Soft and Smooth Sandal-Ready Feet for Spring

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This winter my feet have been hidden in socks and UGGS, and I decided that it was time to exfoliate some of the dead skin cells in preparation for the warmer weather on the horizon. What I really wanted to use was one of those fabulously effective exfoliating foot masks, but I don't have any at the moment. Therefore, rather than purchasing more, I decided to try something that I already had on hand.

I decided that I would try my bottle Cure Natural Aqua Gel ($39.00 for 8.5 oz. from the Cure Amazon Store. Full review HERE) and my Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14.00 for 8 oz. from Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Space NK, Macy's and Bloomingdale's) to see how they would work.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a very fun exfoliant to use because after you massage it into your skin for a short amount of time it transforms into a rather milky gel that causes dead skin cells to pill on the skin. The next step is to simply rinse the gel and dead skin cells off of your face or body, and you will be delighted by the extent to which your skin is left soft, smooth, supple and luminous. I routinely use it on my hands and feet, and am thrilled by the results. Furthermore, it is fragrance-free, free of harmful chemicals and so satisfying to use!

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is a gentle non-foaming cleanser that removes every trace of makeup. This hardworking cleanser lifts dead skin, oil, dirt, and makeup, but does so without stripping the skin. After use my skin is left unbelievably clean, silky and soft. It leaves my feet soft, smooth and gently exfoliated– thanks to the enzymes that sweep away dead skin cells. The results are slower than Cure Natural Aqua Gel because that causes dead skin to pill up and roll away immediately, but Mario Badescu does prove effective.

Neither of these cause the radical peeling of sheets of skin the way foot exfoliating masks do, but both actually do work quite well on the feet.

Here are the easy steps that I followed:

1) Soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin, and then pat dry with a towel.

2) Use Cure Natural Aqua Gel or Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel: Massage into feet for a few minutes. The former should be massaged until skin begins to pill and roll away, and the latter only needs to be massaged into feet for a few minutes to let the enzymes work their magical powers of exfoliation. 

3) Immediately follow up by applying a nice rich lotion to your feet. If you do this at night, then add a bit extra lotion or cream, put on some socks and your feet feel and look better when you wake up the following morning.

Nota Bene: If you have dry, flaky or peeling skin that won't abate, before you try to exfoliate your feet, then you may actually have athletes foot. When in doubt let your doctor or pharmacist make that determination– because exfoliating a fungus will just make it spread. Therefore, make sure that you know what you are dealing with and treat it accordingly.

Overall Assessment: If you find that you have run out of exfoliating products for your feet, take a look to see if you have a facial exfoliant on hand that might just do the trick.

Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved. www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Easy At-Home Pedicure

I just gave myself an at-home pedicure following these super easy steps. You don't need to go spend a fortune on products, and chances are that you already have everything that you need to do it at home.

Here are the five easy steps that I followed:

1) Soak your feet in warm water infused with a moisturizing bath gel, bath oil or bath salts. I let my feet soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse feet thoroughly.

2) Lightly towel dry your clean feet so that they remain warm and damp, and use a pumice stone, foot file or a body scrub to easily and very gently remove dead and calloused skin. You want to be very careful not to get over-zealous because your skin will be very soft and easy to exfoliate. In other words, use very light pressure. Rinse feet with warm water.

3) Immediately follow up by applying a nice rich lotion to your feet. If you do this at night, then add a bit extra lotion or cream, put on some socks and your feet will look infinitely better when you wake up the following morning. I often use a body oil first, and then follow up with a very rich cream for even greater results.

4) The following morning be sure to moisturize your feet with a lighter lotion or cream before setting about your day.

5) Once you have painted your toes your favorite shade for the summer, don't leave the house without remembering to cover your feet with a high SPF sunscreen. People often neglect to apply sunscreen to their feet, and it is imperative to protect them since they receive excessive exposure to the sun. I like to use an SPF 30-40, and as is the case with all sunscreens reapplication every 1 1/2-2 hours is important to keep your skin protected.

Nota Bene:

If you have dry and flaky skin that won't abate– you may actually have athletes foot, and when in doubt let your doctor or pharmacist make that determination. Exfoliating a fungus will just make it spread- so make sure that you know what you are dealing with and treat it accordingly.

Try not to go barefoot outside too often (I wish that I could follow my own advice here)- wear flip-flops or sandals instead. There is nothing that will callous your feet faster than walking around on concrete. If you are a gym-goer- then keep flip-flops in your locker to avoid picking up all sorts of germs and athletes foot.

All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

At-Home Pedicure Tips & Tools

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If your winter feet aren't ready for the holidays, and need some TLC before you wear your new fabulous holiday shoes, then I am so excited to share my super-easy, and ultra-relaxing at-home pedicure tips.

Six Easy Steps:

Step 1: Wash your feet with warm soapy water in a basin.

Step 2: While your feet are soaking in the basin, gently exfoliate dead skin cells with a glass file that can be used on wet feet. Tip: Exfoliate very gently because the water softens up your feet, and therefore you don't need to use the same force that you would when filing dry feet. Trust me, take the less is more approach– otherwise you could end up over-exfoliating and doing far more damage than good! Currently loving: Mont Bleu Glass Foot File

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse feet and empty the basin.

Step 4: Rinse out the basin and refill it with warm water and add a small amount of foot oil to moisturize your freshly exfoliated feet. Let feet soak for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse feet and empty the basin. Currently loving: VILACT 24/7 Foot Bath Oil with Lactoactive

Step 5: Massage foot cream into slightly damp feet, and let it sink in thoroughly. Currently loving: VILACT 24/7 Foot Cream with Lactoactive

Step 6: Paint your toes and go! Currently loving: Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish

Mont Bleu Glass Foot File (16,00 € from Mont Bleu and $12.99 from Amazon): Their foot file is, hands-down, the best foot file that I have used. It effectively removes calluses and is so easy to clean with soap and water.

According to Mont Bleu,

This Original Glass Foot File has 2-sided abrasive surface: one rough for the callus and one smooth for a velvet-like finish on your heels. It's designed to remove hardest and toughest calluses.

If you are seeking new nail files, then Mont Bleu has effective and beautiful files that are perfect to give as holiday gifts.

Mont Bleu Glass Nail Files with Swarovski Crystals (14,00 € from Mont Bleu and $19.95 for a set of three from Amazon): Mont Bleu makes high quality tempered glass nail and foot files, that are forged in the Czech Republic. Their Swarovski Crystal encrusted files are especially luxe, and they are the perfect accessory for every bathroom, and the perfect gift for the beauty-lovers on your list who have everything!.

Mont Bleu Dual-end glass Cuticle Pusher (5,49 € from Mont Bleu): The dual-end cuticle pushers are made of the same tempered glass as the files, and are elegant and effective. Length 92 mm / 3.62", Diameter 7 mm / 0.28".

I recently discovered the VILACT Foot Care Kit with Lactoactive and I have really been enjoying their products. Their products use Lacoactive®, a proprietary and patented formula, that is a highly refined colostrum. Their products soften feet beyond belief, and leave them smooth, supple and ultra-moisturized.

According to VILACT,

Because it contains the patented formula Lacoactive®. Vilact® products are all-natural without any harmful substances like allergens, parabens, dyes and other synthetic additives. Most products are also free of perfumes in order to provide the most effective yet gentle treatment possible.

Lactoactive® is highly refined colostrum, developed to provide excellent results for people in need of healing or relief from a range of skin issues.

Special Savings for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Readers:

Code:  LOLA

Offer:  15% Off Site Wide

Valid:  Ends December 31, 2018

VILACT Foot Care Kit with Lactoactive (Sale: $89.99 Regularly: $99.96 from VILACT): You can either purchase the entire kit, or each of the products individually.

According to VILACT,

With this kit, you are certain to get the optimum daily care for dry and cracked feet and heels. Free of parabens and lightly perfumed, Vilact® 24/7 Foot Cream with Lactoactive® contains shea butter, which nourishes and hydrates. Panthenol helps to replenish the skin while a high content of glycerin provides extra moisturizing.

The VILACT Foot Care Kit Includes:
- 1 Vilact® 24/7 Foot Cream with Lactoactive®
- 1 Vilact® Heel Repair Cream with Lactoactive®
- 1 Vilact® Foot Bath Oil
- 1 Vilact® Cuticle Cream with Lactoactive®

VILACT 24/7 Heel Repair Cream with Lactoactive ($34.99 for 3.38 FLOZ. from VILACT): If you have dry cracked heels, this lightweight and fast absorbing cream is created with your feet in mind. I do not have dry and cracked feet, but I do find that this cream leaves my feet ultra-soft and silky-smooth. It has a light menthol aroma that feels very refreshing on tired feet.

According to VILACT,

Get soft and nursed heels in 7 days with award-winning Vilact® 24/7 Heel Repair Cream. Our product builds skin elasticity and prevents cracks for optimum daily care of dry and cracked feet and heels.

Vilact® 24/7 Heel Repair Cream contains urea, which adds moisture to hardened skin. Allantoin stimulates cell renewal and helps remove dead skin cells while Niacinamide soothes the skin and promotes its natural strength, helping to retain moisture. The cream reduces the appearance of heel cracks and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.

Features:
- How to heal extremely dry cracked feet fast
- Best foot cream for dry cracked feet
- Best treatment for dry cracked feet
- Free of perfume, allergens, parabens and known endocrine disruptors

Directions: Apply at least 2 times a day for 7 days, preferably after the foot bath with Vilact® 24/7 Foot Oil.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Urea, Paraffinum Liquidum, Lactoactive® (Colostrum Serum), Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Allantoin, Cetyl Alcohol, Menthol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin.

VILACT 24/7 Foot Cream with Lactoactive ($29.99 for 3.38 FL.OZ from VILACT): I absolutely love this foot cream! It is a lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing cream, and it has a lovely light fragrance. I use it nightly before I go to bed, and I can't believe how soft, smooth, supple and moisturized it leaves my feet.

According to VILACT,

Get soft and nursed feet in 7 days with our foot cream for dry skin. The foot line builds skin elasticity and prevents cracks.

Vilact® 24/7 Foot Cream with Lactoactive® contains shea butter, which nourishes and hydrates. Panthenol helps to replenish the skin while a high content of glycerin provides extra moisturizing. The cream absorbs quickly without feeling greasy and leaves the skin soft and supple.

Features:
- Cream for dry skin on feet
- Best foot care products for dry feet
- Lightly perfumed
- Free of allergens, parabens and known endocrine disruptors

Directions: Apply at least 2 times a day for 7 days. Can be used after Vilact® 24/7 Foot Bath Oil and Vilact® 24/7 Heel Repair Cream.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Lactoactive® (Colostrum Serum), Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea butter), Ethylhexyl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Distarch Phosphate, Panthenol, Ceteareth-20, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin.

VILACT 24/7 Foot Bath Oil with Lactoactive ($19.99 for 3.38 FL.OZ from VILACT): This foot oil soothes, comforts and cools feet, and it leaves them remarkable soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. Soaking tired feet in a warm basin of water infused with this oil is uplifting and leaves you with a pronounced sense of wellbeing. It has a light and pleasant aroma, but it is neither imposing, nor too strong.

According to VILACT,

Oil from the macadamia and jojoba nuts soothe and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft, supple and well groomed. This concentrated formulation is to be distributed into the water without any need for stirring.

Vilact® 24/7 Foot Bath Oil contains menthol, which gives a cooling and invigorating feeling bath for tired feet. The oil is absorbed quickly without feeling greasy. Oil from the macadamia and jojoba nuts soothe and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft, supple and well groomed.

Features:
- Essential oils for foot bath
- Oil based moisturizer for feet
- Best foot care products for dry feet
- Lightly perfumed
- Free of allergens, parabens and known endocrine disruptors

Directions: 1.5 ml of oil per liter of water. Pour the oil in warm water in a water bath and shower the feet for 10-15 minutes. Dry your feet well and finish with Vilact® 24/7 Foot and Heel Repair Cream for optimal care.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laureth-4, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Menthol, Tocopherol.

VILACT Cuticle Cream with Lactoactive ($24.99 for .05 FL.OZ from VILACT): The value kit also includes this wonderful cuticle cream that is thick and rich, and yet it absorbs very quickly. It is ultra-nourishing and moisturizing, and it heals and softens dry cuticles very quickly. It is fragrance-free.

According to VILACT,

Vilact® Cuticle Cream with Lactoactive® is a nourishing cream specially formulated to soften and loosen hard and stubborn cuticles. The cream absorbs quickly and effectively with long-lasting effects.

Derived colostrum combined with hyaluronic acid through a unique process using advanced technology results in a product rich in protein that leaves skin feeling nourished and supple. Vilact® products are the sole source of our breakthrough, patented Super-Molecule Lactoactive®, which regenerates skin at the cellular level, repairing and restoring aged and damaged skin.

Features:
- Best cuticle treatment products
- Organic cuticle cream with shea butter
- Free of perfume, allergens, parabens and known endocrine disruptors

Directions: Apply several times a day, as needed. Carefully push back the cuticle with your nails or use a wooden cuticle stick to avoid damaging your nails.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lactoactive® (Colostrum Serum), Cetearyl  Olivate, Cera Alba, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Cera Microcristallina, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil.

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Polish ($18.00 for 0.5 oz. from Lauren B. Beauty, Petit Vour, Zulily, Skincare RX,  lookfantastic, Skinstore and Amazon): Lauren B. Beauty makes my all-time favorite nail polishes!

Lauren B. Nail Polish is 5 Free, therefore this formula is made without Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde resin or Camphor. Furthermore, Lauren B. polishes are not tested on animals, they are vegan-friendly, and they are free of harsh chemicals. 

Lauren B. Nail Polishes come in a wide variety of gorgeous shades, they boast a glossy chip resistant, long-lasting finish,  and they are fast drying. Additionally, they glide on smoothly and they are streak-free. 

According to Lauren B. Beauty,

This advanced, quick-drying nail enamels deliver a chip-resistant, long-lasting, mirror-like finish.

The brush is packed with twice the standard amount of bristles, all pre-lacquered so your polish glides on smoothly and streak-free. The bottle has a special over-cap, so you can use a square or cylindrical handle for more control.  Bonus: Each formula is eco- and vegan-friendly (with no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor), and proudly made in the USA. 

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/ Neopentyl Glycol/ Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, May Contain Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides.

Made in USA. No Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor. 100% Cruelty-Free and Vegan.

Overall Assessment: 6 easy steps to the perfect at-home pedicure, and the products that I have selected are a combination of old and new favorites that are definitely worth trying.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Farmhouse Fresh Pedi Delight Instant Pedicure Sampler for Mother's Day

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If you are seeking pampering Mother's Day Gifts, might I suggest the wonderful Farmhouse Fresh Pedi Delight Instant Pedicure Sampler for mom this year. You could either give it to her as part of an at-home spa day kit, or you could actually indulge in pedicures together before bunch!

Directions:

To get started, begin by exfoliating feet with the delectably scented Honey Lavender Salt Scrub. It is made from very fine grain sea salts that effortlessly sweep away rough dead skin.

Thoroughly rinse away the Honey Lavender Scrub, and then rub a small amount of the luscious smelling Honey Heel Glaze into your feet. Made from honey and aloe leaf juice serum, this glaze deeply hydrates the skin.

Apply the Honey-Chai Steeped Milk Lotion to your feet– after you take a nice deep sniff of this intoxicating lotion that smells good enough to eat (though I do not recommend trying it). Farmhouse Fresh describes it as, "infused with sultry organic cardamom and coconut milk to leave feet ready to take on whatever comes your way!" 

Features:

• Honey-Lavender Scrub: Rice Bran Oil and Natural Sea Salt.
• Honey Heel Glaze: Honey: a natural humectant, Rice Bran Oil, Vitamins E, C, B5, B6, Live Papaya & Pineapple Cells, Aloe Vera.
• Honey-Chai Lotion: Sunflower, Safflower and Coconut Oils, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Mushroom Extract, Panthenol.

According to Farmhouse Fresh,

Indulge in this honey-packed delight for silky smooth feet! Includes our best-selling Honey Heel Glaze (Oprah's O-List foot serum made with sweet Texas honey), lightweight Honey Lavender Sea Salt Scrub, and Honey-Chai Steeped Milk Lotion (a gorgeous, spiced-milk infusion of organic coconut milk and sultry cardamom). With this sweet sampler, your feet will feel soft for days!

Benefits:

• Natural Sea Salt in Honey-Lavender Scrub removes dead skin, providing better penetration of other products.
• Honey Heel Glaze contains honey, which is a natural humectant that hydrates skin while sealing in natural moisture.
• Honey-Chai Lotion has sunflower & safflower oils, which are high in linoleic acid, proven to quickly reverse skin deficiencies like dryness, scaliness, redness and more.

Honey-Lavender Scrub Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sea Salt, Oryza Sativa (Rice Bran Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid. *All Farmhouse Fresh fragrances are phthalate-free.

Honey Heel Glaze Ingredients: Water/Eau, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-37, Honey/Miel, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Panthenol, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Parfum*, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Caramel. *All Farmhouse Fresh fragrances are phthalate-free.

Honey-Chai Lotion Ingredients: Water/Eau, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Powder, Glyceryl Stearate, Parfum*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Honey/Miel, Panthenol, Tremella Fuciformis Sporacarp Extract, Verbena Officinalis Extract, Ceratonia Silique (Carob) Fruit Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. *All Farmhouse Fresh fragrances are phthalate-free.

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.

Overall Assessment: This is the perfect, and affordable, treat for Mother's Day.

$19.00 from Farmhouse Fresh (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

At-Home Pedicure Tutorial from Skyy Hadley

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If you have ever wanted a beauty insider's guide to the best at-home pedicure, then you will love this tutorial from beauty expert Skyy Hadley.

The tools you need to get a spa-like pedicure at home:
· Cuticle remover
· Cuticle pusher
· Cuticle nipper
· Nail clippers
· Nail file
· Nail polish remover
· Cotton balls or pads
· Base and top coat

Here is a step-by-step guide to get the perfect pedicure:
· Apply cuticle remover and allow it to sit for the time indicated on the packaging
· Using a cuticle pusher, push cuticles back away from the base of your toenails. Clean feet with your body wash or soap to wash away cuticle remover
· Use a cuticle nipper to very carefully remove any loose cuticle or hangnails. You don’t want to cut into your cuticles. Nicking this area can lead to infection.
· If necessary, trim nails down to a good length
· Use a nail file to smooth and shape your toenails
· Using a cotton ball or pad, wipe each toenail with nail polish remover to remove excess oils
· Next, apply a base coat to all toenails
· Add nail color, apply two coats
· Clean up, use a nail brush or an orangewood stick and polish remover to remove any polish slips
· Finish by applying a clear top coat to protect your work

To make your feet less rough/sough stick your feet in a tub of warm water for about 15 minutes. You can add a capful of distilled white vinegar and/or a few drops of tea tree oil if you’re concerned about fungal infections. For water retention or particularly achy feet, toss in a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts. Next, to slough off the dead skin, gently dry your feet, then have at the bottom of your feet with a serious foot file. I recommend using a Ped Egg to get rid of the dead skin.
For applying polish to prevent chipping or smudging reapply a layer or clear topcoat every two to three days.

Skyy Hadley recommends using two particular products to make your pedicure last longer:

 · Lauren B. Gel-Like Top Coat ( gives you a long-lasting gleam without all the harmful chemicals.

· Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil increases nail flexibility and helps softens nails.