Adjust make-up to work with your glasses

A few weeks ago, my optician informed me that I had to give my eyes a ‘day off’ from my contact lenses and wear my glasses for one day a week. Upon hearing this damning verdict, my heart sank; being incredibly vain, and having had to wear glasses since the age of two, I’ve always hated them, and signed up for contact lenses as soon as I hit 16. Admittedly, some people look stunning in glasses – they have the face shape and cheekbones to carry them off. I unfortunately don’t, so I have to be careful with what make-up I wear. On the rare occasions I do wear glasses, I usually sport a bright red lippie, hoping that it will attract attention away from the specs. Plan B? Follow some simple tips from the experts to adjust how you wear make-up to work with your specs.

For Daniel Sandler, make-up artist and founder of his own cosmetics line, it’s about working with the type of frames you have. “If your frames are large then avoid heavy eye make-up, but opt for a bold lip so that you don’t seem completely make-up free. For smaller graphic shaped frames, keep smoky eyes well defined, but then go easy on a strong mouth as the eyes will be the main focus.” But for Sandler, it’s the lashes you need to pay special attention to. “I would say not to overdo mascara or false lashes as these can rub against the lenses if you wear your glasses quite high on the bridge of your nose. Also, a little humidity can build up behind lenses, so wear long-lasting, waterproof formulas.”

Beauty entrepreneur and artist Bobbi Brown – best known for her trademark tortoiseshell specs – suggests adapting your make-up to your lenses. “If your prescription makes your eyes look bigger, use a light hand, and be sure to blend everything carefully – the last thing you want is to magnify any mistakes. For shadows, go with neutral shades like my Gold Nugget Sparkle Eye Shadow. Liner should be delicate and thin, with one coat of mascara to open up the eyes. If your glasses make your eyes look smaller, be sure to line your eyes all the way around. Use a liner that is darker than your natural eye colour to create contrast, which will help define the eyes.”

Make-up artist Zoe Walters has this advice. “If you’re a statement glasses wearer, go for a strong bold eye but steer clear of going too dark and avoid blending up to the eyebrow – stick to just above the socket bone. Highlighting the inner eye and under the eyebrow will create a really polished look.” But what about those (like yours truly) who would rather draw attention away from their glasses? “If you feel self-conscious about wearing glasses, opt for a subtle clean look, nothing heavy or bold that will draw attention to the eye area. Choose subtle colours that complement the skin tone and eye colour, and use clump-free mascara such as Lash Power by Clinique in Chocolate Brown.  Where anyone has a hang up about something in their face or body, the idea is to draw attention to something they feel good about.”

Top Five Products for Glasses Wearers

● Illamasqua’s Intense Lip Gloss in Façade – Brown ‘nineties’ lips are definitely having a moment, and this densely pigmented, cocoa brown lip gloss makes thin lips look fuller, deflects attention away from heavy frames and is more wearable during the day than a statement red.

● NARS Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow – Ideal if your eyes are magnified by your specs, NARS’ latest eye trio is ridiculously easy to wear. The silver and icy peach shades in the palette delicately highlight the eye, while the apricot shade provides subtle definition – resulting in a polished look that’s a fresh, more subtle alternative to a harsh smoky eye.

● New CID Cosmetics i-glow Shimmer Powder in Coral Crush – A blusher and highlighter in one, this marble pink and gold powder provides a beautiful shimmer to cheekbones. Plus if you feel like your bold frames make your jawline look heavier, this will counterbalance the effect.

● Daniel Sandler Long-Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Green Velvet  – Great for adding definition if your glasses make your eyes look smaller. The waterproof formula means it’s less likely to smudge when humidity builds up behind lenses, and the vivid green colour makes it less ageing than black, but more interesting than brown.

● Shiseido Eyelash Curler – Few things are more annoying to a glasses wearer than having mascara smears on the inside of their lenses. But rather than forgo it altogether, these babies give lashes a much-needed spring in their step so that you don’t have to go overboard on the mascara afterwards.

Our essential make-up products for glasses wearers from NARS, Shiseido, Daniel Sandler, Illamasqua and New CID Cosmetics

A discreet spa in the heart of Chelsea

Herewith the details of a spa so discreet, the owners were reluctant to put up a sign. Vivify Beauty is a new addition to Chelsea Cloisters, an apartment block on Sloane Avenue which also houses Barts, a speakeasy-style bar frequented by young royals with a penchant for mango martinis.

Previously operating as a middle-of-the-road beauty and hair salon catering to the time-poor residents of the building, the tiny space has been given some TLC by Lithuanian spa goddess Inga Dociute and was fully reincarnated in January as Vivify Beauty. I’m pleased to report this bijou new salon is quite the image of its owner: bright, shiny and radiating confidence. Not many spas can carry off a black and orange colour scheme. But don’t be put off.

With just three treatment rooms and a small staff of experienced therapists, the emphasis is on keeping things personal – as Inga says, with a knowing smile, “if people want things done a certain way, we can do it.” Somehow I get the feeling she is referring to bikini lines.

No special requests on my part though. I’m booked in for a full body aromatherapy massage and an Environ Ionzyme DF Vitamin facial. Fouzia, my learned Moroccan masseuse works on all my niggles and aches with expertise that only comes from years of pummelling a variety of shapes and sizes, and I’m delighted to discover that as a new mother I am in safe hands. She has a natural gift with pregnant ladies and post-baby bodies.

Afterwards, Santa (yes, really) promises to deliver the ultimate gift: erasing my frown lines. Her command of an Ionzyme DF machine is second to none. The machine works by running pulses of electric current across the skin to open pores which allow the skin to soak up every ounce of precious goodness in Environ’s vitamin-based cream which is applied afterwards. Said cream contains none other than mammalian colostrum. Yes, colostrum, the ‘liquid gold’ babies get from their mothers in the first precious hours of life. This vitamin-rich formula serves to stimulate collagen and elastin production and feed the skin.

As Santa gets to work, the sensation is of a pinprick moving across the skin. It isn’t painful but it isn’t pleasant either. However the results are excellent, especially for hard-to-budge frown lines, smile lines and sun damage. Plus you’re left with none of the redness or rawness that come with peels or microdermabrasion. According to Santa, it’s best to have twice-weekly treatments, then after 24 treatments, just one visit per month should suffice. The mind boggles as to how incredible my skin might look on such a programme.

Of course you can also get a wax, manicure or spray tan at Vivify, and make-up is on hand if you need a retouch before venturing back out onto the streets of Chelsea. After all, you just never know who you might bump into coming out of Barts…

For more information and to book, see the Vivify Beauty website.

With just three treatment rooms and a small staff of experienced therapists, the emphasis is on keeping things personal...

A fully-stocked champagne bar at Coco...

Located towards the less fashionable end of London’s Portobello Road, Coco Nail Bar doesn’t look especially promising from the outside but appearances can be misleading. Like Notting Hill’s best known nightspot – the nearby Supper Club – a utilitarian exterior gives way to something pretty special once you make it through the door. Inside, there’s no hint of the inner city street without; instead you’re suddenly in Dubai with luxe black and white marble, slick leather seats and a full size champagne bar. Actually the champagne bar is more LA than Dubai, but still, you get the picture. Ready for your manicure? Racks of sweetie-coloured Essie and OPI polishes line the walls, and if you weren’t lucky enough to get your mitts on one of Chanel’s sell-out shades, Coco has you covered. The hard bit is working out which colour to choose. And which cocktail to go for.

After several seasons of neons and wacky designs, I was ready for something a bit more sedate but wasn’t feeling summery enough to chance spring’s tasteful taupes. Instead, I plumped for the nail polish equivalent of the LBD: Essie’s fabulous Geranium. A gleaming scarlet, it works brilliantly with my Snow White complexion and always gets me compliments. Yes, I explained to my slightly disappointed therapist, I did want it on both hands and feet. No Mark Jacobs ice cream colours here, thank you very much. No matter: she sat me down and cracked on with my treatment. Starting with my feet, she soaked, buffed, polished and generally tidied up my trotters while I sat back with Condé Nast Traveller and a glass of champagne. As I daydreamed of Marrakech, my therapist livened up my toes with a crimson hue reminiscent of a bowlful of saffron stamens in a Moroccan bazaar. Then came my fingers’ turn for the Coco treatment: dead skin dispatched, grotty cuticles tamed and nails filed into shapely squovals. A slick of Geranium and some quick dry oil (definitely one of the best inventions ever) later, and my make-over was complete.

I left with nails so brightly shiny that I almost needed to don Raybans to look at them but garnered plentiful compliments on the Tube home. Thrilled that I’d finally found somewhere that stocked Geranium, I vowed to go back and suggest that you do too. The nail bar serves coffee, cocktails and sushi, as well as a full menu of treatments, making it a perfect rendez-vous spot for an evening with friends. If you’re after slick service, must-have colours and a glass or two of bubbly while you get your essential maintenance done, then Coco is for you.  And at a very reasonable price for a classic manicure, I’d say that’s certainly worth paying to have the best-dressed nails in London.

For more information, and to book, see the Coco Nail Bar website.

Notting Hill? No, at the Coco Nail Bar it's more like Dubai with black and white marble, slick leather seats and luxe manis and pedis

Essential products for covering blemishes...

Bare Minerals SPF20 Bisque Concealer

From Bare Minerals – one of the most established companies in the mineral make-up market – comes Bisque, a loose-powder concealer available in five shades, suitable for all skin types.  Not only does it conceal dark circles under the eyes, age spots and even out skin pigmentations, it also contains zinc oxide to help prevent and heal spots. And if that weren’t enough, the UVA protection helps counteract further skin pigmentation.

Diego Dalla Palma Lifting Effect Fluid Concealer

Diego Dalla Palma may not necessarily be a familiar name, but in his native Italy, this make-up artist’s cosmetics line is known as the ‘MAC’ of Italy.  The Lifting Fluid Concealer (available in four shades) is suitable for normal to dry skin and gives lightweight coverage to minimise imperfections and smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And here comes the science: the hexapeptide plumps the skin to minimise fine lines, with lipo-siliconic compounds and a moisturising complex giving a comfortable natural look. The result? No drying or settling into the fine lines around the eyes.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Bobbi Brown is well known for her huge range of shades, making the face products perfect for all skin tones.  The Creamy Concealer is no exception – and it’s available in 16 different shades, all of them yellow-based. Long-wearing and creamy (as the name suggests), the rich formula blends easily, whether with fingers or a special concealer brush, while skin conditioners in the formula help to protect the delicate under-eye are. To help the concealer stay put even longer, follow with the one-shade-suits-all setting powder.

Cover FX Camouflage Concealer

Cover FX was founded by a camouflage make-up expert, so you just know the concealers are going to be great.  Available in six shades, the Cover FX Camouflage Concealer is a 3-in-1 multi-functional formula that contains a built-in primer; it’s also water-resistant and contains emollients to soften and hydrate delicate skin.  The lightweight, long-lasting product is free of oil, fragrance and parabens too, so there’s no danger of putting nasties close the the vulnerable eye socket area.

True Concealer by Alison Raffaele

If you love the idea of a mineral concealer but can’t be bothered with the loose powder format, then the creamy Alison Raffaele True Concealer could be the answer.  Available in 7 shades from the lightest ivory through to the darkest mahogany, the creamy formulation dries to a soft powder finish, and disguises even the darkest circles after a hard night’s partying.  Useful for both under the eye and on facial blemishes, the concealer contains Vitamins A, C and E to fight skin damage from radicals, while the Pomegranate and Resveratrol contain further antioxidant properties.

Our Top Concealer Tips

● The most common mistake when using a concealer is choosing a shade that’s too light for the skin, in the hope of covering up dark circles. In fact, your concealer should only be one shade lighter than your foundation, otherwise you’ll just draw attention to, not hide, those dark circles.

● The key to getting the right perfect application (when using a cream concealer) is using a concealer brush to apply, before patting in with the tip of the ring-finger to ensure perfectly blended, flawless application.

Alison Raffaele’s own tutorial on how to apply her True Concealer

A serene, relaxing interior in the spa

You can almost feel the delicate aromas gently pulling you through the door at Aromatherapy Associates’ new Treatment Rooms and Boutique. A welcome break from the bustle of tourists and London’s well-heeled crowd outside, the spa positively embraces you with an air of warmth and well-being. So, what can you expect from one of spa’s most celebrated names? Given the location in Knightsbridge, the go-to capital for Russian oligarchs et al, the boutique is in keeping with its prestigious neighbours, presented as a luxurious yet comfortable ‘home-from-home’ that’s filled with soft furnishings and finished in rich shades of gold.

As you would expect the prices on the Spa Menu fit the local bill too with a facial costing £90 and a full body treatment amounting to £120; but if you want quality, you absolutely pay for what you get. I’m here to experience a ‘City Stress Buster’ – buzzwords that have grown in popularity as people – particularly clock watching urbanites – accept they should set aside more time for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sophie, my therapist, is a dream: informative and nurturing, she gets the consultation – which establishes my current emotional state – out of the way quickly. The treatment is administered with experienced hands, enough to put even the most spa-shy at ease. First she works around my head, using firm finger presses to stimulate my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system: two areas, which control the rest-and-digest and fight or flight response respectively. The soothing effects of which continue to flourish for days after…

Next, using an oil teeming with geranium, rose and frankincense prescribed specifically for me, Sophie massages her way through tense shoulders and fatigued limbs. The oil, following aromatherapy thinking, works its magic on two levels: first through smell, and second through the absorption into the body’s system. The oozy, lustrous quality of the oils is at the heart of everything AA does and one half of the company’s founding duo, Geraldine Howard, has even installed a unique ingredients bar to help more of us understand their rich, far-reaching effects.

There might not be a steam room or sauna in sight, but the AA Treatment Rooms’ big sell is its expert sensory massages and treatments that never dip below its exceptionally high standards. It’s all about the healing power of touch, and – thanks to the natural beauty of AA’s oils – the spa is set to be one of the best places in London to power down.

For more information and to book, see the Aromatherapy Associates website.

The Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms are a welcome break from the bustle of tourists in chic, upscale Knightsbridge

And so, anything that means that I can speed up the Ten Tedious Hair Minutes is something I want to know more about. Enter the Instyler. Claiming to be ‘unlike any hair styling product ever invented,’ I’ve tried out the clever rotating gadget, and I like. I like a lot. Part hotbrush, part heated tong, part straightener, it’s a pretty clever item and really produces results. Whether you’re after loose waves, a blast of volume at the roots or a smooth and straight style (see the YouTube tutorial videos for more), the Instyler works wonders.

They say: when you run the InStyler rotating hot iron through your hair, the first set of bristles gently sort and separate your hair strands. Then the rotating heated polishing cylinder gently glides over your hair, smoothly polishing, straightening, and styling each strand. Finally, the second set of bristles puts the finishing touch on your hair, leaving you with shiny, silky, hair!  The InStyler uses less heat than traditional hot tools, and delivers better results. How? Because the InStyler’s gentle heat in conjunction with the rotating motion of the polishing cylinder literally polishes your hair strands individually so it doesn’t need extreme heat to get amazing results.

My verdict? I’m certainly impressed with the time it now takes to go from shower to front door without having to fiddle about with brushes, styling products and hairdryer. Now if only someone could find a way to make the commute a little more bearable…

The InStyler is available to buy online here. You can also follow all of the action on Facebook, and on Twitter @instyler_europe.

All about the Instyler…

A selection of the easiest hair removal options available...

Long-lasting Removal

Permanent hair reduction is the holy grail when it comes to hair-free skin, so the latest developments are a godsend.  Obviously the easiest, although also the most expensive route, is a course of salon treatments.  The latest technology has moved away from the hair-burning lasers of yesterday to state of the art ultrasound that makes the whole process completely pain-free. Highly recommended is the Applisonix Selectif Pro Hair Removal system; the world’s first epilation machine to utilise ultrasound technology.  This groundbreaking method channels the ultrasound wave through the hair shaft and transforms the thermal energy through to the roots to heat, kill and remove the follicle.  As effective for fair skin as it is for darker skin tones, there are no side effects, no restrictions on exposure to the sun and there’s a 38% improvement after just two sessions, although a full course of six to eight sessions is recommended.

If committing to the expense of salon treatments seems too daunting, the latest home-use options are actually quite effective, albeit they can be more time-consuming. The Homedics mē is a salon treatment that you can use at home, promising a full body treatment in approximately 30 minutes, by combining both the power of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radio Frequency) energy. It’s clean, quick and easy to use, and is clinically proven to reduce body hair by up to 89% after four treatments, being suitable for the widest range of skin types and can be used on both the face and the body.

Still too much of an investment? The no!no! 8800 using Thermicon™ technology painlessly removes hair and slows down the rate of hair regrowth.  Using it around two or three times a week will result in thinner and finer regrowth.  While this does require a greater time commitment, it’s perfect for those who normally shave but want something more effective and with continued use, will result in near-permanent hair removal.

Hair Removal at Home

High-tech treatments are not for everyone and today there are some eco-friendly options available too.  Pink’s Boutique’s Soil Association-approved products include natural pre- and post-wax solutions made with soothing essential oils. You can ease the waxing process by prepping withe the organic pre-wax cleanser and a must-try is the  soothing after-wax Calming Lotion to really take the ouch-factor out of waxing.

If your pain threshold is even lower than waxing can accommodate, Sally Hansen’s Spray On, Shower Off Hair Removal Cream is a perfect choice for hair removal on the go.  You can use the drip-free mousse in the shower on arms, legs, bikini line and anywhere else!  The clever little spray even sprays upside down – so important for those hard to reach areas – and works well even on coarse, hard to remove hair.

Die-hard shavers will love the Venus Vibrance Razor from Gilette.  The girlie-pink razor has a soothing vibration motion that gently exfoliates skin as you shave to leave your skin looking radiant and fresh looking. The Vibrance has three ultra-thin blades for a close shave that lasts that little bit longer as well as moisture strips which lubricate the blades as you shave. Plus the ergonomic handle and soft grip make shaving quick and easy, even if you’re in a hurry.

And whatever method you choose, use the Veet Hair Minimising Moisturiser  to ensure that those little follicles don’t come back too soon! Suitable for daily use, the moisturiser softens re-growth and reduces the appearance of stubble, whilst hydrating deeply.

Tips on waxing from Expert Village

Ask any facialist, and they will tell you the key to beautiful skin is thorough cleansing.  Says facialist Sarah Chapman, “Cleansing the skin is hugely important in order to encourage and maintain healthy functioning skin.  It’s a step in our daily routine that is highly underestimated.  For heavily congested skin or the removal of a good night’s make-up, a double-cleanse really ensures the skin can breathe.  Without a thoroughly cleansed skin you may as well forget the rest, your other products will be moisturising dead cells and unable to absorb through the dirt and grime!”

Cleanse your way to beautiful skin with these must-have products

Current cleansing faves are cleansing balms that melt on contact with the skin, taking away all traces of dirt and make-up. Evolve’s Cleansing Melt, available from Cult Beauty contains no soap, petroleum, perfume chemical or essential oils so it’s perfect for even the most sensitive of skins.  It’s so versatile you could even use it as a body cleanser, shaving balm, and even a wash-off massage oil.  Just massage into the skin and rinse with warm water for clean, moisturised skin.

Elemis, a favourite brand of spa-junkies everywhere, says “ the key to skin radiance is the regular use of a prescribed cleanser.  It’s the key to effective absorption of your anti-ageing neck, eye and face-cream” and recommends daily use, morning and night of the correct cleanser for your skin type.   Try their Melting Cleansing Gel for a similar experience to the Evolve cleanser.

For high-tech cleansing, the Clarisonic is the key item most beauty editors wouldn’t be without.  Harnessing the same sonic technology used in sonic electric toothbrushes, the new Clarisonic Mia is the mini version of the original rechargeable Clarisonic which has won so many awards.  The vibrations from the gentle brush, when used in conjunction with a favourite cleanser, cleans super-deep into the pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping to reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes, to leave smoother, softer skin that looks visibly cleaner.  Best of all, it’s gentle enough to use everyday.

If the high-tech route doesn’t appeal, then Jane Iredale’s Magic Mitt is perfect, especially if your skin is highly allergic to just about everything.  This little cleansing cloth is full of tiny, soft, gentle microfibres which work with warm water to remove make-up and grime, including mascara, all without the use of a cleanser.

Daily cleansing is the cornerstone to any skincare regime, but regular exfoliation and even face-washes including glycolic or salicylic acid can really help keep the skin clear of the build-up of dead skin cells.  For a professional take on the subject, try the Professional Cleansing System by renowned facialist Emma Hardie.  The kit contains all you need for daily cleansing and weekly exfoliation, including a luxurious Moringa Cleansing Balm (which smells divine!), Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds and a Dual Action Cleansing Cloth.

To dislodge stubborn dead skin cells and oil from pores, try Micro Cleanse from skincare specialist, Alpha-H.  With 12% Glycolic Acid, cucumber extract and rice bran, this is not for sensitive skins, but performs nothing short of a miracle on congested, dull skin, revealing the radiant skin underneath that’s desperate to show itself!  Just make sure to use SPF 25 or above after using this or any other Glycolic product.

Whichever route you take to clean skin, never underestimate the importance of cleansing.  Facialist Julia Hart says, “People do not spend enough time cleansing their skin.  I advise to spend at least a minute of massaging in your cleanser, rinse thoroughly, and don’t forget to cleanse your neck!  Cleansing really is vital for an effective skincare regimen for an effective canvas for serums and moisturiser to penetrate.”

Cleansing tips from A Model Recommends

Refreshments at The Chelsea Day Spa

You’ve increased the intensity and frequency of your workouts, avoided ice creams in the park, and now indulgent mornings lazing on the beach are finally on the horizon. Well, you may have skipped steps one and two, but for most of us it’s that time of year – time to relax and enjoy a summer holiday.

And the best way to prepare for a week or two of relaxation? With a blissed-out couple of hours at the spa. The Chelsea Day Spa’s Beach Body Beautiful package is a multi-tasking selection of treats that will prepare you for lounging next to the pool, whilst taking some time out in tranquil surroundings. The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King’s Road in upmarket Chelsea, making it an ideal location to spend an afternoon with the girls. On arrival there’s a selection of refreshments on offer to make you feel at home, along with a warm welcome from the spa’s therapists, who really bring a personal touch to all of the services. The spa is prettily decorated, with fresh flowers, chintzy wallpaper and white furnishings; it’s a light, airy and feminine space – there’s no  New Age music or heavy incense here!

The package itself is a perfect mix of essential and luxurious pre-beach treatments and is guaranteed to put in you in the holiday mood.  There are three treatment options available of which you can choose any two as part of the Beach Body Beautiful plan. Depilation is a must at this time of year and so waxing (full leg, bikini, half arm, underarm and eyebrows are all included) is a certainly sage choice. Now for the indulgent bit; the spa’s New York manicure and pedicure – hands and feet are taken care of with a soak, massage and moisturising treatment, as well as the usual cuticle work and filing. There’s a dazzling range of Jessica nail colours to choose from, so you can select a shade to match your  swimwear.

A spray tan is a great way to get a blast of summer colour before you head to the sun and Vita Liberata’s odourless, organic tan is one of the best. There are three colour options available so that if you’re more of an English Rose than a Brazilian glamazon, you can be sure that you won’t look a fluorescent orange shade. Of course, it’s essential to exfoliate at home and skip the moisturiser so that your colour looks even and streak-free. Salon owner Faye Fasan is a pro when it comes to tanning and my tan lasted a full seven days and gave me a healthy glow that looked incredibly natural.

Even if you’re not jetting off beach-wards, the Beach Body Beautiful package is a delicious moment of summer indulgence, guaranteed to make you feel a million dollars – and in the mood for sipping a chilled cocktail whilst watching the sunset.

For more information on the Beach Body Beautiful package, see the Chelsea Day Spa’s website.

The cute boutique spa is located in a quiet spot just off the chic shopping territory of the King's Road in upmarket Chelsea...

Is it time to take care of your feet?

When the weather is grey and blustery we instinctively pop on our favourite pair of winter boots, ensuring that feet are hidden away from society, never to be seen until the sun and warmer temperatures return. However, the more savvy amongst us will know that to neglect your feet during the winter months will only result in a race to make them sensational for summer when the clocks go forward. Or if brighter days don’t prompt you to take care of your feet, this season’s fabulous new open-toe footwear certainly will; do not despair, it’s never to late and with a bit of  TLC you can get your tootsies into superb condition. The race is on…

Ready?

Neglected and abused feet usually suffer from cracked heels, callouses and corns making them unsightly and often painful, so where better to start than with some foot first-aid? There are a number of tools available that can be used to cure and prevent the build up of hard skin and prevent sore toes: Scholl’s Instant Hard Skin Remover is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, with safe blade technology to provide effective removal of hard skin, enabling you to achieve professional results at home. And to remedy unsightly corns, applying a corn remover solution that contains salicylic acid will gradually treat the hard skin that has formed on your toes.

To prevent hard skin and corns from coming back, try investing in gel-filled toe protectors; there’s no need to ditch the heels all together and if strategically placed nobody will ever know that your feet are in therapy. And ensure you moisturise and exfoliate on a daily basis!

Steady…

If that all sounds like hard work and you want instant results, you may have to visit a professional to get your feet into tip top condition. Just over a decade ago the high street pedicure was as obscure as the thought of watching your favourite film on your phone; now it seems that there is a nail parlour on every high street across the continent.

For the crème de la crème of pedicures visit a Bastien Gonzalez studio for a thorough treatment. With studios in the most luxurious spas in Europe, you will be in good hands. “Bastien’s Duo” is a fabulous therapy that is a favourite amongst his celebrity clientele; relaxing in a 180° reclining chair, you will be treated to an hour-long synchronised  treatment at the hands of two therapists, taking care of nails, hands and feet. It’s the ultimate in indulgent relaxation, so you can expect an appropriately luxurious price tag too.

Go!

Now that your feet are the epitome of red carpet-esque splendour, it’s all about maintenance and if you stick to it, you won’t have to be searching the Running With Heels archives this time next year to re-read this!

Add a flash of colour to your toe nails!

You can revive tired and dry feet on the go with Trilogy’s Everything Balm. This must-have product is a combination of antioxidant-rich organic marula and rosehip oils, both known for their skin healing properties, as well as ingredients including avocado, honey, jojoba and vitamin E which nourish deeply.  The balm get straight to work by softening even the driest elbows, knees, hands and of course feet. Pop this wonder product in your bag and whip it out as and when it’s needed.

As much as one would love to indulge in a professional pedicure on a regular basis, if you have ten minutes and a few ingredients you can create your very own pedi paradise in the comfort of your own home.

● Fill up a bowl with some warm water and add your favourite bathing products (we like the therapeutic Dead Sea Salts from Neal’s Yard Remedies) as well as a few drops of oil. This can be anything from baby oil to olive oil (try REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Oil for a truly delicious scent), then light a few candles and power up the iPod.

● Before you plunge your feet into the water, use a Diamancel Foot File to banish hard skin from your heels and the balls of your feet. After ten minutes slowly lift your feet out of the water and dry thoroughly.

● Now apply lashings of your favourite moisturiser to complete the treatment – highly recommended is the ultra-hydrating Shea Butter Foot Cream from L’Occitane. And to make them extra soft, try a pair of Bliss Sole Sister Softening Socks. These gel-lined self-activating socks further pamper your feet with nourishing olive and grapeseed oils and vitamin E, locking in moisture and resulting in supple, soft feet.

● Complete your D.I.Y treatment with a couple of coats of your favourite nail polish. Summer provides a great array of splendid seasonal colours but for the ultimate in glamour, red never fails, We’re loving The Thrill of Brazil by O.P.I for a true, tropical flash of scarlet, or a more discreet tone, try Essie’s Sand Tropez: a chic taupe shade that’s super flattering for tanned tootsies. Alternatively if you like your nails on-trend llamasqua’s Nail Varnish Set has four deep, dramatic tones that you’ll definitely want to show off.

So there you have it, beautiful feet ready to be presented to the world looking and feeling amazing. Now that you have great feet, try to keep up with your maintenance regime to ensure that they remain gorgeous 365 days a year!

The simply way to an at-home pedi