Beauty Bits and Tips:  a few more beauty hints from us

Okay, I admit it, my feet are not my best feature.  In the winter, I don't have to think about them that often, but in the summer, there they are out there and staring me in the face.  For years, it was not a pretty sight, but a few years ago I took the bull by the horns and decided to do something about it.  So, here a few tips that have worked for me.

Splurge on a professional pedicure - I don't know what took me so long, but this is something I finally figured out.  It is the number one thing that has taken my feet out of hiding.  Now, I'll admit that I'm not too handy and maybe you can do your own pedicure.  But, it's hard to get to your feet and do the same job that a pro can.  I find that getting a professional pedicure every four weeks keeps my feet in shape.  (I'll admit that in the winter sometimes I drag the time out.)

Pick a polish that is neutral and compliments your skin tone - Trendy can be great and I admire those who wear those over-the-top colors.  Sometimes, though, those toes may look awful with some of your sandals or a particular outfit.  Neutral is always safe.  Also, when choosing your color remember that polish often looks very different in a bottle than it does on your nails.  So, test the color on your own nails to see if it compliments your skin tone.  For the same reason, don't pick a color simply because its popular or it looks great on your friend.  For example, I have a lot of yellow in my skin so I will typically wear either a light mauve shade, a relatively dark red, and certain light pinks and beiges (usually with a brownish undertone).  All of these shades are pretty neutral and look great next to my skin. On the other hand, the corals and many of the pinks and beiges that I love on others look just dreadful on me!

I like my toes slightly darker than my fingers.  So, I either find two complimentary colors (one lighter and one darker but similar in shade) or layer a coat of two different colors on my fingers and toes.  (Layering gives an unlimited number of color possibilities and a good manicurist can help you find the right shades to achieve a great color.)  Also, I like to have a bottle(s) of the same polish at home for touch ups between appointments.

Take care of your feet between pedicures

• Use a foot cream - There are SO many out there that there's bound to be one just for you.  CosmeticMall.com, drugstore.com, and Sephora.com (among others) carry a vast assortment.

• Remove Calluses - Find a tool (pumice stone, file, etc.) to smooth the bottoms of your feet between pedicures. drugstore.com has a good variety of these tools.  I would avoid callus shavers as I have been told they can ultimately do more harm than good. 

• USE A SUNSCREEN - One summer I was careless about putting sunscreen on my feet.  Guess what?  The straps on my every day sandals left unsightly white stripes across the tops of my feet.  Not a great look.