After pounding the pavements in New York and Madrid my feet
had taken a bashing. They really were in need of some TLC, so it was off to the
Urban Retreat at Harrods, London to see Chloe who, in my books, is the best filer, buffer and painter in town.
A pedicure especially for sandal season when your feet are
on show is not a luxury it is a necessity.
“It is important to keep your feet well moisturised,” said
Chloe. “So many people don’t use a moisturiser every night before going to bed.
If your feet aren’t too dry then use a light lotion such as Leighton Denny Sole
Pleasure (£9.50, urbanretreat.co.uk/beautique).
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| Nail Loft, Urban Retreat Harrods |
“If you have been wearing open-toed or/and backless shoes
you may find that you need something more heavy duty such as Vaseline.”
I have to admit that I always slather my feet in Vaseline
(not between the toes). I have tried lots of creams from the cheap to the
expensive, but nothing seems to leave your tootsies as soft. Chloe’s tip is to
apply it at night so there is plenty of time for it to absorb into the skin.
After soaking my feet, Chloe set to work beginning with my
nails. “The length should be just below the top of the skin,” she said. “You
don’t want to have them too long so they catch or too short in case you are
prone to ingrown toenails. File straight across and soften the corners.”
Chloe noticed that I had a nail that had slightly lifted.
This had never happened before, but onycholysis apparently is common in adults
of all ages and sexes. Separation occurs gradually and can be caused by trauma
(I had banged my toe) or not being careful when you use tools to clean
underneath the nail.
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| Essie Mademoiselle |
Luckily, as mine was really not bad, Chloe managed to cut
off the offending part of the nail and it now seems OK. You have to wait until
the nail grows out, which will take months, until it is completely healed.
Chloe’s advice to keep feet in good condition is to have
regular pedicures. “Also make sure that your shoes fit properly. Il-fitting
shoes only cause problems such as corns, damaged toe nails and, of course,
general discomfort.”
The best-dressed toenails, this summer, according to Chloe
are wearing pastels or brights. “A nude is always chic and classy,” she said.
“Essie Ballet Slippers is a classic pale pink.”
I went for Essie Mademoiselle, a pretty sheer milky pink.
“It makes your feet look tanned,” said Chloe.
After the “Chloe treatment” my feet looked amazing and were
ready to be back on show.
By Daralyn Danns
Custom Pedicures from £57. For more information and
appointments visit www.urbanretreat.co.uk
