Warm weather is here and little piggies everywhere and revealing themselves for the first time in months! As women bravely strap on their gladiator sandals and opened toed heels for the first few times, they may be taking a look at their feet and saying, maybe I should have splurged for that pedicure after all!
With the economy struggling and more women forgoing their weekly manis and pedis, at-home spa treatments are quickly gaining popularity. What was once thought of as a teenage bonding experience is now a necessity for professional women everywhere who want to keep their feet looking attractive all summer long.
According to Dr. Oliver Zong, a top podiatrist based in New York City, “at-home pedicures are a great option not only for women who want to save on money, but also people who want to avoid potentially dangerous conditions at their local spa.” Dr. Zong has some simple tips to help you keep your feet looking great all summer long!
Dr. Zong’s Tips for a Healthy Home Spa Experience
Bacteria can flourish in dark, wet places, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet. Be sure to sanitize your nail clippers by soaking them in boiling water and wiping them down with rubbing alcohol every few weeks
Say NO to self-surgery! Anything that hurts, such as removing deep-set ingrown toenails, will cause more damage than good. If you have a painful nail, see a doctor right away
Check expiration dates for beauty products like scrubs, lotions, or soaks. Open containers that sit around for a long time unused can collect bacteria and easily infect cuts in your feet – including blisters
Use simple Epsom salt and warm water to relieve and revive tired feet. It often has similar properties as fancy spa soaks but can cost several dollars less at a drug store
Give your toes time to breath. Nails are their healthiest when they are exposed to air and water. When changing nail polish colors, check nails to make sure they are not discolored – this is a classic sign of toenail fungus and can go unnoticed if nails are always painted
About Dr. Oliver Zong
Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan's influential Financial District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country, he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC FOOTCARE and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Besides traditional and cosmetic foot surgery, Dr. Zong is also an accomplished cryosurgeon and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York. He is an attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Cabrini Medical Center, and Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Dr. Zong graduated as Valedictorian from New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned his degree, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com.
Spring
Pretty Pedicures: How To Pamper Yourself At Home!
With the economy in a bit of a–how to put this mildly?–shambles, many women are on the lookout for ways to cut expenses. One easy way is to skip a professional pedicure or two, and conquer the task at home! The products below will help simulate that spa experience, right in your bathroom!
Every pedicure starts with a bit of R&R. Massaging your own feet isn't quite as rewarding as having someone else do it for you. Instead, start your home pedicure with this simple product that counters the ill-effects of your stilettos. Pampered Toes delivers a stretch similar to a well-known yoga exercise, and is so easy to use! Simply thread the gel form between your toes, and relax for about 10 minutes. When you remove them, you'll be amazed at just how refreshed your feet feel. Pampered Toes helps to reduce aches and pains, and delivers the most amazing relaxation to abused little tootsies! I'm now in the routine of using them almost nightly, and I don't even wear heels! Pampered Toes retails for only $10. Click HERE to visit the Pampered Toes website. |
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During a recent pedicure, I was alarmed when the pedicurist waved off my Credo blade. Apparently there had been an "incident" in the salon, and the employees were no longer allowed to wield the Credo and its mighty (but potentially dangerous) blade. Luckily, the spray callous remover she used worked just as well. At home, I'm using VB Cosmetics "Be Silky" spray to replicate the salon experience. It softens callous for easy filing and buffing, no dangerous blade needed! Follow the instructions carefully, this is powerful stuff! Be Silky Callus Spray retails for $10. Click HERE to check it out at the VB Cosmetics website. |
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After soaking and relaxing, it's time to get to work! Luckily, with products like Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi scrub, you won't need to work hard. This hard-core scrub makes history of dead skin cells, and simultaneously moisturizes dry skin. The best part? 60 Second Mani-Pedi smells like you're standing in the center of an orange grove during harvest. Retail price is $25 for a 12 oz. jar. Click HERE to check it out at Barielle.com. |
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You've just invested a bit of time, pampering your feet and smoothing your skin. To ensure your feet continue to look hydrated and smooth long after your pedi, Borghese offers Crema Divina. This ultra-rich leg and foot cream contains grape seed, olive and sunflower oils combined with Borghese's Acqua Di Vita Complex. Skin feels softer the second it comes in contact with this incredible formula! Crema Divina retails for $15. Read more on the Borghese website, or buy it at Ulta.com. |
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Last–but not least–comes the polish! The recently released Borghese Gardens collection features gorgeous shades of purple and pink that are ideal for the toes! Borghese's long-wearing nail lacquer is free of Toluene, DBP and Formaldehyde. The swatches below are actual images of the Borghese Gardens nail lacquer on my nails (cuticles cropped out to protect the not-so-innocent)! Each nail has two coats of polish, and no top coat. Pictured from left to right: Primula Primrose, Argento Mist, Campanula Bellflower, Giardino Heather, Peonia Blossom and Piccola Tulip. Borghese nail lacquer is available at drugstores nationwide. Retail price is $8. |
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On the road? H2O+ has the solution! The Hands & Feet Therapy Collection contains FAA approved sizes of spa-quality pedicure product, perfect for hotel-room pampering. Included in the set: softening mint foot rub (so invigorating), pumice foot scrub, pumice nail brush and hand and nail cream. Retail price is $24. Click HERE to head to H2O+ to read more about the collection. When you fall in love, head back for the full-sized versions! |
Like what you just read? Be sure to head to the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog homepage for more makeup reviews, product swatches and beauty news.
Time Off!
Raging Rouge is taking Memorial Day off! Be sure to head back tomorrow. I'll be posting a list of must-have products for a home pedicure that can't be missed! Have a great day.
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