7/2/13
While summer is full of sunshine, good times, and lots of mani/pedis, it's also a time when our hands and feet take abuse from the sun and our choice of open footwear. Sure, we feel minor relief for a brief while after a mani/pedi, but our poor hands and feet are craving real moisture shortly thereafter. Since our feet are exposed to the elements now more than any other season, they need extra TLC. A couple of friends have asked for my foot care beauty recommendations, so I thought I'd create a post on the subject.
(click photo to enlarge)
I have two secret weapons that I use year-round to keep my hands and feet moisturized and healthy. Neither are new products, but both are staples in my skin and body care arsenal. First up we have the cult classic L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter, in a classic tin. While I've touted the smaller tin for nail and cuticle care, the larger tin was designed for daily use on larger areas, making it perfect for hands & feet. Some initially find the thick, slightly waxy texture off-putting. The trick is to start with a small amount, warm between your palms and apply to dry feet. It glides on rather easily once warmed, and is incredibly hydrating. I use a generous amount of this product nightly just before I go to sleep, massaging extra onto my toes and heels.
While the L'Occitane may be enough, I don't stop there. Another one of my all-time favorite products from Kiehl's completes my nightly hand and foot regimen. Kiehl's Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas is the perfect top layer to soften rough, parched skin. It also doubles as an amazing nighttime hand cream, and does wonders for the nails. I reserve this product solely for nighttime use, as it's incredibly rich and intensive, as the name implies.
If your feet are very dry or cracked, I recommend using extra product in both steps above, followed by wearing loose-fitting chenille (or similar) socks over your feet to bed two to three times a week. I simply lie on top of my duvet and read for about 20 minutes until both products are mostly absorbed. Come morning, my feet are soft and ready to show off in summer shoes. Since both products are so intensive, I only recommend using them at night. L'Occitane offers a Shea Butter Foot Cream which is more appropriate for day use, as is Caudalie Foot Beauty Cream.
My verdict? If you need a boost of moisture but don't have overly dry feet, you'll likely be set with Kiehl's intensive moisturizer. If you're wearing open shoes, flip flops and the like, I highly recommend the power duo above. It's a winning combination. And don't forget to exfoliate with a pumice stone if you don't let the pros do your pedis! Like most other skin treatments, your feet will benefit from overnight treatment and healing.
Hand, Nail, & Cuticle Treatments
5/30/13
Since I'm generally wearing nail polish, my poor nails have a tendency to become dry and weak. I've recently started allowing my nails a chance to breathe, and try going about a week a month without my beloved mani/pedis. It was then I realized that my regular hand creams simply weren't enough to nourish and heal my tortured nails and cuticles. I began trying various lotions and creams, and struggled to find a product that was effective.
I first tried h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream. I'd read some positive blog posts about the brand, and was excited to try it for myself. It comes in both large and travel sizes ($16/$6.50). A total steal. I first used it at bedtime, with little success. I reapplied the cream several times throughout the night and didn't notice any benefit or improvement to my nails or cuticles. In fact, my hands were craving more moisture than this cream delivers. Unwilling to toss the two creams I'd purchased (I'd also picked up the travel size version), I've taken to using it throughout the day. The scent is very pleasant since it's from a spa collection.
My next purchase was Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, which also comes in both large and travel sizes ($30/$10). I'd already been using their Age Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15 for years, and love it. I immediately found this cream to be far richer than the h20+ treatment, and loved how it leaves my hands feeling moisturized without being greasy. I also noticed an immediate improvement in nail strength and appearance. The scent is light and pleasant. It seems a tad pricey, but a little goes a long way and my first tubes have been going strong for nearly two months. I love the travel size, and always keep one in my handbag. TSA-friendly to boot!
As I mentioned in a recent post, I'm currently getting my feet wet with Aēsop and purchased their Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($25/$95). It promises to "effectively soften and hydrate hands, cuticles, and feet." That's a big promise! It definitely has the texture and feel of a lotion and not a cream, and the scent is...earthy. Almost medicinal. The ingredients highlighted include mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedarwood atlas. Unfortunately, my hands felt dry within 15-20 minutes after application. That and the scent make this a no-go for me. Strike two, Aēsop.
Now that I've found the perfect hand cream, I decided to give my cuticles a little extra love. I tried Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator by butter London ($18) and all I can say is, IT ACTUALLY WORKS! The product aims to break down and soften dead skin cells. I chose to ignore the instructions and am glad I did! I simply apply liberally to my cuticles, wait a couple of moments for it to dry, and finish by rubbing in the Clarins Cream. My other secret weapon is one of my favorite lip balms. At bedtime, I apply By Terry Baume de Rose to my lips and cuticles, and finish with a more heavy duty hand cream (post to come). This regimen has left me with soft, youthful hands and healthy cuticles. A less expensive option for added nighttime cuticle care is L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter ($40/$12), followed by a rich hand cream. The small tin is perfect for travel, and the large tin is also excellent for use on feet and elbows at night. Gotta love great, multi-purpose products!
My verdict? Clarins is far and away the best treatment I've found. Combined with butter's Melt Away, your hands, nails and cuticles will be healthy and beautiful. Adding the By Terry or L'Occitane products at bedtime will provide extra TLC while you sleep.
- Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment is $10 for 1.7 oz. & $30 for 3.5 oz.
- h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream is $6.50 for 2 oz. & $16 for 6 oz.
- Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm is $25 for 2.5 oz. & $95 for 16.67 oz.
- butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator is $18 for 0.5 oz.
- By Terry Baume de Rose is $60 for 0.35 oz.
- L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter is $12 for 0.6 oz. & $40 for 4.9 oz.
Clarins, butter London, & L'Occitane are available at Nordstrom. h20 is available at beauty.com. Aēsop & By Terry are available at Barneys.
