Today I am sharing my new obsession: toe rings. I had never tried toe rings before because I could never find one that fit quite right. Well I have now, and I am hooked! Being the resident Beauty Chat pedi snob, I have to share anything that makes my feet cute! I am always looking for new and exciting things that provide a sort of non-invasive “foot facelift.”

I located this company called Barefoot Bling (cute name, huh?), which specialize in custom-fitted toe rings. I immediately added them as a friend on myspace before going to their main Web site. After looking through many cute rings, I contact the company’s owner, Amy.

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Just another great find from Foot Petals – the Sexy Socklette!! I saw these and immediately had to have them. Being the foot snob that I am, and having to have my pedicures come rain or shine, these were right up my alley!

I absolutely dread having to wear sandals in the winter after receiving my pedicure. Not enough to keep me from receiving them, but enough to make me cringe (burrrrrr). So I was super excited to come across these Sexy Socklettes! I am a huge fan of Foot Petals, and am always looking for their next great product. So ladies, this is a must-have item to keep in your cars for those much-needed pedicures!

Check them out; they come in black, pink, and white. The Sexy Socklettes are equipped with open toes (to not mess up that new paint job) and grippers on the bottom to keep you from slipping!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Foot Petals

If you are like me, the harsh winter takes a huge toll on your skin. You may think that because I live in Southern California, I wouldn’t have this problem. But the Santa Ana winds suck any – and all – moisture right out of me. On top of dealing with these drying winds, it is also flu season; the constant washing of my hands has only added to my need in finding something that will replenish the moisture of my skin and help it look better!

I know, there are plenty of skin care products out there for dry skin, but I have tried every over-the-counter lotion out there and have been nothing but disappointed. They are either too greasy, too thin in consistency, or have over-powering fragrances.

So I figured I need to look beyond the local Target and CVS pharmacy. So I hopped on the Internet and started my search. I stumbled upon Smooth Heals, which quickly caught my attention! Its owner and creator, Tennie Smith, has been hands-on in creating and testing her product. More »

Now as most of you have come to know, I am obsessive with my feet. Pedicures, Blister Block, reflexology, Yoga Toes – you name it, I do it! I am super aware of my feet and how they feel. However, I am new to wearing so-called “cute shoes.”

I used to wear the cloggy, unattractive-yet-comfy shoe. It was safe, and I knew my feet would be happy all day. Well enter my friend, co-worker, and personal shopper, Elana.

She introduced me to a whole new world!

…But along with wearing cute peep toe heels, my feet grew unhappy! They were constantly sore and cramped. So wanting to keep up with my newfound cuteness, I started to do some research on shoe accessories. I came upon Foot Petals (as a suggested product to look into from Elana). More »

…Stephanie Gruelle of Steph’s Beauty Buzz! You may remember the recent interview I had with one of our fave cosmetic experts regarding fashion, makeup products, and a few new rules on what to keep in a mini-clutch!

As for the amazing gift exclusive that Denice (our foot rejuvenation connoisseur) arranged, the Beauty Chat crew chose Steph’s answer due to the great insight and tips she provided. (By the way, check out Steph’s collection of cosmetics…WOW.)

In response to this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?

Steph said:

“I admit, so many of the shoes I love are less than kind to feet. But rather than give up fashionable shoes, I’ve learned to pamper my feet in gratitude for the abuse I put them through. Regular pedicures are a must, and I always make sure to include a callus treatment to repair any damage I may have done. The pedicures are also a must for keeping those pesky ingrown toenails at bay. I also make sure to use an extra rich lotion on my footsies nightly.

Right now I’m loving “Breathe At Night – Intense Hydration Body Cream,” available at Bath and Body Works. Last but not least, I always use Band-Aid’s Blister Block to keep my feet from blistering, especially when wearing a great pointy toe shoe. I think in the end its a fair trade off: my feet look great, and with a little extra work they can still feel great too.”

Our Top 3 runner-ups were:

Terri D.: “I get by with a little help from my friends. Good shoes, good scrubbers and good doctors, my friends don’t let me down. Now with Yogatoes, I’ll need less friends around!”

Beth: “Since I am on my feet all day, I have to wear comfortable shoes. In the classroom, I wear my chic comfy Avon slippers with sequins. I save my ‘big girl’ shoes for when I have to leave the room and look professional. I’m a big fan of Clark mules. I have both black and brown suede.”

Gabi: “This is a perfect question for me as my first contest entry. I am a dancer and didn’t really start dancing until I was older. I never had the usual ballet as a girl. I am going to start ballet soon. I dance NIA, Modern, belly and African. Keeping my feet beautiful has sort of become an obsession for me. I’m a bit prone to obsessions anyway. I absolutely have to have my toes perfect. I have a pedi once a week and sometimes still touch them up.

Your question also touches on another obsession of mine and that is my shoe collection. I have over 50 pair of shoes and probably only 3 pair of flats. Since my toes are such an obsession I wear open toes whenever possible.This time of year that is more difficult however so this is my boot season. 15 pair of those in addition to my shoes. I also take yoga once a week by the way.”

Thanks you for entering Denice’s fabulous gift giveaway (she worked hard to bring you such refreshing products!) We gotta say that it was such a pleasure reading the responses to this question, and although the contest has ended, please feel free to respond with your own thoughts!

~ Elana

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and a PlasticSurgery.com photo of Denice wearing YogaToes from our very own Kevin!

Ever heard of Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer and YogaToes? 

If you have, you know how fabulous they both are! If you haven’t, then now is the perfect time to enter a contest to win this duo gift package… for FREE!!

All you have to do is answer this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?”

THAT’S IT!!!!! We (the Beauty Chat team) will pick our favorite answer. Contest runs through November 30th, and you must enter through our homepage. (Just look to the right for the picture of the black Carlos Santana heels!)

Good luck friends! 

~ Denice

As I was looking through my latest edition of US Weekly, I noticed an advertisement for “YogaToes ®”  At first glance these appear WEIRD!! They are oddly-shaped jelly toe separators that are meant to give your feet (and toes) a workout!  Well, my curiosity got the best of me and I had to try them.

According to YogaPros.com, YogaToes ® Toes Stretchers work while you relax. They stretch, strengthen, and align foot muscles. This increases circulation, can straighten bent toes, and even realign the bones. YogaToes seem  truly revolutionary. They relieve foot pain while improving strength, flexibility and appearance. Plus, they are said to tackle problems at their source, keeping your feet healthy, naturally.

So I ordered my YogaToes and waited for them to arrive.  I made sure that I had been wearing my peep toe heels and pointed toe shoes leading up to the arrival of my YogaToes. I was preparing my feet for their much needed workout!  Not that it was hard to prepare my feet; I am always looking for “the next best thing” to pamper my feet with.

I received the YogaToes on a Tuesday and was ecstatic to try them when I got home. I read the directions and put them on.  OUCH! It hurt at first, but as soon as they were on, and I relaxed on the couch, they felt much better.  I left them on for about 10 minutes; they began to become a bit uncomfortable.  The directions stated that it may take time to work up to having them on…I would say so!

I tried them for the next few days and they became more comfortable with each wear. I do not have MAJOR foot problems, so I did not notice any real problem fixes just that my feet were, I guess you could say…happier!

One thing that the packaging stated was to try the YogaToes hot or cold. I have yet to do that, but Beauty Chat’s Leeann did, and she preferred hers warm and toasty.

Needless to say, YogaToes will make a great holiday gift for the winter season! Amidst your shopping, however, I’d suggest ordering your own fabulous pair.

~ Denice

Photo Credit: My feet! (photographed by one of PlasticSurgery.com’s awesome designers – Kevin.)

My feet can be a nightmare if I don’t get regular pedicures, and I have missed my last two!  They need some attention!!! So I decided to try the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer. I have to say that when I opened the package and the funny-looking star sponge stared back at me, I had to think: Will this really work? 

It fit in the palm of my hand, and smelled delightful! Infused with Citron Eucalyptus Aromatherapy (packed with olive oil for skin hydration, glycerin for gentle cleansing, shea butter for moisture and Vitamins A & E for healing antioxidants; to prevent premature aging and skin damage). It was a little slimy to the touch at first, but as soon as it got wet, it lathered up very nicely.

So here’s how I used it on my feet: I sat on the shower step and began to scrub my feet with the sponge.  It kind of tickled at first, but then it was nothing but pure pedi pleasure!  I buffed my foot with the scrubbing side and then rinsed.  Then I massaged my foot with the smooth gel-infused side.  It tingled and felt wonderful.  My only question while enjoying this fabulous product is: How do I store it?  For now, it is in my travel soap container.

After I was all done paying attention to my neglected feet, I gave them the ultimate test…The husband.  I had him rub my feet, which can be a chore if they look ragged. But after I took matters into my own hands and used the Spongeable 15+ Pedi Scrub Foot Buffer, he greatly obliged!  He was just as happy I was. 

The Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer (also shaped like a star), another heavenly cleansing product manufactured by Spongeables, also comes highly recommended. Elana, our Beauty Chat editor, swears by the Lilly of the Valley Green Tea Infusion scent. It is said to: exfoliate, purify, rejuvenate, and hydrate. She says it can also be used on the feet (nice!), which she does as part of her daily shower ritual. 

Got a favorite skincare product that dares to compare to the Spongeable 15+ Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer or the Spongelle Bodywash Infused Buffer? Tell us all about it!

~ Denice

Product Images: www.spongeables.com and www.spongelle.com