you’ll want to keep your feet looking soft and silky with moisturizers. Buy the best that you can afford and believe us, there are lots to choose from. It doesn’t matter if you prefer butters, oils, balms or creams but it’s best to use one that’s especially for feet. Be sure to massage it in well and always moisturize after your daily bath or shower.

If your heels are really bad, try this amazing Gel Heel Socks.

Add Some Bling

Shoes like these Papillio Gizeh Birko Soft Tropical Sandals  are just begging for a splash of fun nail colour. With only four short months of sandal weather, girls just gotta have fun and bling out the toes with bright nail polish colours, snazzy designs, patterns and toe jewelry. What better way to express your inner diva? There’s nothing better for your confidence, not to mention your look than to let your feet shine, shine, shine, all summer long.