A Wedding Season Skincare Essential

Wall Street Journal

3 hours ago

Living in New York City (and attending all those aforementioned weddings), I'm tough on my feet. I walk just about everywhere, often in shoes that aren't necessarily made for trekking long distances. I can put up with a little soreness here and there, and I try to avoid blisters at all costs with strategically placed bandages, but my less-than-gentle treatment of my feet has led to dry skin and cracked heels. And whether I'm wearing strappy sandals at a wedding or going barefoot in a yoga class, it can be both uncomfortable and a little embarrassing.
Luckily, the Pedestrian Project balm works quickly. I first tried it out a few days ahead of traveling to Arizona for a wedding. I was impressed with how soft my previously dry heels felt after two days of applying the balm morning and night. My skin stayed smooth and resisted cracking even in dry, unseasonably-warm-for-April 100-degree heat. Since then, it's become a permanent fixture in my nighttime routine.
How does it work?
The balm is made with a blend of mango butter and candelilla wax to lock in moisture, as well as African shea butter to soften skin. It glides effortlessly onto heels, toes or anywhere you could use a little extra hydration—the texture feels thick and butter-like. The formula also includes black currant seed oil, which is anti-inflammatory, and vitamin E to soothe inflamed or itchy skin. The scent is lovely, somewhere between lightly citrusy and herbal, but not overpowering.
I still get calluses and dry patches occasionally, but when I do, the balm swiftly comes to the rescue. And while it works well on its own, I find it's even more effective after I exfoliate with Soft Services' Buffing Bar, or for extra-tough calluses, a foot file, like this one from Dr. Scholl's.
The balm also solves my main issue with other footcare products that come in tubes or tubs—it's not messy. All I have to do is apply the balm with its handy stick applicator and slip on a pair of socks. I don't even have to touch my feet (not that I would mind, since the product isn't greasy in the slightest). In the morning, I wake up with smoother skin than I thought was possible.
Ideally, I'd love to get a fresh pedicure ahead of every formal event I attend, but if time doesn't allow for an appointment and I'm left to DIY at home, Pedestrian Project's balm comes in handy every time. It may not help soothe sore feet after dancing all night (I'm still on the hunt for that miracle product), but at least my skin is smooth, soft and comfortable as ever.