My Summer Footcare Prep!

This seems like a strange time to write a post about prepping your feet for strappy Summer sandals when there is sleet falling past my window (!), but despite this recent cold snap we are experiencing, Spring is firmly on its way and it won’t be long before the flip flops are out and it is time to expose your toes to the world!

I do a lot of running, and am fond of wearing very high heels, and as a result, my feet often look less than attractive come Spring.  This means it is time to bring out the big guns when it comes to footcare.  Here are the main products I use to keep my feet in check!

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

I use this a few times a week during the Summer months as part of my morning shower routine.  I’ve tried a lot of different foot scrubs and have been disappointed that many were not sufficiently ‘scrubby.  Liz Earle is one of my favourite brands and, with regular use, this really does make your feet smoother and less scaly.  I love the peppermint scent too!

Microfile XL

Not the most attractive of products but I have found this is certainly the most efficient method of removing stubborn hard skin.  Far better than a Ped Egg, I think I heard about this from a US blog.   I bought it from Ebay about a year ago as it wasn’t available in the UK.  It is pretty hardcore!

The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue

The Body Shop’s foot products are great value and really deliver when it comes to pampering your feet.  This intensive foot lotion is great for cracked heels and I just slather it on and pop a pair of socks on overnight for softer, smoother feet the next morning.  I tend to keep this lotion to areas of my feet that are really in need of a moisture injection as otherwise it is a little rich, but it really does the job.

  

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray

I’ve been purchasing this spray for a few years now and it is invaluable for providing a cooling, refreshing sensation when you have been walking around all day in sandals and your feet are in need of some serious soothing.    It is great to use on your feet after exercise too.

Do you use any particular products to get your feet ‘sandal-ready’?

Saturday Samples

                 

Another week has passed and its time for another delve into my samples box.  I am really pleased with how this series has been encouraging me to use up some of my travel and sample-sized products that I would otherwise neglect and I have found a  few products already that I am planning on purchasing the full sized products.

Temple Spa Aaahhhh! Soothing Balm for Aching Feet and Limbs

Temple Spa was a brand I had never heard of until I spotted their products in a hotel we stayed in for hubby’s birthday last year on the Isle of Skye and it was refreshing to find some products that were not the usual Molten Brown staples usually found in boutique hotels. 

This is a thick gel which contains dandelion, lavender and menthol to calm and sooth your feet and on applying it, the scent of menthol is very prominent.  I tried this for the first time after a 10k run, smoothing it onto my feet and calves.  It rubbed in easily and didn’t leave any sticky residue and  was certainly soothing, although after a few minutes my feet did feel rather cold which would have been the menthol taking effect.  I did find this quite relaxing for my tired feet, although I would probably be more likely to use it in the summer or on holiday, when my feet are feeling hot and swollen after walking around all day.  I could see this complementing my Body Shop Peppermint Foot Spray nicely for an end of day treat!

Quick Verdict

A useful addition to my summer footcare routine, I’m looking forward to trying this out properly when it gets warmer.  In the meantime, it will sooth my tired, achy feet

Blemish Complex – Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Blemish Cream and Skin Perfecting Lotion

Blemish Complex is a brand from the US which was created by dermatologists for dermatologists and has been in development for 35 years so it should be pretty good at tackling problem skin.  

There are three steps to the process: cleansing, exfoliating / treatment and moisturising so it isn’t all that different from other skincare solutions and routines.  There was only enough product in each of the sachets for 2 applications so these are my initial impressions only.  I always test skincare for a month before reviewing to ensure they have been fully tested and my skin has had time to adapt.

Clarifying Cleanser – the scent was very clinical and not particularly pleasant.  This scent was also present across all three of the products, however I am willing to overlook that if the product works well.  It is a clear, foaming gel which is applied to damp skin and rinsed off.  I did like this but it felt quite harsh and I was wary of putting it anywhere near my eyes.

Exfoliating Blemish Cream – Another gel product, this tingled and stung for the first 20 seconds of application.  Again it was applied to damp skin and massaged in.

Skin Perfecting Lotion – Essentially a regular moisturiser, this was massaged in after the blemish cream had sunk in.  I didn’t find it to be particularly unique or especially hydrating.

Quick Verdict

Two applications of these products are not enough to test out their claims and first impressions leave me thinking the full 3 steps are a little harsh for my sensitive skin.  I would however be tempted to try out the Exfoliating Blemish Cream from the range, in collaboration with my usual cleanser and moisturiser.

Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel

I have to admit that I am not a frequent fake-tan user, as having a NC20 skintone that tans easily I don't feel overly pale.  My legs however do not see the sun that often in winter and they do tend to look a little neglected, so I decided to give this sample of bronzing gel a try.

 

First impressions are that is smells unlike most other self tanners, more of a caramel smell which isn't entirely unpleasant, just unusual! 

 

It looks a deep golden bronze on application but soon fades to an even, natural brown and keeps developing for a couple of hours.  It is non-sticky too and dries within about 10 minutes so there is no sitting around in your pants waiting for it to dry!!

Leg pre bronzing Gel - eeek!

 

 

After an hour, not a massive different but you can see the shimmer.

I did notice that it was VERY shimmery and sparkly and for that reason I would probably only use this for the evenings - it is a little too much for me during the day.

Quick Verdict
As a self-tan novice, I found this very easy to use and applywith no streaks!  For those who like to add a bit of shimmer and sparkle to their tan, this may be a useful product to try.

Have a good weekend

Victoria
x

November Favourites

This month’s favourites is a bit of a mish-mash due to being on holiday for a large proportion of November. I realise that sun cream won’t be in many other’s November favourites!

Armani Eyes to Kill, 15 - I’ve only had this just over a week but I have worn it most days. I reviewed it recently here (Review - Armani Eyes to Kill, 15) and it is just so easy to use and lasts all day. I’m definitely going to buy more of these.

Peppermint Foot Spray, The Body Shop - A necessity in hot weather, this leaves my feet feeling cooled, refreshed and smelling much better! I used this constantly on holiday, and it was really refreshing after jungle treks in hot, stifling shoes, and also on my flip-flop-wearing toes by the pool. I get through several bottles of this every summer.

Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Balm in Peach - As I didn’t tend to wear much makeup on holiday, it was easy to just slick on some of the Carmex lip balm to give my lips a little colour, and to protect them as it contains SPF15. I reviewed both this and the pink tint here (Review – Carmex Moisture Plus Balm) and although these are sheer, they are not just for summer. I have been wearing them in the wind and rain recently as they keep my lips super moisturised.

No 7, 3-in-1 Wipes - I’m sure you have tried these when thinking of things to spend your No7 vouchers on! I always have a surplus of them as I think you cannot have too many and they were a godsend when the outside shower at the Elephant Sanctuary we stayed at in Thailand proved to be too ‘character building’, even for me! Some dry shampoo and copious wipes managed to save the day until I could get access to a hot shower!

They are also fab for long flights and leave you feeling a little more refreshed after attempting to sleep upright for several hours. I would never travel without them and they are a bargain when the No 7 vouchers are around, at only £2 for a pack of 30.

Liz Earle Shampoo - A great cleansing shampoo that I have been using several times a week. I have coloured hair and this has kept it in good condition, despite subjecting it to chlorine on many occasions over the past couple of weeks. It is also SLS-free.

Riemann P20 suncream -A friend suggested this suncream to me earlier in the year after I complained that I always burn in the sun easily and that I forget to re-apply protection every couple of hours. It is not cheap (although I managed to find mine in the end of summer sale at CheapSmells for £10 off!) but it really does last the entire day, assuming you apply it liberally in the morning about 20 minutes before you get dressed. I didn’t get burnt once when using this and we were in direct sunlight at 32 degrees on many occasions whilst out and about. Highly recommended, I just wish I had known about this earlier!