Anna McGeachie breaks out the Birkies! We Love It: Hello Summer Feet... 14 In readying myself for summer, I have purchased myself a new pair of ‘Birkies’. During the process, it dawned on me that this means I will have to face the reality of getting my feet out....eek! I am sure this is something many across the land will sympathise with. Feet the length and breadth of Scotland have been ensconced for months and months in layers of socks and boots. And the truth is unkempt feet and toes are really not a pretty sight! So, what steps can we take to prep our scaly tootsies for public viewing over the coming months? I decided to take action and consulted with my friend and neighbour Charelle Gallacher, an excellent beautician and owner of Beauty by Charelle. I gingerly broached the subject... would she mind doing something with my plates of meat? Short of performing some sort of miracle, I was unsure as to what exactly Charelle would actually be able to do, and felt a little nervous about a non-stranger studying my less-than-perfect dewbeaters so closely. I was assured that I should not worry, that part of a beautician’s role is to deal with such things, and complete discretion was assured. I was advised, upon inspection that, in fact, the situation was not as terrible as I had first anticipated; the damage was reversible, with a little tlc. And so she set to work! My feet were left feeling remarkably smooth after winter skin had been filed away, and some fabulously luxuriant cream applied. Then it was the turn of the toenails, which were filed and shaped to perfection, before having a coat of a wonderful summery gel colour. A well applied varnish to the toenails makes such a difference and should be long-lasting. And I do love a matching finger and toenail. I can honestly say that after an hour or so with beautician attention, your feet will be left feeling like new, smelling wonderful and ready for summer action! If you’re not lucky enough to have a wonderful beautician neighbour or friend, there are many other options. Laura’s Nail and Beauty Lounge in Bridge of Weir offer a wonderful treatment for this very issue - ‘The Podicure’. It is comprised of half an hour with a professional podiatrist, followed by a pedicure with gel polish. Alternatively, make an appointment with a chiropodist, where your feet will be beautifully smoothed, and any problem areas will be seen to as well. There’s also Sole Solution in Kilmacolm, a podiatry clinic and footwear specialist. So don’t hide your feet away, don’t be afraid – the solution is easy and actually very relaxing! Tips From The Professionals • Soak your tootsies. Use Epsom Salts or tea tree oil to cleanse. • Exfoliate. Profusely. • Moisturise – use a thick emollient cream or Vaseline and slap it on your feet on a daily basis. • If you can bear it, wear socks to bed after said moisturisation – this will ‘lock in’ the moisture. Do this a couple of times a week if you can. • Tidy up your cuticles. • Polish up – apply a bright fresh colour for summer. • Don’t forget a base coat under the polish, unless you want your toenails forever stained a delightful nicotine yellow shade.
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