Are Your Feet Beat?

Summer’s been glorious, but wearing flip-flops has exposed my tootsies to the ravaging elements. What’s a girl to do to get back to kiss-worthy goddess feet?

We asked beauty expert Jamie Allison Sanders, “The Beauty Chick” behind thebeautyoflifeblog.com, for her recommendations:

Kenzo Barefeet Fantasy: “This foot cream is DIVINE. It’s formulated with shea butter and cupuacu butter, which help to soften and nourish dry, flaky skin. You will literally see a difference in a matter of days!”

$30 for 2.7 oz. at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Sephora at Old Orchard, Sephora at Northbrook Court, and at kenzousa.com.

Bliss Softening Socks + Foot Patrol Set: “As if the foot cream weren’t enough—it has salicylic acid and peppermint—the uber-adorable softening socks have a gel lining that hydrates and moisturizes even on one wearing.”

$58 for 2.5 oz. and socks, at blissworld.com.

And we also asked the Make It Better team what foot-softening products they can’t live without:

Co-founder Mindy Fauntleroy swears by the antioxidant-rich Amazing Grace Perfumed Foot Cream by Philosophy, which is chock full of moisturizing shea butter, and salicylic and glycolic acids to help reduce rough soles and dry skin. “It smells so good and feels good,” she says.

Available at Macy’s, Nordstrom and Sephora in Old Orchard, Macy’s and Sephora in Northbrook Court Nordstrom’s, and Von Maur in Glenview (with free shipping and gift wrap!).

If you’re looking for something more affordable, Mindy also recommends Dr. Scholl’s Foot Cream Ultra Overnight For Her foot cream. This cream blends four moisturizers, including palm oil and aloe, and can be used at night with or without socks.

$6, amazon.com and some drugstores.

Another fairly affordable and highly effective product that Mindy has tried is No Crack All Purpose Hand Cream. This intensive hand repair cream—intended for workers who get their hands dirty and are constantly washing them to the point of skin chapping—is made with lanolin, allantoin and urea. It’s quickly absorbed and, of course, works great on feet! (Not to mention elbows and knees).

$8 for 4 oz., $16 for 16 oz., and $12 for 3 one-ounce bottles, at Restoration Hardware in Old Orchard and in Highland Park.

And what if you have something more serious—like pain—in your feet?

Make It Better Founders Susan B. Noyes and Mindy Fauntleroy rave about reflexologist Tanya Solovyov of Face Nouveau (click the link for a 20 percent coupon!). Solovyov recommends Tammy Taylor Pain Away spray (find it at amazon.com), with 9 essential oils, for joint pain and relief for tired feet. It provides a tingling sensation. She also recommends the German company Gehwol for foot needs, especially their bamboo scrub.

How much do you fancy your feet when it comes to fashion? Are you willing to risk joint pain? Tell us!