Feet Care with Flexitol

I make no secret of my hatred for feet, not just mine but everyone elses too! However, the lovely people over at Flexitol sent over the nicest of packages to encourage me to ensure I do take care of my feet. Flexitol was founded in 1922 by Thornton & Ross all of the products from Flexitol contain Urea; which is described as being a major constituent of the skin's natural moisturising factor, which improves hydration by increasing the water uptake from the dermis.

The three products I was kindly sent, include the intensely nourishing Foot Cream, Rescue Heel Balm and Rescue Hard Skin & Callus Balm.

Starting with the Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream, which is ideal for dry skin and if like me you have spent most of the Summer months wearing sandals and flip flops, you will definitely need to give those feet a bit of TLC.

Flexitol Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream is enriched in vitamin E and it also contains 10% Urea, in a rich and highly concentrated cream. What I like about this cream is that whilst it has a thicker texture than some other products I have tried, it isn't too thick that I have to spend longer touching my feet than necessary. Once the cream has absorbed, it really leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated, better still if you have used an exfoliator first to remove those stubborn bits of dry skin. This nourishing foot cream can also be used on your legs too!

The second product is Heel Balm, which is the number one bestselling product within the Flexitol range and it is said to be medically proven to provide relief from dry, cracked skin on heels and feet. 

This Heel Balm contains 25% Urea, as well as other skin-nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter, it is designed to deeply penetrate into the skin for intense moisturisation and hydration. This is a balm which is quite thick but given the job it has to do, then you would expect that. What I do is apply a thick layer to my feet and then wear socks over the top to really let the balm sink in and work its magic. Also, because it does take time to absorb, this is a product to use when you need to not be on the move or doing very much, so if you have a box set to catch up on, this is your excuse!  If I had to have a favourite product from the Flexitol range, then it would be this.

The final product is the Flexitol Rescue Hard Skin & Callus Balm and it is described as being an intensely softening balm that has been formulated to soften hard skin build up on the feet.

This balm, which contains 22% Urea and a blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) works to deeply penetrate and gently exfoliate hard or callused skin, all without harming the skin underneath. For anyone who is familiar with AHA's then you will know just how effective they are on the skin, particularly so for the feet. When I had an accident 4 years ago with my ankle, I tore the AFTL Ligament, which whilst still not right, I did have a callus form on the bottom of my foot where I developed a slight limp and nothing was working to shift it. Since using this product, there has been a noticeable difference, so I am hopeful that with continuous use it will right itself.

Flexitol products are widely available at places like Boots and priced from around £5 they are such an affordable brand and one which works so well.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Step This Way To Happy Feet

It looks as though Summer is finally on its way and despite my aversion to feet, including my own, if I want to wear sandals then my feet need to look less like trotters and much more (slightly) looked after.  So, the lovely people over at Happy Feet very kindly sent over a collection of products to help make this happen.

Did you know, more than a third of Brits are unhappy with their feet and in a recent survey, voted them their least favourite physical attribute! Seems I am not alone in my view of feet! So, armed with my package of treats, I took on the task of sorting out my feet.

Within this package I was kindly gifted four products to turn my feet from trotters into something much more respectable.

The first of those products is the Barefoot Ready Footner Exfoliating Socks, which I am a huge fan of.

With any product like this, you should always ensure you have freshly washed feet and have no open wounds - because they sting a lot otherwise! Then you need to find yourself around an hour to sit back, relax and let them work their magic. Once the socks have been applied to your feet, they are very plasticky feeling and once they have been secured in place, I wouldn't advise moving around because it is very slippy. So grab that book, get Netflix on or an eye mask and relax for 60 minutes. After that time, you are free to remove the socks and then massage any excess formula onto and into the skin of your feet. 

When using these types of products, the results are not immediate. I have found that the peeling process can start any time from a few days to around 10 days. Once the peeling does start, the advice is to not try to forcefully remove any skin because it might damage the underlying skin.

The second product is the CCS Foot Care Cream which is especially formulated for dry and callused feet. 

The formula contains 10% Urea, the moisturiser found naturally in the body, it’s job in this case is to soften hard, dry skin helping to keep it soft and supple, and help to prevent further problems developing. The cream, which isn’t too thick a consistency, is easy to apply to the feet and whilst it takes a few seconds of your time to massage it in, I always apply a fairly thick layer of cream and then apply socks over the top of that cream and let it work overnight, especially during flip flop season when I find the heels of my feet really suffer.

The third product I was kindly give comes from Nailberry Paris with the nail polish shade Bluebell. The L’Oxygéné collection of polishes use a patented technology to deliver what is referred to as a healthier manicure with no compromise on colour vivacity, shine or longevity. The patented technology works to deliver breathable, oxygenated and water permeable polishes which are vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and Halal certified.

Bluebell is a blueish-purple shade was created especially to capture the beautifully bright, creamy and characterful colour of the bluebell flower. Said to suit all skin tones, what I like about this polish is the wide, tapered brush which makes the application a breeze.

The final product is something everyone should have and that is a glass nail file.

This particular file is unbranded but it is slim in design with a pointed edge. My personal preference is to use a glass nail file rather than a traditional emery board file because they are so much more gentle on your nails. The grit that you can feel on a glass nail file is super finely sanded down so that means you will be able to create a much cleanser and smoother edge on your nails instead of a jagged, torn edge, so your nails should not peel and chip as easily as they might have done.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Temple Spa Mani-Pedi Cures Hand & Foot Care Essentials

Temple Spa, a brand synonymous with skincare and spa treatments recently launched their Mani-Pedi Cures Hand & Foot Care Essentials Range which I have been using for the last 6 weeks or so and it is such a great gift set.

Nestled inside the brightest and handy to have decorated tin, the Mani-Pedi-Cures hand & Foot Care Essentials, £30, is described as being the ultimate tin of everything you need to prep your hands, feet and nails for a manicure and pedicure from the comfort of your own home.  With it came the most beautiful collection of nail polish, which will feature in another post.

The Mani-Pedi-Cure collection features 5 essential hand and foot care products. It comes as no dramatic headline, but it always serves as a timely reminder that we use our hands and feet constantly, im not the biggest fan of anyone's trotters, including my own, but I still take care of them as best I can and Temple Spa make the task a whole lot more easier with products such as this.

All five of these products nestle neatly into this tin, so it is great for being able to keep your products together, always knowing where they are.

The First product out of the tin is Temple Spa Sugar Buff. Temple Spa describe this scrub as being their best and not only does it smell absolutely incredible, it is formulated with a whole host of incredible ingredients to leave your skin, on both your hands and feet incredibly soft and smooth.

Designed to remove dead and dry skin cells, this sugar inspired scrub also features a blend of hydrating olive and grape seed oil, fig, pomegranate, vitamin E plus a relaxing cocktail of essential oils including lavender, patchouli, clove, eucalyptus and rosemary. On the skin, you can definitely feel the scrub working on the skin, though it isn't abrasive and doesn't scratch the surface, instead it does a really good job at removing that skin.

The second product in the tin is a brand new product and one Temple Spa are really proud of and having used it I can see why, that product is the The From Strength To Strength Nail & Cuticle Treatment Serum.

This From Strength To Strength Nail & Cuticle Treatment Serum which is infused with a powerful blend of 65 minerals including calcium, zinc, Iron and magnesium which work to not only improve the condition of your nails but also those cuticles which, if you are anything like me, you neglect until they weaken and then need some TLC.   This treatment serum, which has a fairly thick texture, absorbs really quickly and leaves behind nourished feeling cuticles.

Palm Balm is one of Temple Spa's award-winning products which is an intensive hand cream for dry hands is luxuriously nourishing and hydrating. 

This Nourishing Palm Balm has a really lovely non-greasy texture which is really fast absorbing when applied to the hands. It is infused with the essential oils of lemon, lavender and bergamot, as well as extracts of aloe vera, jojoba to soothe, hydrate and moisturise. Plus there is the inclusion of both Vitamin C and E which together help to replenish and balance dehydrated skin as well as reviving dull skin.

Having looked after the palms of your hands the soles of your feet are just as important, after all they carry us and our stresses and worries around all day. Sole Balm, which is described as being a nourishing foot balm.

This balm, which again is non-greasy and absorbs incredibly quickly, is made up of a powerful blend of 22 Mediterranean essential oils help to alleviate tension and tiredness, as well as a plethora of botanicals and essential oils such as cocoa butter, honey, papaya, olive, soy and avocado which come together and work to deeply moisturise. Also included is a selection of exfoliating enzymes who gently work to slough away those dead and dry skin cells, so those rough bits of skin which can be too stubborn to disappear become softer and softer. Then finally we have the inclusion of both Peppermint oil and menthol which are incredibly soothing on the skin.

The final item within this Mani-Pedi-Cures selection is the Temple Spa Glass Nail File and if you have never used a nail file like this one, then you need to get one quick.

A glass nail file is an absolute must for anyone who wants to take care of their nails. Not only are they much gentler on your nails than the more traditional emery board files, the grit that you can feel on these glass nail files is super finely sanded down, which means you will be able to create a clean, smooth, “sealed” edge on your nails rather than a jagged, torn edge and in turn this means your nails will not peel and chip as easily as they might have done. I have definitely noticed a difference in my nails between switching from a traditional nail file to a glass nail file with peeling and chipping.

This Temple Spa Mani-Pedi Cures Hand & Foot Care Essentials Kit is really lovely to have and it would also make quite the gift, particularly because it is really well presented and it costs just £30, which is an absolute bargain.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

#Feelthepeel with Footner Exfoliating Socks

I don't like feet at all, I hate them being touched by anyone, including my own hands, but I still take care of them as much as I do any other part of my body and I even occasionally go and have a pedicure to ensure my feet look as good as they can do when wearing sandals or flip flops.  The lovely team over at Footner kindly sent over a Summer Ready foot care kit which contained everything I need to get my feet in top condition for this warm weather that is incoming.

One of those products is the Barefoot Ready Footner Exfoliating Socks which after not having a pedicure throughout the whole of lockdown or even 6 months before that, my feet needed all the help they could get before I was prepared to even think about wearing flip flops and sandals. 

Exfoliating Socks are something I have used for a good few years, some have quite mixed results and others work exceptionally well.  Hard, dry skin on your feet builds up over the winter and if left untreated, that skin can become callused, cracked and then the most simple of tasks such as walking become quite painful.  That is where products such as these exfolating socks are useful because they contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) which help to loosen that dead and dry skin whilst at the same time moisturising and conditioning the feet.

Using these socks is really easy and if you want an excuse to put your feet up for an hour to watch a a few episodes of your current Netflix show or to finish that book you have been meaning to read, this is the best time to grab the socks.  Whenever you use products such as this, the first piece of advice is to always soak your feet in warm water an this is because it helps with the exfoliating process, it is said that damp skin means the product absorbs much better.  So, I always grab everything I need - bowl of warm water to soak my feet in (not the one from the kitchen sink) a towel, a pair of scissors to open the packaging, my Kindle and we are good to go.  I tend to soak my feet for around 10 minutes or longer depending on how I am feeling at the time, no point in wasting that relaxation time!  Once that process is up, I pat my feet dry and then put the exfoliating socks on.

The socks are very plasticky and once they have been applied to your feet and secured in place, I wouldn't advise moving around because it is very slippy.  You will need to give the socks at least 60 minutes to work their magic and absorb the liquid which slushies around your feet.  Once that time is up, you will then need to remove the socks carefully and then rinse and dry my feet before going off to the shower to wash my feet properly and patting them dry again.

When using products such as these exfoliating socks, it is important to remember that the results are not immediate. Once the product soaks into your skin, you have to wait for the peeling process to start naturally, which can take anything from a few days to around 10 days, but during this time, you might notice your skin begins to loosen ready to peel, but the advice is to not try to forcefully remove any skin because it might damage the underlying skin. However, once that skin has loosened, I always use a foot file to remove any skin that seems to have not come away on its own.

These exfoliating socks from Footner are up there with the best I have used. They don't irritate my skin, they don't cause any irritations and they are extremely effective. You can find them on offer at Boots for just £7.99 and they are worth every penny.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Margaret Dabbs Bare Feet Collection + Competition

One brand which keeps my feet in the best condition they can be, one which has got me through lockdown without being able to go and have a pedicure is Margaret Dabbs.  The latest launch from Margaret Dabbs is Bare Feet, a collection which is described as being a smart, distinctive and effective way to give your feet the love they need, packed with great smelling, long lasting and hard-working ingredients including Manuka Honey and Ginger.

Bare Feet, the new collection from Margaret Dabbs is said to offer a simple, economical and easy remedy to create happy feet, alongside a happy environment, giving everyone the chance to put their best foot forward into Summer 2021.  This collection has something for every need your feet have, be it a cooling spray, a scrub or even a soothing soak, the Bare Feet ingredients are antibacterial, rich in antioxidants and also help prevent the ageing process, whilst the uplifting Green Tea fragrance combined with zesty Lime provides a refreshing treat for your feet.

The first product from the collection is one if the most important products you can have at home, even if, like me, you are really not a fan of feet. 

The Foot File (£12) is the easiest way to remove hard dead skin which can be really unsightly and in some cases painful. This file is podiatrist approved and with its long handle, it is easy to grip and work its way across that hard skin, especially on those heels which is where I always have a problem, but since using this file, my heel skin is left feeling soft and smooth

The Conditioning Foot Cream (100ml £8.00) is an absolute delight to use and not only is it suitable for all skin types, it is designed to hydrate dry or rough skin of the feet, and help to reduce the build-up of hard skin and callus, leaving feet feeling soft and smooth.

This intensive foot cream not only helps to treat dry, damaged feet and severely dry, cracked feet, it also hosts antibacterial properties which not only help to keep feet hygienic, healthy and protected, but can also help to treat the symptoms of common foot conditions such as Athlete’s Foot.  This cream is every bit as luxurious as it sounds and it is blended with energising Ginger extract, skin soothing Manuka Honey and nourishing Avocado Oil not forgetting the inclusion of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea & zesty Lime. 

If you need something a little more intensive to the cream above, then the Nourishing Cracked Heel Balm (100ml £8.50) which is designed to be used daily is one you need.

Designed to visibly improve the condition of cracked, sore feet, this balm uses healing Manuka honey, moisturising Sweet Almond oil, and antibacterial Eucalyptus alongside both Salicylic and Lactic Acids which help to gently resurface the skin. Again, as with the foot cream, there is also the inclusion of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea and zesty Lime. 

After a  long walk or exercise when you have tried aching feet, this Soothing Foot Soak (200ml £7.00) is just divine and my favourite product of the range.

I suffer with Plantar Fasciitis which can be incredibly painful and it flares up at random times usually without any signs whatsoever. One of the things I love doing is filling a bowl of either really warm or really cold water and soothing my feet. This soak, is formulated to cleanse, hydrate and refresh tired feet and legs and it uses reviving Ginger extract and calming and moisturising Manuka honey alongside antibacterial Eucalyptus.  Again, the inclusion of the uplifting fragrance of of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea and zesty Lime are present and it smells just incredible.

Margaret Dabbs makes some of the most incredible exfoliating foot scrubs and this one, which is part of new collection, Exfoliating Foot Scrub (100ml £8.00) is just divine.

This scrub, which includes the natural exfoliant of coconut, apricot stone and sweet almond shells to gently buff away dead skin cells. The scrub itself is quite runny compared to other scrubs I have used and it is just as effective.  It is blended with Ginger extract to energise the skin and ease muscle and joint aches, alongside the antibacterial and antibiotic qualities of Manuka honey and again, that uplifting scent of of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea and zesty Lime is also present.

As well as a relaxing foot soak, this Bare Feet Collection also features a Cooling Foot Spray (100ml £8.00) which is designed to instantly help cool and revive tired, aching feet and legs.

I have been nursing an ankle injury for almost three years and the Covid Pandemic hasn't helped with any treatment, so instead I've been following advice whilst being at home. One side of this injury is that it causes my ankle to be constantly swollen and painful and if I over-do the walking, it becomes painful to walk, so anything that I can use which is soothing. This spray is packed full of long-lasting and hard-working ingredients, blended with energising Ginger extract, skin soothing Manuka Honey and hydrating Aloe Vera. Again, this spray is beautifully scented with the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea & zesty Lime, providing a refreshing treat for your feet.

The final product within this Bare Feet Collection is the Cracked Heel Sealer (10ml £9.00) and its job is to form a thin, transparent barrier on the skin to prevent surface cracks from deepening.

This innovative dry heel solution forms a transparent, protective barrier on the skin to help prevent surface cracks from deepening or becoming more painful. The formula is a quick dry formula that locks in moisture to give a skin smoothing effect that lasts all day and as a product it should be used in conjunction with the Cracked Heel Balm and Conditioning Foot Cream to keep the feet, particularly the heels smooth, moisturised and hydrated.

As a collection of products, not only are they purse-friendly, they do everything that they promise to do and if you want to get your hands on them head over to the Bare Feet Instagram page where there is a chance to do just that.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Special Moments Mother’s Day Set - Margaret Dabbs London

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day which is said to be an annual reminder to say thank you to the special person who has done and still continues to do so much for you. Like many of you, I haven't been able to see my Mam in person for over a year now, the odd Facetime or text is as much as I have been able to do and whilst I do live over 200 miles away from my family home, I never forget Mother's Day. 

This year, Margaret Dabbs London has put together two wonderfully luxurious care packages as a gift to those people we call Mum, Mam, Mom, Step-mum, Mother and not forgetting those Gran's, Nan, Nanna, Grandma or whatever other affectionate name you might use. These packages have been carefully put together to ensure this person has everything she needs to have some time out for a pampering of her hands and feet, which of course for the time being will be at home.

Whether that’s mum, step-mum, grandmother or another special person who is always there for you, treat them with a pamper package to really make sure they feel loved this year, in true lockdown style. Margaret Dabbs London has put together two beautiful, luxury care packages that give her everything she needs to feel pampered from her hands to her toes. With anti-ageing ingredients that really work, these results-driven, highly effective treatment products for feet, hands and legs are a joy to use, and are sure to add a touch of indulgence to her day, no matter how busy her schedule.

The Special Moments Mother’s Day Set (RRP £55 - Offer Price £45) features four products to pamper those hands and feet and as I am a huge fan of the brand, I have been enjoying pampering myself.

The first product is the Crystal Nail File (£15) and it is one of the best nail files I have ever used and I always have one as a back up in my desk drawer. This nail file is regularly voted Best Nail File, that is how good it is.

This nail file is slim enough to fit into your makeup bag, weekend bag or even have on your bedside table and it has been designed in such a way that you can use it in both directions, backwards and forwards, across the nail and it is fine to be used on both fingers and toes because it isn't overly abrasive like other nail files I have used.

The second product is the Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen (15ml) and ever since it arrived, I have been obsessed with it and I am not the best at remembering to look after my cuticles.

My one issue with Cuticle oils is the faff and mess they create when being used, so most of the time I just don't bother with it, but this serum pen is a whole new ball game. The pin point dispenser, which gives this a crayon look, has been designed to ensure exact precision during the application stage of the serum every time with little or no wastage. The serum is enriched with both Emu and Tea Tree oils which together help to lock in moisture and then work transform dry, damaged nails and cuticles and effectively treats and protects against infection.

Is there ever a pamper pack without a hand cream? This Intensive Hydrating Hand Lotion, 75ml is absolutely divine and it is one of those that just shouts luxury.

This hand treatment is enriched with anti-ageing ingredients such as Hempseed Oil, White Water Lily and Kelp, all of which are usually reserved for facial skincare products. Designed to instantly hydrate, plump the skin, improve skin firmness, elasticity and collagen levels as well as boosting the skin’s moisture levels. The hand lotion smells absolutely beautifully with the scent of Geranium and Mandarin, which delicately lingers on the skin after using.

With this hand treatment, you need just a small, the forums is non-greasy, and added to the ingredient list is the added benefit of Comfrey, which with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, also to help soothe and protect the hands.

Finally within this gift set is the Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion (75ml). I am a huge fan of this Foot Lotion and it’s formula and I’ve taken to using it 2-3 times a week to keep my feet in good condition after using a peeling mask. 

This foot lotion has been expertly formulated to work on a treatment level, much like the rest of the products within this collection, for this one we have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and hydrating properties all in play.

Described as being a lotion helping to protect against the natural ageing process of the feet and gait related changes, which in turn can lead to common foot complaints including dehydrated skin, hard skin build up and tired aching feet, this product is also and good for bone and joint inflammation. 

On the feet, this lotion is delightful to use and it immediately absorbs on contact, moisturising an hydrating the skin of the feet to leave them feeling fresh, soft and smooth to the touch.

Without question, these products from Margaret Dabbs London* are as luxurious as it gets when it comes to products for the hands and feet - they are very much more treatment than your average high street cream. Together they create a wonderful pampering routine for the most hardworking parts of the body - your hands and your feet!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Margaret Dabbs Pure Gold Elixir For Feet

Giving the gift of wow comes easy with Margaret Dabbs products, of which I am a huge fan and I featured a few of the products here. Today I am sharing the Pure Gold Elixir for Feet and it is every bit as luxurious as it sounds!

This luxurious gift arrives in a beautiful white custom made presentation box with gold foiled crest as well as a ‘Pure Feet’ illustration. Also clearly visible is the product name, ‘Pure Gold Elixir’ which is embossed in white on the sides. Opening the magnetic closing, inside, the interior wallpaper of the box features a contemporary liquid gold marbled design with product and ingredient story visible to read. In the centre of the box, standing on a stage is the Antique gold, recyclable glass bottle with exclusive gold foiled Margaret Dabbs London crest depicting the botanical ingredients used to create this luxurious lotion.

Margaret Dabbs' Reviving Elixir is described as being an expertly formulated lotion which is enriched with Colloidal Gold. Colloidal gold is known for its ability to heal micro damage and its strong anti-inflammatory properties which in turn helps to reduce redness and swelling. This makes it an ideal ingredient for those who suffer with sensitive, dry and irritated skin, ageing skin and inflammation caused by conditions such as bunions and one of the issues I suffer with - plantar fasciitis .  Also included is Buriti, Calendula and Hempseed which come together to help combat signs of ageing as well as helping to soothe dry, cracked skin. The best part? It smells absolutely incredible and that comes from the inclusion of both Bergamot and Petitgrain.

The lotion itself is lightweight and non-greasy when applied to the feet and it is something you are encourage to use daily to keep them in tip top condition.   For me, this Elixir is an absolute treat to use and when used in conjunction with the Exfoliating Foot Scrub as part of a pampering routine, it creates a wonderfully scented atmosphere and a great treat for your feet too.

Priced at £85, you can find this Pure Gold Elixir for Feet via Margaret Dabbs, Lookfantastic*, Harrods*, Net a Porter* and of course Liberty*.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Flexitol | Effective Foot Care Products

I make no secret of my hatred for feet, so when Flexitol invited me to a Pedicure party, it was the promise of champagne which drew me in.  Despite my hatred towards feet, I do do my best to ensure mine is in good condition, the thought of anyone else having to touch them for any form of treatment just makes my stomach churn.  Anyway, the pedicure party was held at the stunning Townhouse Nail Bar here in London's Fitzrovia and it is a stunning venue with just about everything you can think of for a bit of pampering for your nails.

The Pedicure Party was held in conjunction with Flexitol, a brand which was founded in 1922 by Thornton & Ross and terms such as 'Professional foot care every step of the way', Flexitol continuously researches the latest ingredients and formulation blends and use only the highest quality ingredients; manufactured in state of the art facilities. All of the products from Flexitol contain Urea; described as being a major constituent of the skin's natural moisturising factor, which improves hydration by increasing the water uptake from the dermis. For those whose skin lacks a natural moisturising factor, a product containing Urea can be used to replicate the hydration process. 

• Enhances the skin's ability to retain water
• Reduces water loss from the skin
• Improves the amount of water the skin can hold

I was kindly gifted four products from quite an extensive catalogue of products and I have been using for the last month on my feet and they include:

Moisturising Foot Foam (£8.99) - is my favourite product from the brand so far and it is described as being a fast-acting and intensive treatment for very dry or rough skin.  

What I love about using it is just how convenient it is to use because not only does it dry super quick, it means I don't have to spend longer than necessary touch my feet! 

Heel Balm (£5.09) - said to be medically proven to provide relief from dry, cracked skin on heels and feet. It contains 25% Urea, as well as other skin-nourishing ingredients, designed to deeply penetrate into the skin for intense moisturisation and hydration.  

I don't have any issues with cracked heel skin, but I do often find that if I have worn flip flops for long periods of time, the skin does harden slightly.  So I have used this Heel Balm on my feet and it does have quite a thick texture to it, so once you have applied it, you do need to allow it to fully absorb before you can get up and walk around.

Moisturising Foot Cream (£5.99) - This cream is enriched with Vitamin E and contains 10% Urea.  It is quite a rich cream and it does an incredible job at moisturising and hydrating the skin on your feet.  

It doesn't have quite the thick texture of the heel balm, so it does absorb really easily and as well as using it on your feet, it can also be used to treat dry skin your legs too. 

Cuticle and Nail Cream (£5.29) - this cream helps to repair, condition and protect the cuticles and skin around the finger and toenails.  I hold my hands up and admit that I neglect my toenail cuticles, they are just not something I had given a lot of thought to until my pedicure.  

The cream not only helps overcome the ragged edges associated with dry cuticles but it also helps to restore moisture to the cuticles which in turn keeps them soft and supple. In addition, Flexitol Cuticle and Nail Cream conditions your nails, improving the appearance and promoting healthy nail growth.

Flexitol is available in over 40 countries across the world and here in the UK you can find it in most supermarkets, Boots, Superdrug and other leading pharmacies and prices start at just £5 with Boots currently having a buy one get a second one half price offer HERE.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Products You Need To Get Your Feet Ready For Spring?

It is no secret that I hate feet, but more than that, I am really not a fan of having them touched by other people, though I can just about stomach my own hands touching them. In order to ensure no-one else needs to come near my feet, I do take care of them, as I do with my hands, face, body and so on. I have an abundance of products that I use to rub, scrub, smooth and smoothe my feet with because nothing gives me the heebeejeebees more than the thought of having to visit a podiatrist!

Now Spring has sprung (somewhere), it is time to remove those socks and tights you have so perfectly hidden your feet away in over the colder months and dust off those pretty sandals, flipflops and wedges you bought in the Summer sale to get some wear out of them. But, before you do that, there is a whole host of things you need to get those feet ready to be on show to the world.

For me, the first thing I always do is grab a foot mask and I tend to opt for ones which come with their own booties. One of the best masks I have used for my feet comes from Tonic15 and it is the Love.edellis Foot Mask (£5 here). 

Using Honey extract which increases skin firmness and retains moisture, Menthol because it hosts antibacterial properties and also helps to hydrate dry skin as well as Macadamia oil which works to soothe the skin. To use, always ensure your feet are clean and then remove the foot mask boots from the packet and apply them to your feet, just like a pair of socks.  Unlike similar products, these masks have a tightening stud so they don't hang off your feet.  After twenty minutes, you remove the boots and if there is any excess serum, massage it into your feet and let them work their magic.

If you need something a little more hardcore to help remove dead and dry skin, then Tony Moly Super Peeling Liquid foot masks are the ones you need and whenever I see these on offer in TKMaxx, I stock up, but you can also grab them on Amazon or Boots*. 

This Super Peeling Liquid has a unique formula fortified with fruit extract and it is a gentle way to remove layers of dead skin cells from your feet. Inside the box, you will find a pair of single-use plastic socks and the Super Peeling Liquid to ensure you get those soft, smooth feet.  To use, you apply the plastic looking socks, which I always find are slightly too big but they do have ties at the top so you can safely secure them in place, but you do need to leave them on for around an hour to 90 minutes, so grab that book you have been meaning to finish reading or finish writing that blog post.  Within 5-7 days you will notice the skin on your feet begins to loosen as the fruit extracts work their magic over that time and you will be surprised how much skin comes away!  Thankfully, after looking like a snake shedding its skin, you are left with incredibly smooth skin.

If that sounds a little too grim for you, then you could grab the Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Foot Care System (£39.99 in Boots*).  It helpfully comes with an extra Coarse Roller Head which has long-lasting micro-abrasive particles which now includes finely ground diamond crystals. 

Having used a previous design from Scholl, this one is so much better at removing dead and dry skin in one go, so there is no need to spend an age trying to remove it and there is little need to use the device too regularly. On its own, this device retails for £39.99 so the kit as a whole is an absolute bargain.

Just like the rest of your body, your feet do need moisturising help. From L'Occitane, I have been using the Shea Intensive Foot Balm (£23 here*) which is an ultra-rich version of the iconic Shea Foot Cream, specially adapted for very dry skin. 

Enriched with a high concentration of Shea butter (25%), this repairing foot cream works to intensively nourish the skin. Concentrated in D-Panthenol and allantoin, it helps to immediately soothe the feet, bringing them comfort, reducing roughness and fighting against dryness. I love how rich and luxurious this balm textured cream feels on my feet and the best part? It absorbs into the skin incredibly quickly, so I don't have to sit and massage my feet for too long.  For added moisture, you can also apply a thicker layer to the skin and then, use cotton socks and leave on overnight. Every single time I have used this balm, it has left my skin soft, supple and incredibly smooth to the touch.

I would love to know what you use to ensure your feet are kept looking their absolute best as we move from Winter to Spring.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.