We tested three heel balms now that sandal season is upon us
THE antidote to dry feet in summer: Heel balm isn’t fancy or fancy, but it’s an essential product that will get you through sandal season and keep your feet hydrated all year round.
This week I put three of them to the test.
5
Budget
5
SANCTUARY Spa Signature Collection Heel Balm (£7.50 for 75ml, boots.com): I prefer not to wear socks to bed, but most heel balms require it, so I like that this balm isn’t thick enough to do that.
It’s by far the least greasy of the three, so you can wear it day and night, even with sandals, without feeling like your foot is slipping out of it.
Also, I like the tube packaging much better than the jars the other two products came in, because it keeps the product from getting under your nails.
This is my favorite and I already bought another tube, but this one is definitely the best for keeping your heels nourished, not repairing them.
Mid range
5
LUSH Repeat Foot Cream (£10 for 50g: weelderig.com): This cream is packed with natural healing ingredients like castor oil, sunflower wax and jojoba oil. The cream smells fresh and spicy, but not medicinal, which is often the case with foot creams.
The formula is lighter than I expected, which made it easy to massage into my feet and it absorbed quickly.
A warning:
If you have white sheets, wear a pair of dark socks at night, as the orange formula will stain lighter fabrics.
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That’s why of the three I’ve tried, this is the one I’ve tried the least.
Luxury
5
MARGARET DABBS London Pure Cracked Heel Treatment Balm (£18 for 30ml, boots.com): Margaret Dabbs is known as a specialist in luxury foot care, so I had high expectations for this treatment.
It is the only one of the three products tested that has antifungal and antibacterial benefits and has the most impressive list of ingredients.
I really can’t fault it, except for the packaging. The texture is nice and you only need a little bit, so it lasts a long time. I’m not sure I’d want to spend that much money on foot cream though.
If you really suffer from heel problems, you should definitely try it.
Choice of the week
5
M&S fragrances look and feel much more luxurious, despite the price. And Provenance, the new M&S Beauty own fragrance collection, is no exception.
For just £16 you will receive an eau de parfum in a regular size of 48ml and a handy travel size.
No 1 Citrus Soleil Eau de Parfum Set, £16, smells like a summer holiday, but there are seven different scents to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.
Shop at marksandspencer.co.uk.
