Bobbi's Eye on Beauty and Fashion

Here is something for you aspiring foot models. Its a tuff life but somebody has to do it. To follow we will get those toes all polished for their spring/summer debut.

Secrets of a Foot Model

Get weekly pedicures. Wear fabulous shoes. Have people literally kiss your feet. Welcome to the life of a foot model. Though the job has its perks ("Twiddle toes for 300 bucks an hour? Sign me up!"), pros Ellen Sirot and Laura Gens explain the real rigors of having picture-perfect feet-and dole out some sole-saving tips.

1 For silky-smooth feet, wear Vaseline and socks to bed every night-even in the summer. For extra softness, Sirot wraps Vaseline-covered feet in plastic bags ("the kind you put lettuce in") and Gens slathers on diaper-rash ointment ("your feet will feel like a baby's butt!").  

2 Sirot's feet are insured (she won't say for how much) against "all acts of God." To keep her feet unblemished, she doesn't even dance. Says Sirot,"If I go to a wedding, I always wear heavy-duty shoes."

3 Wear shoes one size too big to prevent chafing. Gens likes Birkenstocks or New Balance sneakers. Sirot wears clogs or sneakers, even to black-tie events. If she must wear heels, she limits standing time. "I have made my husband carry me to the car," admits Sirot.

4 To exfoliate, rub a mixture of sugar and olive oil  (Sirot likes extra-virgin) on feet after showers.
Rinse, then pat dry. Feet will feel velvety, and, says Sirot, "You'll smell like a salad." but Emerill will love you.

-SUNA CHANG - Allure magazine, June 1999

OK lets go! First the been there done that part. Last month we learned these steps:

1. Use toenail clippers to cut the nail straight across. Then round the edges slightly with an emery board.
2. Soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes to soften skin.
3. Buff away tough, dry skin using a pumice stone or foot file.
4. Put lotion on nails and cuticles, then gently push back cuticles along base and sides with an orange
    stick or cuticle shaper.

To polish - the basic idea - read the pro tips before you go on:

5. Clean lotion from nails using nonacetone polish remover to prevent polish from bubbling.
6. Separate toes (I prefer using the preformed foam rubber gadget - inexpensive and easy) , then apply base coat and polish in even, lengthwise strokes from base to tip of toe.

Oh, but what colors are best. Like Outback Steakhouse, there are no rules, just go with your feelings. Spring and Summer flowers will give you some ideas. Be bold, don't even paint all the same color. Add designs using decals. Have fun! Here are some popular spring/summers shades: 

Pink (soft pastel} gives nails a just-buffed appearance.
Warm, peachy neutral for a tasteful, subtle pedicure.
Shimmery apricot that works on pale or tanned skin
Coral nail polish complements deeply tanned or dark skin.

7. let polish dry (wait twenty minutes to be really safe).
8. Erase mistakes with a cotton-wrapped orange stick dipped in polish remover.

But what if I boo boo?? Much like when we did the manicure, try these Boo Boo Busters.

If you're like most of us, that is, not steady-handed, the safest bet is to wait five to ten minutes before following these tips:

Wrap an orange stick in cotton, dip it in nonacetone polish remover, and carefully trace the skin around the nail, rolling the orange stick as you go so the cotton stays clean.

To fix smudged polish, dip your finger in remover and lightly tap the area to smooth it out, wait a minute, then apply topcoat.

To clean up a botched polish job without remover, take a hot shower or soak feet-the polish will peel right off the skin.

How'd that make you feel?

Showin 'em off right now aren't you?

Keep on dancing

Bobbi