ABOUT FACE:I REALLY WANTED to wear my new Chanel shoes to the barbecue, but what if I had to stand on the grass? What if it rained? What if there was a gravel driveway to walk up? I realise that it is crazy to love a pair of shoes to the extent that I don't want to wear them outside, in case the soles get scuffed. Now that's ridiculous isn't it? My Chanel wallet comes out far more than it should and I don't seem to have a problem with that.
The power of a good shoe cannot be underestimated. You walk differently, look slimmer, sexier, your legs look longer, and best of all, it doesn't matter what dress size you are. I've noticed that the women of Ireland are defying the weather and wearing sandals, probably the ones they picked up for half nothing at the sales. So be sure, sisters, that your feet are in tip top condition.
Whereas a professional pedicure is a real treat (and a great gift), there is something equally indulgent and even cosy about having your feet soaking in a basin in front of the TV. Adding salt or lemon juice is cleansing, refreshing and cheap. Pat your feet dry and then you can tackle the less than glamorous side of foot care - cracked heels and hard skin. Well, it's no wonder, our poor feet take the brunt of carrying us around - apparently, we walk around the globe not once but three times during a lifetime.
There are a number of ways to remove this superfluous skin, from a pumice stone to the latest in state of the art foot care, the Artemis Heel Smoother. This is a pedicure appliance which uses the same technology as salons to smooth and soften feet and takes just five minutes a week. It costs €29.95 from www.lifestoogood.ie.
Using a foot file is another option, and the Diamancel range is the be all and end all of files and buffers. There are medium and hard files to cover all your needs. It's a lifetime investment, and costs £39 from www.hqhair.com.
I like to give feet another soak in fresh warm water and a final buff before moisturising. Of course you can use a regular body moisturiser on your feet, and I love massaging Johnson's Baby Oil on my feet at bedtime, but a dedicated foot cream might give a more intensive treatment. Estée Lauder has a two-in-one product, Mani Pedi cream (€24.50), which comes in a generous size tube. I have a soft spot for The Body Shop's Cooling Peppermint Foot Lotion (€13.70) as it seems to energise and refresh at the same time - great after a long day. Decléor Comfort Foot Cream (€25) is the perfect partner to its gorgeous Nail Oil (€54), a pure concentrate of essential oils for optimum nail care. Vichy has a wide range of foot care products including a lovely foot scrub and an anti-perspirant, both selling for €8.50.
Finally, a word about problems with your favourite foot candy. I've been saved from many a painful night in new shoes by Compeed's Blister Plasters, (€6.99). In fact, I now apply them as a matter of course when breaking in a new shoe.
And what better to cheer you up than a lovely neutral nail polish? Two of my current favourites are Chanel's Antelope (€20.50), a lovely iridescent pearl, and Estée Lauder's Antique Rose (€17.50), a feminine dusty pink. Toe tappin' good.
pclarke@irish-times.ie