Every year when summer returns, I brace myself for higher temperatures and the realization that wearing sandals means my feet are going to need a lot more love. I'm a retired dancer, so things like cracked, dry heels, calluses, and rough texture aren't foreign issues to me, but that also means that I've spent a long time narrowing down my favorite products that can resolve said issues whenever showing my feet seems inevitable.
My routine isn't limited to just body lotions that keep my feet moisturized (although those are very important). I also look for exfoliators, masks, cleansers, and more—and I've gotten into the habit of using them year-round, since there's nothing more disappointing than putting on a pair of open-toed shoes on the first warm day of the year before looking down and remembering you've spent the last few months neglecting your feet.
Flawless heels and toes obviously aren't going to feasible all the time, but to see all of the products I'm keeping in rotation to keep my feet looking soft, fresh, and moisturized all summer, read ahead.
A Good Body Wash Is Key
Wearing sandals and open shoes on the streets of New York City in the summertime means you're bound to step on some questionable surfaces. A good foot care routine starts with a body cleanser so you can wash the day away once it's over.
Dove has an entire collection of serum body washes that target specific needs, but I go back to this hyaluronic acid-infused formula regularly. It's affordable, it gets me clean without drying out my skin, and one bottle is large enough to last me months at a time.
This shower oil has a gel texture that transforms into a foam. It has a pretty subtle scent but any time I use it in the shower, it feels like I'm giving myself my own private spa experience.
Don't Forget to Exfoliate
Dead skin cells can build up on your feet too. Slough away all that roughness with an exfoliating tool like a pumice stone or callus remover.
I like to keep one of these on hand to scrub dead skin off of my feet and give them a smoother appearance. Just a quick scrub in the shower is enough to make a difference.
If you need something a little more heavy duty, this tool gently exfoliates and comes with a cover that catches all of your scraped-off skin. It can be used on dry skin, but you might see better results by using a gel or wetting your skin beforehand.
Masks Are Your Best Friend
Masks are just another way to give the skin on your feet some extra attention when roughness appears. Just throw one on for a few minutes and your feet will feel baby-bottom soft.
Think of this as a sheet mask for your feet. It's infused with moisturizing avocado oil and can soften the feel of your feet in just ten minutes.
For skin that's a little bit more rough or callused, this foot mask works double duty by moisturizing the feet while also using AHAs to exfoliate hardened skin.
Follow Up With a Moisturizer
As long as you're putting lotion and moisturizer on your body every day, you shouldn't be skipping your feet. These are my favorite simple moisturizers to keep my skin hydrated and soft.
There's nothing more uncomfortable than putting on a greasy lotion right before slipping your foot into a sandal, which is why I prefer lotions like this one, since it moisturizes with shea butter but it doesn't make my feet feel slick or oily.
This one is also lightweight and non-greasy, but it's a good option if you want something that's scented and a bit more luxurious.
Finish Off With Polish
Once the skin on your feet is all taken care of, it's time to add some polish. White is my go-to in the summer, but you can obviously opt for any other pedicure color you like. Nudes are one of my favorites for the season.
You can't go wrong with any white nail polish, but I've found that this one is pretty long-lasting and looks fresh on my feet even weeks after I've gotten a pedicure.
Lastly, don't forget your top coat. This one adds shine to your nails and will keep your color in shape for as long as possible.
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