The Frugal Solution
Homemade beauty solutions are inexpensive, highly effective and lovingly luxurious. Going back to basics for your pampering needs is the wise choice these days and possibly the best kept secret. Especially with the rising popularity of a more economical and thrifty way of life. It makes perfect sense to dive into your refrigerator, or check cupboards before deciding to head out for a diluted lesser version of an organic concoction you can make all by yourself, and happily from the comfort of your own home. Something as simple and effective as mindinsole can also provide you the right feet and preserve them in good condition.Â
One area homemade recipes work their magic is in the foot department. Store brand creams and specialty soaks can be quite expensive, and for the frugally independent beauty, not always the best alternative.
Feet that are painfully dry, calloused and unsightly are screaming out for dire need of healing. Soothing them can be accomplished by taking the time to set up a well-needed routine. After all, just like conditioners for our hair and moisturizer for our face, our feet need their own consideration and personal care.
To begin, why not set up a ready-to-use basin that holds all of your basic supplies? A sturdy basin that your tired aching feet will love, and if they didn’t hurt so much would jump up for joy at first sight of it. This basin should contain a nail file, toenail clipper, a clean hand towel, a box of Epsom salt or baking soda, a foot brush, a small bottle of emu or olive oil, a pumice stone and a pair of clean cotton socks. Add essential oils and turn up the experience to an aromatic, high-quality spa treatment.
Replenish supplies when necessary, and you’ll never have to waste time gathering your basics. These items plus your own special additions are the perfect ensemble for a daily foot soak. Find a designated space and voila, glorious foot baths at your whim!
Try these easy steps to begin.
- File and clip toenails as needed.
- Fill basin up to more than half with very warm water, or as hot as you can stand it, add Epsom salt or baking soda.
- Add a few drops of essential oil. Totally your call, so many to choose from and so many heavenly scents.
- Before placing feet in your foot bath, use foot brush to gently massage.
- Soak tired feet for about 20-30 minutes.
- Make sure to enjoy and relax 🙂 (you would be surprised at how many people need reminding)
- After soak, dry feet completely and gently.
- Use a pumice stone to properly work out rough patches. (The pumice works better after your feet have been soaking awhile.)
- Take a few minutes to rub preferred oil into feet.
- Put on those handy cotton socks and revel in the soothing glory.
The Magical Properties of Essential Oils
- Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, and Peppermint are popular essential oils often used in foot baths.
- A soak combining 4 drops of lemongrass oil and 4 drops of lavender can alleviate excessive persperation of the feet.
- To energize tired feet, try 2 drops of baby oil and 2 drops of ginger essential oil in a moderately hot soak.
- A few drops of grapefruit essential oil is a cooling and refreshing treat known to stimulate the lymphatic system, soothe swollen feet and help to eliminate toxins from your system.
- Ginger essential oil can rev up circulation and reduce overall fatigue and sore feet.
The Extras
- Proper Fit ~
Always make sure you’re wearing shoes that fit properly. Feet have a tendency to swell later in the day and shoes that are too tight will lead to a walking disaster. - Rotate ~
Try to alternate shoes as much as possible. Rotating shoes will help avoid rubbing on the same spots that eventually cause blisters. - Massage ~
A tennis ball is an exceptionally nice treat for aching feet. Use a tennis ball to massage feet in a circular rotation starting at the center of the heel and gradually rolling onto sides, the ball of your foot, over each toe and then finally around the ankle. This type of massage eases tense muscles and relaxes the arch.
If you are thinking this is going to take too much time out of your busy day. Stop! You work hard, you deserve to have feet that feel incredible. Feet smooth to the touch and pain free. Feet that will gather ardent suitors that are willing to travel miles just to caress and admire them. O.k., perhaps I’m getting a little carried away, but you get the point. Your feet matter.