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Whether you’re on hols or not this August, you’ll be giving thought to your feet. For, in midlife and beyond, things can start to feel less “ready, pedi, go” and more a constant state of collapse, whether in the form of one’s arches, parched heels, or blisters brought on by the summer swelter.
Action is called for! Sisters, I give you my five-point plan for achieving fabulous feet and perfect pedis..
1. Sole support
Being in agony can never be beautiful, however much we’ve pedicure primped. In summer, our support for our feet diminishes, consigning them to flimsy flip-flops and ballet pumps. The result: aching, rubbing and callouses on feet that have seen us through decades of hard graft.
The solution is a ‘couture’ insole created to cosset your particular foot. All Margaret Dabbs London Medical Pedicures (from £85, margaretdabbs.co.uk) include a complimentary 3D foot scan. Based on this analysis, her podiatrists create personalised orthotics that can alleviate issues from fallen arches and Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) to tough skin and tired legs.
These insoles are heaven on earth – akin to walking on clouds. Then one can book a varnish on top of one’s medi-pedi for a fully spruced up effect (from £15). I hear excellent things about Archies Arch Support Flip Flops (£35, archiesfootwear.co.uk), and am obsessed with Fitflops Delicato Bow Soft Metallic-Leather Ballerinas (£80, fitflop.com), which are blissful compared with the normal fare.
2. Keeping cool
Menopause can be like pregnancy in its bestowing of puffy feet and legs, declining oestrogen levels and lymphatic sluggishness causing fluid retention in feet, ankles and knees. Margaret Dabbs produces a Firming Leg Serum (from £35), known as her “support stockings”. Chilly, tightening, circulation-stimulating, it combats puffiness and soothes restless legs.
Chilly, tightening, circulation-stimulating, it combats puffiness and soothes restless legs.
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I also rate a de-swelling once over with The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub (£10, thebodyshop.com), which I’ll apply to hot hands too. Invigorating as it is exfoliating, full of peppermint oil sourced from British farms, it’s a heatwave no brainer. A peppermint scrub, cream and mist can all be had via the Body Shop’s Treat Your Feet Edit (£27). Sales across range are up, up and away this summer, and I’m one repeat investor.
3.Stepping out
Every handbag should contain a Compeed Anti Blister Stick (£4.75, Boots.com) a soothing, anti chaff balm for easing sockless-in-a-shoe moments. I’m also a sworn fan of Boots SPF+ Hydrating Hand Cream SPF30(£4, Boots.com), a portable 30ml tube of protection, not merely for hands, but for for the top of our feet – an area we forget until we’re out and about.
4. Beach-proof pedi
I’ve been testing the duration of a so-called Builder Gel manicure and it hits four weeks today, entirely unsullied. I’ve never had such long and lusty talons. All I’ve had to do is paint over the colour with matching normal lacquer, as the gap of new growth at the bottom was getting noticeable. Where conventional varnish can be destroyed by sand, a Builder Gel pedicure will last. Find them at Townhouse salons in England and Wales (£50-£66, townhouse.co.uk/salons), or discover your local expert.
Keep things shipshape while it’s in place with Eucerin Urea 10% Repair Plus Foot Cream (now £9, Boots.com) a belt-and-braces exfoliator and softener promising 48-hour relief from dry, cracked horrors.
Keep things shipshape while it’s in place with Eucerin Urea 10% Repair Plus Foot Cream (now £9, Boots.com) a belt-and-braces exfoliator and softener promising 48-hour relief from dry, cracked horrors.
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5. Colours to conjure with
Shade-wise some beach beauties will be sticking to the pedi perennials that are milky neutrals, or tan-toning corals this August. Allow me to encourage you to stray beyond these safe, yet snores-ville choices and down one of two more modish paths.
In the first instance we have what we might call ‘soft brights.’ I’m talking lemon yellows such as Mavala Nail Polish in Yellow Pop (now £5.76); candy pinks à la Chanel Longwear Nail Colour in Skieuse (£30, chanel.com); and energising turquoises in the manner of Kure Bazaar Nail Colour in Zanzibar (johnbellcroyden.co.uk).
Alternatively, seek out edgy drama in colours normally associated with deepest winter. Nailbury’s glinting metallic New Moon (now £10, nailberry.co.uk) is sensational; while OPI’s Black Cherry Chutney (now £12.66, Boots.com) is surprisingly foxy with or without a (fake) tan. Then walk tall in the knowledge that you have summer 2025’s most fashionable feet.
BODY SCRUBS
With 10% AHA exfoliants to scour away lumps, bumps and old fake tan.
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An 150ml bottle was enough to lavish myself in through a two-week holiday.
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Make early starts a joy with this uplifting grapefruit, rosemary and juniper hydrator.
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Rich, post-beach nourishment with botanical oils and a vanilla and coconut aroma.
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A quick-drying, soothing gel with instant icy effect for overworked August muscles.
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Race You To It: Mimétique Skin Cloud (£44, spacenk.com)
The French range Mimétique, which launched in Space NK mid-June, is flying off shelves – and rightly. Mimétique Skin Cloud (£44, spacenk.com) is a seriously brilliant summer skincare remover that whisks off SPF, primer, slap, sweat, pollution, and more SPF in one balmy application.
Take it on hols as I did and marvel at its plush efficiency.
Cosmetic Craving: Josh Wood Colour Root Smudge (£15, Boots.com)
Life is too short to fret about the odd grey hair, not least in August when there are better things to be doing than sweltering in a salon. Josh Wood Colour Root Smudge (£15, Boots.com) is the perfect tool for eking out appointments.
Cheaper than rival root-concealers, it’s also considerably better: no powder flaking over the face; no crunchy colour deposits; no clumsy block-coverage. Instead, this creamy powder formula provides easy, long-lasting, non-parching coverage that mimics subtle highlights.
It’s also an instant gap filler to boost morale should scalp coverage be looking sparse. I keep one in my desk, another in my travel bag, plus a spare in case Josh stops producing them.
