During winter your toes will be hidden in warm socks and boots, but this doesn’t mean you should slack on making sure they look their best. Winter is in fact the most important season to ensure that our heels are moisturised and buffed, and with regular care and maintenance, soft smooth feet the can be yours all year round. A hoard of beauty products is not needed to do this; all you need is a handful of good quality products, patience and daily care. Here are five products for your feet that I recommend to keep them in tip top shape:

Blister Plasters
Blisters can be caused by friction on the skin from wearing tight or closed shoes. These nifty plasters are mostly advertised to athletes, but are useful to regular men and women as well. It also helps when breaking in new shoes as it will prevent blisters from forming as well as help treat them. These can be bought at most sports stores and beauty shops.

The Ped Egg
In addition to a regular foot file, you should invest in this Ped Egg, which is available at most beauty shops and large retailers for approximately R150. Although it looks like a small grater in an egg shape, this foot file will remove dead skin from the heels and leave it smooth. It also collects all the shavings in the egg shaped pod. This is it not very easy, unless you distort yourself in an awkward position, which is why I always use it over some newspaper which I just throw away once I’m done.

A Foot bath
Technically not a product, but a foot bath is a beauty necessity, especially if you spend most of the day on your feet. They’re available at most large retailers as well as beauty stores, and over recent years, have become very affordable. Our feet are more likely to get calluses and corns if they’re tender or sore and these machines help relax them with gentle vibrations and warming pads (and while using it put on a face mask to completely relax). If you don’t have a foot bath, you can relax with a foot soak made in a small tub. Simply add warm water with a few drops of an essential oil or store bought foot soak.

Heal Repair Cream
You need two types of heel repair cream. One to use on a daily basis and an intensive one for at home pedicures or foot soaks. Good quality foot creams can be bought at beauty stores, salons and large retailers from as little as R25. After showering or bathing and before getting into bed, lather your heels with a daily heel repair cream before putting on warm socks. This way you’ll wake up with soft heels. I recommend using a scented one, like the Oh So Heavenly Intensive Overnight Heel Repair Cream (R24.99) that has a lovely lavender scent which lasts all night and most of the day. If you’re giving yourself a pedicure, or if your heels are badly cracked or dry, use an intensive heel balm such as the Eulactol Heel Balm by Scholl. It’s extremely moisturising and is suitable for people with diabetes.

Foot Peel
So, maybe you haven’t been too regular with caring for your feet and you have a bit of build up on your heels. No need to worry. You can get safe foot peels that you can do from the comfort of your own home. I’ve used the Skin Logic Foot Peel (R80) twice before and it works well. I must say though, the process is not quick as it takes up to two weeks and can be very messy, so it’s best to wear socks and closed shoes after using it.

With these five products for your feet, your tootsies will be soft, smooth and smelling fantastic.

Read about some home remedies for you foot ailments here.

Article by: Odette Johaar http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/o-so-inspired