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PHOTO: BIJOY GHOSH

CATCH THEM STARING Feet, whether well-groomed or unkempt, attract attention

It’s party season alright and as we all know, peep shoes are the hottest footwear this season.

This gives you all the more reason to take good care of your feet.

Due to much exposure, hardened skin and soles may make your feet appear quite unsightly.

“There is no need to fear, though,” says beautician Kim. “Without spending a fortune on professional pedicures and foot spas, one can keep one’s feet soft and beautiful,” she adds. Anjum Sait, a spa owner, says: “Keeping one’s feet clean is the first and most important step towards achieving lovely feet.” Moisturising them daily is also vital.

Here are some trouble-free do-it-yourself tips that experts around the city suggest. “Pumice stones are the cheapest and best tools for exfoliation,” Kim explains. While taking a shower, one must rub the hardened and dead skin of the soles with a pumice stone.

A word of caution: do not scrub your feet until they are softened by the water or else you could damage them.

“Follow up action is necessary,” advices Sandra Gordon, a student.

She says: “After having scrubbed the hard skin off, use a good foot cream or moisturiser.” However, one is warned to dry the feet completely before applying a good amount of moisturiser on them.

This routine must be followed diligently before going to bed each night. Experts advise that it is best to sleep with feet protected and encased in socks.

This will yield smooth feet in the morning. While you have taken care of the major part of your feet, do not neglect your nails. “Nails are like the icing on top of the cake,” quips Melinda Rosario, another beautician. “This is why nail care is a must.”

Well-groomed toenails are noticed immediately and dirty-looking or chipped nails are noticed even faster than that. Clip them regularly.

“Extra long nails are a turn off,” states Rosario. Ensure that you clip your nails carefully without hurting the layer of skin around and beneath the nail.

While applying nail polish, make sure that you have taken off the remains of the previous coating.

Sandra warns: “Do not apply the second coat of nail polish until the first coat has dried completely.

This is to avoid bubbles from being formed that would give the nails an uneven landscape.”

If you do not like applying nail polish, see that you shine your nails with a nail brush regularly. Never compromise on foot care.

Do not hesitate to indulge yourself in a relaxing foot massage as often as possible. A foot massage at least once a month will keep your feet soft and glowing, and have every woman envious of your happy feet.

While these are only some simple tips that have been provided, the importance of a monthly pedicure must not be undermined.

Here is an easy five-step pedicure-at-home routine that you can follow.

“Giving yourself a pedicure at home is no big deal,” says Amrita Noronha, a homemaker.

Keep in mind that you must seat yourself comfortably, rest your feet on a stool and keep the pedicure essentials (nail file, cuticle oil, tub of warm water, nail polish and towel) around you.

•Take all old nail polish off of toenails with polish remover.

Wash your feet thoroughly, and then get rid of any dirt under nails.

•File your toenails with the nail file.

Stop when nails are nicely rimming the curve of your toes, and brush away the nail dust left behind with a nail brush.

•Next, place your feet in the basin of warm water and let them soak for a while. Dry them gently with a towel.

•Rub cuticle oil into your nails.

Let them dry. Apply some lotion over your feet.

•When feet are completely dry, apply the first coat of nail polish. This is known as the base.

Warning: Too many coats of polish can promote chipping.

Nail gloss may be applied thereafter.

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