Soap & Glory's Heel Genius: An Overnight Sensation

You might remember my last attempt to avoid those foot exfoliating monstrosities by getting myself a pair of Eco Tool cotton socks, well on that occasion my choice of balm really didn't wow me, it didn't 'knock my socks off' as it were (there's puns in this post, get used to it). That's where Soap & Glory's Heel Genius stepped in with the cheeky tagline 'BETTER THAN A PEDICURE?!'. I love you Soap & Glory but I'll be the judge of that one, thanks. 

I had expected Heel Genius to smell exactly the same as 98% of Soap & Glory's body products, as in like Christmas 2011, but nope. We're talking a clean, pleasant and a more subtle scent than we're used to from the pun slinging, pink brand. On the ingredients list we're looking at Allantoin (it's a natural chemical compound used to treat problem skin)(I didn't know either), Glycerin, Macadamia Oil, Menthol (though undetectable sniff-wise), Bilberry and Orange & Lemon Fruit Acid Smoothers. 

The instructions on the packaging are to 'Apply every night (or as often as you remember)' but truthfully, I used this balmy moisturising mix once overnight last week with my Eco Tools socks and haven't needed to even look at this tube since. 

My feet were (and are) soft to the touch, moisturised and nourished even now, a week later and that's no mean feet ( I can hear you groaning, I'm almost done)... There may have even been a celebratory moonwalk, while the youngest was eating his brekkie to show him how happy I was. I'm not proud. He never is. 

While I used my Eco Tools socks for application, you genuinely don't need 'em. A pair of simple cotton sockies from Penney's/Primark will do the job just as effectively once you have this bad boy. 

You can get Soap & Glory's Heel Genius here for €7.65 AND it's on 3 for 2 at the moment. Add in the sock price and you still have a daycent foot treatment for less than a tenner. So was it 'BETTER THAN A PEDICURE?!', I'll have to say no but change your wording to 'AS GOOD AS A PEDICURE!' and you're on to a winner. Bless your little cotton socks, Heel Genius, you can stay. 

The Natural Answer to Harsh Exfoliating Foot Wraps with Eco Tools, Cococare & Pixy (NO tootsie pics included)

Before I even start I'll preface this with a promise that I won't be freaking you out with any tootsie pictures, they even make me squirm. That's mainly why I didn't want to try those exfoliating, skin shed inducing foot wraps that has everyone wearing boots in the sunshine to try and hide their effects, I opted instead for a more natural approach with Eco Tools Spa Moisture Socks. 

Eco Tools Spa Moisture Socks: $3.32

Made with rayon viscose from the bamboo plant, these one size fits most socks feel softer than cotton and are shaped like slipper socks though much MUCH lighter so don't agitate or cause unnecessary heat on your piggies at night. 

Cococare for Dry Cracked Heels: $2.40

Because I was already on an iHerb perusal, I decided I'd pair up my Eco Tools Spa Socks with this little number: Cococare for Dry and Cracked Heels, figuring the two would still only equate to less than a fiver. With cocoa seed butter, lanolin, menthol and salicylic acid, this clear balm reminds me very much of a spearmint Vaseline of sorts.

Pixy Solid Foot Scrub: €8.95

First I hopped in the shower and had a quick scrub with what's left of my second Irish made Pixy Solid Foot Scrub packed full of tea tree, neem oils, cedar wood, almond oil and lavender essential oils in a foot shape of cocoa butter. Second, I slathered on a layer of Cococare on each tootsie and pulled on the Eco Tools socks before I collapsed for the night. 

Results? 

I barely felt the socks or balm on my feet through the night and awoke slightly confused before remembering I'd even worn them. The results were definitely softer feet. My heels were smoother and one pesky crack that's been pestering me all summer even seemed reduced. Admittedly my feet didn't shed their own skin like some scaldy snake but let's be honest that's a good thing. 

I could happily wear my sandals the following day and whats more the results lasted for about a week with no further treatment. I think next time I'll be trying the sockies with a more heavy duty foot cream so all recommendations are heartily encouraged in the comments - with links if you have 'em. 

Oh and you know when I promised no Tootsie pics? I totally lied...

Tell me, what do you do to keep your piggies pristine?