Clear is the new chic.

A curious thing happened to me this summer: In the past, you could count on me having a bi-weekly pedicure appointment booked through the sandal season, but this year, nada. While I admit that budget did play a role (I figured I’ve saved at least $150 forgoing the pedi ritual), it’s really not the whole story. I’ve been too busy to idle away at least an hour sitting in a massage chair with my feet floating freely in a tub of warm water. I guess I’m not alone, since the NY Times recently did a story on how women spend oodles of money and time on their face, but don’t give a moment to their feet. They’ll let them go, swallowing embarrassment and secretly hoping that no one will take a look at their callouses or dried out heels. And though I’ve been known to totally forgo foot time for a few days, I’m not that bad.  My foot care is just happening in quickie moments, like  in the shower, while watching “America’s Got Talent” or before I get ready for bed.

Here’s my routine: A  derm once told me that all you really need to slough dry, peeling heels and pesky calluses is a salicylic-acid scrub. I haven’t invested in specific foot care products. So instead, I’ve been stealing quarter size dollops of my husband’s Neutrogena Body Clear Scrub  in the shower and it’s amazing how smooth and soft my soles and heels feel afterward. For moisture, I slather on Jergens Naturals Hydrate with jojoba oil and agave (the same one I use on my body during the winter) and really let it soak into the cracks on my heels. Then I file the nails, so that they’re nice and even, clip around the cuticles for a smooth look, and then brush on two coats of Lippmann Collection “On a Clear Day” Top Coat and that’s it. I’m going for that minimalist, bare look (which was more of an accident, since I did it one day that I didn’t have time to put on a color). But you know what? I love it. It doesn’t compete with my gold t-strap sandals or need any chip maintanence. Yes, beauty bloggers and magazine editors have been talking this trend up for a few months now. I never was that into the idea, but now I see the light. Bare is beautiful, especially when you don’t have to put a lot of effort into it.