This Luxe Foot Care Routine Keeps My Feet Soft and Moisturized All Summer Long

No dryness here.

A photo of a person's foot in a white strappy sandal
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Danielle Jackson
Senior Beauty Writer

Danielle Jackson is the senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.