An Indian's Makeup Blog

Few weeks back I wrote a mini story on how blister prone I am. And before that I told you about how I get all stationary while wearing heels. Really, its just one sad story after another.

I'm pouring my heart out here, man.
Or is it feet ?

In my continued effort to heal my sole (ignore that) , I came upon Foot Covers. I had no clue they made things like this. And I bet they had no clue about all the comfort this brings to my ailing heart...err feet.

I got a pair of the most gorgeous gold flats (jooties) from India many many years back excited about wearing them every single day. But years later the count remains at two. It has no cushioning what so ever and the sides of the shoe dig into my skin leaving my feet all red and almost blister-y. But this past weekend, I pulled on a pair of nude , regular Kushy Foot, Foot Covers and headed out to brunch. Four hours later I got back home to a pair of very happy feet. No redness, no pain thanks to the cushion and most importantly my little toe was happy.

The foot covers come in thee basic shades and four lengths. The one I tried were the regular lace kind. There is also the low cut one which doesn't rise as far up in the front as the regular ones . They'll hide very well under your shoe. The best part though is the price - the regular foot covers cost only $5.25 for three pairs ! The lace ones are around $10.50 for three pairs.You can find them here

Overall - I am happy about the low cost of keeping my feet happy under all circumstances. If you've ever gone through the pain of red feet, you must indulge in foot covers - they will bring all the peace you need.

Have you tried foot covers ?

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

I am about the most blister prone person ever. And because of this I hardly ever buy strappy sandals and shoes. Just the thought of a new shoe is scary when I think of the pain that blisters bring and the scars they leave...

I've tried everything from Band Aids to Scotch tapes but they are mostly too bulky and visible. That apart they totally ruin the look of the shoe and feet. Might as well have worn flip flops. Which I do - all the time.

To help girls like me out, I found a nifty little product online - Foot Petals Strappy Strips ($3.50 to $18.50). These are thin strips that you stick on the inside of your strappy shoes , sling backs or gladiators. They give some cushioning to help avoid blisters and the red marks that come from the rough ends of the straps. Each tube comes with eight strips and are suppose to last a long long time !

Isn't that genius ! I'm getting a few tubes stat and sticking them on every single strap. You never know which one ends up biting ya. They can be found at Nordstrom , Dillards and a bunch of other stores. Here is the link to their store locator.

Love,
Indian Girl

I've found a foot creme that I cannot get enough of. That is the best way I can describe this tube of goodness.

The Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme is a 99.40 % natural product made with the simplest of ingredients that provide maximum relief to dry scaly feet. Because I love wearing socks during winter, I slathered on foot creme and went to bed most days. So my winters had me enjoying soft heels though they were hardly out of boots.

Summer Heat & Heels

Come spring - all I wear are flip flops. Our spring is more like summer and summer is bad for heels. Did you know that body heat can be a cause of cracked feet apart from general dryness and the ashy mess it brings.

Within two days of applying the coconut foot creme I saw may-jah results. I didn't even wear socks to bed with it. I just apply the thick gel like creme and keep my feet out of the bed for say 30 minutes while I get my night reading done and by then its all soaked into my feet and those things already start feeling pillow-y soft.

Coconut Craze

Though it is one of the best foot creme's I've tried, there is more reason for me to love it than just the results - The scent.

Aah the scent of sweet coconuts. Nothing artificial or synthetic about it. Its the real deal.
I love it so much I wanna slather it on toast and eat. And those of you who follow me on twitter know - I love toast. Now, I'm telling you I love coconuts too.
The fragrance of coconut oil only made milder with a hint of rosemary - divine.
Absolutely divine.

Not Just For Feet ...

I use this not only on my feet but on my hands too. Massage it into my cuticles and sit smelling my hands all night long....I can feel my eyes rolling back into my head with pure ecstasy.

I used it on my face too. I am experimentative like that. What's to fear ? Its 99.40 % natural and I can practically recite the ingredient list - coconut, rosemary, oats and Vitamin E - nothing harmful, man ! I needed that heavy creme coz the A.C makes my skin super dry...


On AIMB we almost never say anything is must have coz everything can be replaced - but this one is one of those must haves for me. I'm buying another tube the moment I see it at CVS. Its almost 2PM and I havent eaten a morsel of food yet - if only I was experimentative enough to squeeze this into my mouth...

Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

Tips from Nail Pro Skyy Hadley of As “U” Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, NJ with some IG throw in for good measure.

“For a truly perfect pedicure, you should go to a nail professional. However, when life gets crazy, you often have to take your feet into your own hands,” says Skyy. “When performing a pedicure at home is your only option, there are techniques to follow that will ensure your feet stay healthy and look beautiful.”


TIP ONE: Milk It

After removing nail polish and spraying feet with an antiseptic, soak feet in water and milk. Adding milk is a crucial step as water can strip skin of moisture and leave feet drier. Milk naturally exfoliates and nourishes the skin and it’s right in your refrigerator.

Plus we can all use the cooling effect it brings. Gosh its 100 degrees out here in TX.

TIP TWO: Care for Cuticles with Caution

Lightly shape the toenails by cutting nails back slightly and massaging toes and feet with cream or oil. After feet have soaked for a few minutes, push back the cuticles – do NOT cut them. Cutting them creates more hangnails and can even lead to infection.

I did nothing wrong still ended up with weird cuticles. Say thanks if you have good ones and do everything you can to keep em that way. As far as hang nails go, they are the worst things ever. Only reason to keep a nail clipper in your purse at all times.

TIP THREE: Scrub Wisely

Lightly buff the nail plate while it is still moist with a cuticle cream or conditioner. Then buff the skin on your feet by applying a foot scrub and massaging the formula deep into the skin, concentrating on trouble spots. To really smooth things over, use a diamond file (avoid pumices as they trap bacteria) on particularly rough patches like the heel and ball of the foot.

I was recently on Twitter and a friend there reminded me about Apricot Scrub for feet. Do it - its amazing and smells so good ! Another favorite of mine is the sugar scrub from Qtica.

TIP FOUR: Stay Polished

To maintain and prolong color, use a primer on the nails first. This step actually dehydrates the nail by bringing the natural oils out, making color grip longer. After applying color, add a top coat. Three days later, apply a top coat again to prevent color from chipping.

Primer / base coat and top coat from Zoya rocks. Sally Hansen base strengthening ones are very good too. But something about these base coats helping with dehydrating nails isn't sitting well with me...

TIP FIVE: Smooth Things Over

Keep heels from cracking by massaging shea butter, light oil and/or Vaseline at night. Then, put socks on so the skin can absorb the formula even deeper overnight.

I cant do socks during Summer. I'll write soon about what I do with my dry heels to keep them from getting cracked and ugly. Some of my favorite feet moisturizers are LUSH Fair Trade Foot Lotion, Curel targeted Therapy Deep penetrating Foot Cream and this nice coconut one from Burt's Bees.

Tell me your pedicure tips y'all ! I'm sure you experienced ones have plenty to talk about !

Love,
Indian Girl

Step 1 : Take Off Polish and clip them nails.

Step 2 : Soak those tootsies in warm water.

Throw in epsom salt or any coarse salt. I truly believe salt relaxes feet and even relives any pain. It has always worked for me.

Step 3 : Dry Skin Be Gone

Before I tell you about about the how, I need to get on with the story about my fear of metal scrappers.

A few years back when my mom was getting her pedicure at a salon & she happened to get back home with a bruised foot. It got me so mad, that I went back to the salon and gave the lady a piece of my mind. The deal is my mom is diabetic and everybody knows feet / legs are a sensitive area for diabetic people. Their bruises don't heal as fast. But that left a scar on me - I have just been scared of anything metal scrapping my feet.

I once had an inkling to try ped egg but the moment I saw all those shiny blade like thingies - the uncomfortable feeling returned. So metal scrappers are out of question in my pedicure routine.

My next best alternative for a while has been the pumice stone. Other than the fact that it falls, crumbles easily, leaving sand like particles all over my shower ....

With a background like this - the Rada Pro Ergonomic Pedicure File seemed like a great idea. And at $9.99 the deal felt a lot more sweeter.

What it is - is a light weight box shaped to fit the contours of a hand. Inside the box are self - adhesive, abrasive stickers of two types - coarse and fine. You simply place the sticker on one side of the box and get busy with the calluses. They can be used on dry / soaked feet - I prefer soaked. By the time I'm done with both my feet the sticker is worn out. Each one is perfect for one time use - very sanitary ! Perfect for diabetics - Remember I told about a package we're putting together for mom ? This file definitely made the cut !

Step 4 : Exfoliation

After scrapping off the dead cells under my feet - its time for exfoliating my feet. My favorite has to be the Qtica Cherry Bing Sugar Scrub. I've written about this before or so I thought - its absolutely fab !

But a quick alternative is simply a mix of sugar and honey from our kitchen.

Take a generous amount and gently massage it on your feet . It a great feeling - almost like a good foot rub. Those of us who don't have foot rub person at hand will have to settle for a sugar scrub.

Step 5 : Moisturize

Wash the sugar scrub off and pat dry your feet. Follow with a heavy creamy moisturizer. It should drench your feet with hydration. My favorite has been the Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion. I like mint - I really really like mint but this was too strong even for the mint lover in me. I can see how some people might hate the strong smell. Its also really really thick - not your everyday lotion. But if you need a heavy dose of moisture , I haven't found anything that does a better job than this stinky pink-y lotion.

Another good foot lotion is the Jergens Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion . Though not made for feet its very good at keeping my feet feeling soft on an every day basis.

Step 6 : Now throw your feet into a pair of socks.

I got a pair of no nonsense sturdy cotton wool socks from Walmart a few months back. They are the best. After a pedicure session I put em on and am all set ! Plus it wards off the heavy mint smell from the Lush lotion.

Of course there is the part about Nail Polish - the really fun pat. I usually do it the next day.

What have I missed ? What do you do ? Dish....

In Other News

Lets all take 7 minutes out today to enjoy this wonderful heart wrenching, emotional making, tears flowing hindi song - please. I've obviously been living under a rock - I hadn't heard this song until this past weekend. Hugs to my sister who pointed it out to me.



Love,
Indian Girl

This article contains a sample product sent for consideration by PR. For more details on the disclosure policy please refer to it at the bottom of the page.

There are a few things I'd rather not tell y'all about my feet. But I will anyway. Because I know the people who hang around here are all friends. So here we go...

They are big feet. Well, on the bigger size.

Size 8 1/2

And broad.

Broad as in not slender.
Broad as in - no way that shoes fits me, yo.
Broad as in original true broad.

Every time I leave my slippers right next my best friend's ( Yeah, yeah...Indians and footwear and at the doors) I feel a little bit like big foot. She is a size six or smaller. C'mon man, how does a woman have such small feet. How do they balance a grown woman's body ?

This is when I say thanks to the Lord for my sturdy, dependable big feet and put on my special "for big feet" shoes.

To top it all off, I hate toe cleavage. Even the most gorgeous pair of shoes will not be bought if there is any toe cleavage.

In short I was drowning in misery of having no cute shoes, when then this happened.
*cue heavenly music*A pair of black ballet flats from Lindsey Phillips ($64). Arn't they just the cutest pair ever. They fit my big feet like a comfortable glove. No toe cleavage. No tugging. No pulling. Even the elastic band at the back is soft like feather. You slip your feet in and you enter a feet coma. A general sense of calmness prevails all over your body because your feet are so comfortable. Now anybody who has died a million deaths in high heeled nightmares knows why this is so important and so good.

Comfort apart - these shoes are part of their switch flops family. As in, you can switch the flower snap on top with any one of their fifty snaps ! Its as easy as pulling the old one out and snapping in the new one . Each one adds a little more fun and transforms your regular ballet flats into something new and something better. When I first saw them, there weren't as many snaps($12 each) but now they have a whole lot more !

I am absolutely in love with these new snaps. When Spring rolls over I plan on getting the gold flops or a pair of flip flops and a couple of new snaps. The switching is not only for snaps but also for their flip flops where you can change the straps ! If you have fairly broad feet and don't feel as comfortable in most ballet flats, you should give this a try. I get the feeling you'll love the lush feel of this one !

Guess what ? I'll be meeting my best friend in a few days and guess what shoes I'll be wearing ...
Aah haan ! You got that right, mate !

Love,
Indian Girl

I am not a heel person. Given a chance I would rather wear flip flops than anything else. And why not ?
They come in cute colors. My favorite pair is this pink, yellow one from Adidas that I bought last summer.
They are comfortable & cheap
You can show off your pretty pedicures
In short buy it - break it - trash it - change it

But then I have the worst extremities as far as my body goes. At the hint of cold they freeze up and I have no other option but to go looking for my boots. And while I'm at it I might as well add a couple of inches.

One can never be too tall, can they ?

Not that am tall or anything. Oh forget I said that.


These are one of my favorite pairs of boots. I wear them very very often but only when I know I will not be walking. Mostly I wear them to stationary places. Places where I will just have to park my car get in sit and get out - restaurants. I dare not do even a non-significant amount of walking in them.

In my attempt to make them comfortable I laid in a pair of Sexy Soles From Foot Petals. Sexy Soles are cushion-y insoles that you lay inside your shoes. They have a nice little elevation around the arch area for arch support. This really helps - a lot ! My running shoes come with built in arch support and they are heavenly ! The arch support is crucial, man !


The cushiony insoles do add a lot more comfort compared to just the shoes on their own but don't expect big springy fluffy pillowy effects. I think there is a reason they make these things thin because the more thicker they get the lesser space in the shoes for your feet.

Its all foot science !

Since I got these I have done some walking in my boots. I haven't run for miles but no sane woman does that ! More than walking, they are great when you are in situations where you are simply standing for hours together.

Did you know that 30 mins of simply standing burns 300 calories ?

Not.

These come in size 10 and there are dotted lines marked along which you can cut to customize them to your feet size. I am a size eight. Just in case you needed to know. We can also customize them to be pointed or rounded depending on your shoe. I wish they were like other insoles; as in you pull the sticker behind it and just stick it to your shoes. With these you get the tapes separately.

Have you tried Foot Petals ? I have my eyes on their Tip Toes next because when I walk, a lot of pressure falls in that area. Seriously, we expect way too much from our feet. In return it is our moral duty to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Love,
Indian Girl