Latest news with #LisaArmstrong
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The best summer base for 50-something skin
In this regular series, Ageless Beauty, The Telegraph's beauty experts Annabel Jones and Lisa Armstrong tackle the conundrums they've been searching for answers to, and share their favourite tips and tricks. This week, they discuss tinted SPFs. Beauty brands are constantly launching new generation SPF products that promise far more than 'mere' sun block. The big push this year is into sun protectors that do it all: providing close to maximum SPF protection, acting as sophisticated concealers and foundation as well as promoting your skin's own collagen production with a cocktail of peptides and hyaluronic acids. That may sound too good to be true, but they're great. The one I've reached for the most this summer is The Uniform, which Merit launched a few months ago. It's not make-up with SPF. It's SPF with make-up. That's a significant difference from the BB creams of 20 years ago. Two full pumps of The Uniform provides factor-50 protection and plenty of make-up coverage – more than enough if, like me, you prefer a sheer effect and don't like applying tinted creams to your neck because of the colour transfer onto clothes. If you do want more coverage, you can always add extra without overdoing the SPF. Some users are treating it as a primer and applying their normal foundation on top. That sounds a lot, but each to their own. From a consumer's point of view, it's a dream to blend. Available in 15 shades, it's a non-nano, mineral, broad spectrum UVA and UVB face protector that, despite not containing silicone (another plus), glides across young and mature skins alike – soaking in quickly. The texture isn't greasy or shiny, but it's not matte either, so if you want a fully dried-down effect, you could use a mineral powder on top. Some reviewers have reported pilling but I haven't found that at all. Mineral formulations – we're talking zinc and titanium dioxides – are my preferred option these days. Unlike chemical formulations, which according to some experts, absorb into the bloodstream, potentially distorting our hormone system, mineral ingredients sit on the top layer. Mineral ingredients are also reported to be less harmful to oceans and coral reefs than their chemical peers, some of which are now banned in Hawaii, parts of Mexico and the Virgin Islands. If your main concern with mineral sunscreens is the white residue they leave behind, that's so 2020. The new generation are invisible. But there's a caveat: if minerals are served up in tiny particles, they too get absorbed into the blood stream. So look out for the words non-nano, on any product you buy. I use it as a stand-alone, on top of my moisturiser (even though The Uniform contains emollients). Then I apply blusher and highlighter. I love the dewy effect of The Uniform. My main reservation is that you're meant to reapply it every two hours to maintain its SPF potential, but I don't want to keep slapping a tint on my face throughout the day. After the first application of The Uniform, I follow up with a non-tinted, non-nano zinc moisturiser from Alexandra Soveral with SPF 15, and use The Uniform to retouch around my nose and under my eyes. SPF 15 doesn't sound much, but it offers around 93 per cent protection (100 per cent if you wear a densely woven sun hat) as opposed to the approximate 98 you get with factor 50. Neither creams are meant as beach protection. This is your summer in the city 'uniform', and it's pretty damn great. Like you Lisa, I made a beeline for Merit's The Uniform when it landed and so wanted it to be everything their foundation stick is in liquid form. Alas, there isn't a hue with quite the right undertone for my skin despite the 15-strong shade range, thus our relationship was short lived. In principle, the concept of a high-factor facial SPF that doubles as foundation thrills me, though in reality many of them are either too thick a substitute for the seamless skin tints that make-up brands have mastered – or the consistency is spot on but the tint is too sheer to cover. The thick ones by the way make ideal sunscreens on holiday when you want decent coverage and a dapple of tint. But for an average working day, I want something invisible in look and feel. Hence why sunscreen and foundation should be seen as two separate entities in my view. Then I was introduced to Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint. Oil, fragrance, paraben and phthalates free, the mineral formulation contains non-nano zinc oxide, meaning it sits on the surface where it's meant to be. It also packs plenty of skincare punch: collagen boosting peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid – and soothing, anti-redness ingredients that support the skin barrier. Semantics aside, BeautyScreen's make-up attributes are the best of its ilk. Feather-light and liquidy, it can be blended out or built up using a brush (my preference) or fingers, depending on how much foundation you're used to. As a dutiful beauty editor, if I'm going to be in direct sunlight I top up with a clear SPF every couple of hours. Biore's Uv Aqua Invisible Face Mist SPF50 does a fine job as an on-the-go spritz that doesn't disrupt makeup. Though it does reek of alcohol for a fleeting second (alcohol in sunscreens help it dry quickly and feel less greasy) so if that bothers you, a clear gel like Glossier's Invisible Priming SPF50 is a good alternative. Ultimately, the more protective and nourishing make-up gets, the happier my skin is. And if you're someone who likes a one and done product then tinted SPFs are the answer. It took me a while to find one that holds its own against my beloved roster of summer base options, but now that I have if you're looking for a dewy tint with high protection that dissipates beautifully into skin – without leaving tide marks or a greasy film – then I couldn't recommend a better product.
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lisa Armstrong appears to take a thinly-veiled dig at ex-husband Ant McPartlin over their dog Hurley
Lisa Armstrong appeared to take a thinly-veiled dig at her ex-husband Ant McPartlin in a now-deleted Instagram post over their beloved dog Hurley. The Strictly Come Dancing makeup artist, 48, and TV favourite, 49, shares custody of the 12-year-old Labrador. Ant is currently on holiday in Portugal with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett, with sources telling The Sun Hurley is also with them. According to the publication, Lisa posted a photo of Hurley on her social media with a subtle swipe towards Ant. She wrote: 'And now he's taken from his mama. Poor old boy...' A source said: 'Lisa is worried about Hurley in that kind of heat because of his age. They both adore him and have shared custody of him ever since they split up. 'Lisa is concerned about the temperatures in Portugal.' The TV personality and his ex Lisa Armstrong adopted Hurley in 2013 following struggles to have a child of their own. The Saturday Night Takeaway star split from Lisa in 2018 after 11 years of marriage and went on to marry his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021. Ant is said to have refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to his ex during their divorce battle, reportedly telling lawyers: 'She can have anything she wants – except the dog.' The arrangement led to the TV presenter's chauffeur ferrying the dog between the two of them so they did not have to see each other. Lisa has reportedly bought a new house in Oxford as she builds an impressive property portfolio in the wake of her divorce. The makeup artist snapped up a four-bed house near Oxford last year for more than £700,000, according to The Mirror. She already has the former family home, a £2.3million five-bedroom west London mansion, which she kept as part of the divorce. Lisa then bought a £3.8million house in West London in 2020, two years following her split from Ant after 11 years of marriage. According to the publication, she is now expected to undertake extensive renovations of her latest purchase. MailOnline contacted a representative of Lisa for comment. Lisa is fast becoming a savvy property developer after completely renovating her 2020 house purchase, installing a pool, a gym, an outhouse and a gazebo. However, she has had less luck with the former marital home after it suffered a fire in 2023, causing £1million worth of damage. Lisa had been renting the property to a family of six, it was reported at the time.
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ant McPartlin's ex Lisa takes swipe at him amid fallout over their beloved dog Hurley
The former couple have owned their adorable pooch since 2013 PET ROW Ant McPartlin's ex Lisa takes swipe at him amid fallout over their beloved dog Hurley ANT McPartlin's ex-wife posted a thinly veiled swipe at I'm A Celebrity host - amid a fallout over their beloved pet dog Hurley. Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, 48, shares custody of the 12-year-old chocolate labrador with the ITV star. Advertisement 5 Ant McPartlin seen here with the dog he shares with ex-wife Lisa Armstrong Credit: Alamy 5 Lisa and Ant share custody of Hurley ever since their divorce Credit: Instagram 5 Lisa often posts pictures of her beloved dog when he is staying with her Credit: Instagram 5 The former couple were married for 11 years Credit: Getty But sources say the ageing pooch is currently in Portugal with Ant as he holidays with wife, Anne-Marie, and their family. Fuming Lisa posted a video of "My Boy" Hurley on Instagram - before following it up with a photograph of him lying down in the middle of a golf course. In an dig apparently aimed at Ant she wrote: "And now he's taken from his mama. Poor old boy..." Ant jetted off to Portugal last month and has been spotted playing golf with pals and frolicking on the beach. Advertisement A source said: "Lisa is worried about Hurley in that kind of heat because of his age. "They both adore him and have shared custody of him ever since they split up. "Lisa is concerned about the temperatures in Portugal." The pair were married for 11 years before a bitter divorce in 2018. Advertisement Hurley now splits his weeks between the pair and was previously chauffeur driven between their addresses. Ant, who named one of his companies after Hurley, has previously credited the pooch for helping him recover from drink and drug addictions. Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong's top tips to spring clean your beauty bag In 2017, before splitting from wife Lisa, he pleaded to have visits from the dog while he was in rehab. Lisa also refers to Hurley as her 'baby boy' and regularly posts pictures and videos of him on Instagram. Advertisement Hurley first came into their lives in 2013 as they struggled to conceive a child. Ant, who has since become a dad with Anne-Marie, also owns two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Full List of Daytime Emmys 2025 Nominations
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the nominees for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 17 in Pasadena, California. 'We're excited to recognize the exceptional individuals and teams who make daytime television great every year and in some cases, every day,' said Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS. He added, 'As the Daytime landscape continues to expand, we're excited to introduce newcategories to recognize the boundary-pushing work being done, and we're enthusiastic toconvene with and celebrate the whole Daytime community in one ceremony.' The Daytime Emmy® Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in televisionprogramming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. This year marks the debut of several new categories, including Outstanding Culinary Cultural Series, Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series, and OutstandingRegional Content in a Daytime Genre. The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards will be a single ceremony in 2025 and is produced by NATAS. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers with Rachel Schwartz serving as Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. The firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition. The list of early Daytime Emmys nominations is here. PeacockABCCBS [Sony Pictures Television] The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesThe Jennifer Hudson ShowWarner Brothers Television Distribution [JHUD Productions | Warner Bros. Unscripted Television | Telepictures]The Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosLive with Kelly and MarkDisney Entertainment DistributionThe ViewABC Access HollywoodNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosE! NewsE! EntertainmentEntertainment TonightCBS Media VenturesExtraWarner Brothers Television Distribution [Warner Bros. Unscripted Television | Telepictures] Be My Guest with Ina GartenFood Network [Pacific Productions]Delicious Miss BrownFood Network [FRANK.]Emeril CooksRoku [Marquee Brands]Lidia's KitchenPBS [Tavola Productions]Selena + RestaurantFood Network [July Moon Productions | Sony Pictures Television's The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC)] BBQ HighMagnolia Network [Hit + Run]Chasing Flavor with Carla HallHBO | Max [Max | Fremantle's Original Productions]Ingrediente: MexicoAmazon Prime VideoTrueSouthESPN | ABC | SEC Network [Bluefoot Entertainment] America's Court with Judge Kevin RossEntertainment Studios [Allen Media Group]Divorce CourtFOXHot BenchCBS Media VenturesJudy JusticeAmazon Prime Video [Amazon MGM Studios | Sox Entertainment]Justice For The People with Judge MilianEntertainment Studios [Allen Media Group]We The People with Judge Lauren LakeEntertainment Studios [Allen Media Group] Expedition UnknownDiscovery Channel [Ping Pong Productions]Field Trip with Curtis Stone Hong KongPBS [Sunny Side Up Productions]The Good RoadPBS [Good All Over]How I Got HereBYUtv [FORTÉ Entertainment]Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' OutPBSMexico Made With LovePBS [Symbio Studios] Living with LeopardsNetflix [Wild Space | Natural History Film Unit Botswana | Freeborne Media |Netflix]National Parks: USANational Geographic [Stronghold Studios, LLC]The Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Secrets of the NeanderthalsNetflix [BBC Studios] Dime Como HacerloRoku [This Old House Productions]The FixersBYUtvFixer Upper: The LakehouseMagnolia Network [Blind Nil]Going Home with Tyler CameronAmazon Prime Video [Amazon MGM Studios | High Noon Entertainment]Married to Real EstateHGTVMartha GardensRoku [Marquee Brands] George to the RescueNBCHack Your Health The Secrets of Your GutNetflix [Tremolo Productions]Harlem Globetrotters: Play It ForwardNBC [Hearst Media Production Group]HomegrownMagnolia Network [Eclipse Creative]You Are What You Eat: A Twin ExperimentNetflix [Netflix | OPS | The Vogt Foundation] Black BarbieNetflix [shondalandmedia]Folk Americana Roots Hall of FamePBS [Bright Blue Media Group]Off Script With The Hollywood ReporterIFC [The Hollywood Reporter]The Swift EffectPeacockVariety Studio: Actors on ActorsPBS Bob Newhart: A Legacy of LaughterAn 'Entertainment Tonight' SpecialCBSDinner Party Diaries with José AndrésAmazon Prime Video [Film 45 | Amazon MGM Studios | José Andrés Media]Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day ParadeABC [Film 45 | EverWonder Studio | Yellow Shoes Studio]98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeNBC [Silent House Productions]Shelter Me: The Cancer PioneersPBS [Steven Latham Productions] Ballin' OutOutsportsBillboard NewsEat This With YaraThe Chef Preserving Gaza's Cuisine Amid a GenocideAJ+Live Like A ChampionHealthline [Lucky Tiger Productions] Sharon Case as Sharon NewmanThe Young and the RestlessCBSEileen Davidson as Ashley AbbottThe Young and the RestlessCBSMelissa Claire Egan as Chelsea LawsonThe Young and the RestlessCBSNancy Lee Grahn as Alexis DavisGeneral HospitalABCMichelle Stafford as Phyllis SummersThe Young and the RestlessCBSLaura Wright as Carly SpencerGeneral HospitalABC Peter Bergman as Jack AbbottThe Young and the RestlessCBSEric Martsolf as Brady BlackDays of our LivesPeacockGreg Rikaart as Leo StarkDays of our LivesPeacockPaul Telfer as Xander KiriakisDays of our LivesPeacockDominic Zamprogna as Dante FalconeriGeneral HospitalABC Linsey Godfrey as Sarah HortonDays of our LivesPeacockCourtney Hope as Sally SpectraThe Young and the RestlessCBSKate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos DavisGeneral HospitalABCEmily O'Brien as Theresa DonovanDays of our LivesPeacockSusan Walters as Diane Jenkins AbbottThe Young and the RestlessCBS Tajh Bellow as TJ AshfordGeneral HospitalABCBlake Berris as Everett LynchDays of our LivesPeacockMichael Graziadei as Daniel RomalottiThe Young and the RestlessCBSGregory Harrison as Gregory ChaseGeneral HospitalABCJonathan Jackson as Lucky SpencerGeneral HospitalABC Olivia d'Abo as Fifi GarrettThe BayPopstar! TV [LANY Entertainment | SheMogul Entertainment]AnnaLynne McCord as Cat GreeneDays of our LivesPeacockAshley Puzemis as Holly JonasDays of our LivesPeacockChristian Weissmann as Remy PryceThe Bold and the BeautifulCBSLisa Yamada as Luna NozawaThe Bold and the BeautifulCBS Linden Ashby as Cameron KirstenThe Young and the RestlessCBSClint Howard as Tom StarrThe Bold and the BeautifulCBSJacqueline Lopez as BlazeGeneral HospitalABCAlley Mills as Heather WebberGeneral HospitalABCValarie Pettiford as Amy LewisThe Young and the RestlessCBSAvery Kristen Pohl as Esme PrinceGeneral HospitalABC Drew BarrymoreThe Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesJenna Bush Hager, Hoda KotbTODAY with Hoda and JennaNBCKelly ClarksonThe Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosMark Consuelos, Kelly RipaLive with Kelly and MarkDisney Entertainment DistributionJennifer HudsonThe Jennifer Hudson ShowWarner Brothers Television Distribution Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle TurnerEntertainment TonightCBS Media VenturesScott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario LopezAccess HollywoodNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosStar Jones, Corey JovanDivorce CourtFOXWhitney Kumar, Kevin Rasco, Sarah Rose & Judge Judy SheindlinJudy JusticeAmazon Prime Video [Amazon MGM Studios | Sox Entertainment] Kardea BrownDelicious Miss BrownFood NetworkJoanna GainesMagnolia Table with Joanna GainesMagnolia Network [Blind Nil]Ina GartenBe My Guest with Ina GartenFood NetworkEmeril LagasseEmeril CooksRoku [Marquee Brands]Michael SymonSymon's Dinners Cooking OutFood Network Sir David AttenboroughSecret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Brad BestelinkLiving with LeopardsNetflix [Wild Space | Natural History Film Unit Botswana | Freeborne Media |Netflix]Andi Sweeney Blanco, Courtney Dober, Rob North & Kirin StoneThe FixersBYUtvAnthony MackieShark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf CoastNational Geographic [Nutopia]Martha StewartMartha GardensRoku [Marquee Brands] Days of our LivesPeacockGeneral HospitalABCThe Young and the RestlessCBS Black BarbieNetflix [shondalandmedia]Modern Pioneering with Georgia PellegriniPBS [Georgia Pellegrini Media Group, Inc.]National Parks: USANational Geographic [Stronghold Studios, LLC]Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Shelter Me: The Cancer PioneersPBS [Steven Latham Productions] Days of our LivesPeacockGeneral HospitalABCThe Young and the RestlessCBS Living with LeopardsNetflix [Wild Space | Natural History Film Unit Botswana | Freeborne Media |Netflix]Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the WildNBC [Hearst Media Production Group]The Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf CoastNational Geographic [Nutopia] Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day ParadeABC [Film 45 | EverWonder Studio | Yellow Shoes Studio]The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesThe Good RoadPBS [Good All Over]The Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosThe Wizard of PawsBYUtv [Vox Media Studios | The Dodo | Nomadica Films] Mysteries of the Terracotta WarriorsNetflixNational Parks: USANational Geographic [Stronghold Studios, LLC]The Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Secrets of the NeanderthalsNetflix [BBC Studios] Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day ParadeABC [Film 45 | EverWonder Studio | Yellow Shoes Studio]The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesNeighboursAmazon Prime Video [Amazon MGM Studios | FremantleMedia Limited]The ViewABCThe Young and the RestlessCBS Living with LeopardsNetflix [Wild Space | Natural History Film Unit Botswana | Freeborne Media |Netflix]Mysteries of the Terracotta WarriorsNetflixNational Parks: USANational Geographic [Stronghold Studios, LLC]The Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films] Hack Your Health The Secrets of Your GutNetflix [Tremolo Productions]Mysteries of the Terracotta WarriorsNetflixThe Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Secrets of the NeanderthalsNetflix [BBC Studios] Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day ParadeABC [Film 45 | EverWonder Studio | Yellow Shoes Studio]The FixersBYUtvHow I Got HereBYUtv [FORTÉ Entertainment]The Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosResurrected RidesNetflix [Bright Bay Creative] The Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosThe TalkCBSThe ViewABCThe Young and the RestlessCBS Hack Your Health The Secrets of Your GutNetflix [Tremolo Productions]Joseph Rosendo's Steppin' OutPBSLiving with LeopardsNetflix [Wild Space | Natural History Film Unit Botswana | Freeborne Media |Netflix]National Parks: USANational Geographic [Stronghold Studios, LLC]The Secret Lives of AnimalsApple TV+Secret Lives of OrangutansNetflix [Silverback Films]Secrets of the NeanderthalsNetflix [BBC Studios] Days of our LivesPeacockThe Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesThe Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosThe ViewABCThe Young and the RestlessCBS Car Masters: Rust to RichesNetflix [MAK Pictures]The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesHack Your Health The Secrets of Your GutNetflix [Tremolo Productions]Reconnecting RootsPBS [lilDRAGON]Tex Mex MotorsNetflix [Mak Pictures] Days of our LivesPeacockGeneral HospitalABCMaking GoodBYUtvStart UpPBS [Arcadius Productions]The Young and the RestlessCBS The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesThe Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosLive with Kelly and MarkDisney Entertainment DistributionMysteries of the Terracotta WarriorsNetflixThe Young and the RestlessCBS The Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesGeneral HospitalABCMysteries of the Terracotta WarriorsNetflixSherriDebmar-MercuryThe Young and the RestlessCBS The Bold and the BeautifulCBSThe Drew Barrymore ShowCBS Media VenturesGeneral HospitalABCThe Jennifer Hudson ShowWarner Brothers Television DistributionThe Kelly Clarkson ShowNBCUniversal Syndication StudiosSecrets of the NeanderthalsNetflix [BBC Studios]SherriDebmar-Mercury Chicagoland's Best BitesWMAQ-TV [Chicago/Midwest Chapter]createid | SARA: A Life in Dreams and SymbolsIdaho Public Television [Northwest Chapter]Danzando para SanarWWDT-TV [Suncoast Chapter]Hidden HomicideWGN-TV [Chicago/Midwest Chapter]RelishTwin Cities PBS [Upper Midwest Chapter]
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
How to make midlife feet look good in sandals
In this regular series, Ageless Beauty, The Telegraph's beauty experts Annabel Jones and Lisa Armstrong tackle the conundrums they've been searching for answers to, and share their favourite tips and tricks. This week, they discuss how to get ready for scandal season. ... A thoroughly good pedicure underpins my entire summer beauty regime. By good I mean one whereby my feet and toenails glisten like perspex. After all, it's the extremities (skin, feet, hair, nails) that give the most bang for your buck. Get these glowing and you can skip all else and remain impeccably groomed. Which brings me to my first point: before you even conceive of the colour, heels and cuticles must be tended to with assassin-like attention. I call on Milly Mason, a nail artist who specialises in prestige pedicures (including Lily Allen's who incidentally has a 4.9 out of five star-rating on WikiFeet). Interestingly, Mason doesn't recommend removing hard heel skin with any sort of implement (it grows back quicker and thicker) but to nurture feet daily with a foot mask that includes Urea, a byproduct of protein known for its intense hydration. At high percentages (over 10 per cent) Urea acts as a keratolytic, helping to exfoliate the top layer of skin without need for mechanical tools. I've been singing the praises of Eucerin's Urea Repair Intensive Moisturising Lotion for years – it deals with rough patches (elbows, knees, heels) like nothing else I've tried. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland) For feet specifically however, Mason suggests something altogether more powerful: the 40 per cent Urea Chapped Skin Cream from German nail brand LCN, which sorted the cracks running up the backs of my heels within a week. At night I've been doubling up with their Chapped Skin Balm to seal it all in, though I'll hazard a guess that Vaseline is as proficient at preventing moisture from escaping should you not have the latter. Mason took a gentle electric buffing tool to my heels (Bare Feet by Margaret Dabbs does a good one) and rough outer toe skin before applying the cream, but a rudimentary foot file is all you need at home to keep hard skin from building into a monstrous layer. Mason says to stay clear of blades and rasps which are precarious at best. When it comes to toe length, she assures me that short is best. If you can feel your toenails pressing up against the front of your shoes then you could be causing long-term damage to the nail bed. As for soaking the feet, this should be done last, after filing, shaping and polishing, as painting onto damp toenails can result in a fungal or bacterial infection. If you're doing your own pedicure – which, provided you have the right tools, is tremendously satisfying – then file toenails with an emery board, says Mason. Disposable ones are generally recommended though it's only really relevant if you're sharing nail files. Before polishing, push back cuticle skin with a cuticle softener and cuticle pusher, then lightly even the surface of the nail bed with a nail buffer (it has a much finer grit than a traditional file). You want as smooth a surface as possible for the polish to look its best – and for it to last. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) Toeanails are generally a zone to experiment with one of the trendier shades (spearmint green and neons are doing the rounds this summer), though if you generally err on the side of restraint as I do, then Precious by The Gelbottle, is a mature ballerina pink worth a look. Alternatively, Mason suggests black. 'It looks crisp and fresh on toenails so long as it has a glossy finish,' she claims. I was unsure at first. Too gothic, too cool. But in reality there's nothing more classic. Even in summer. Just don't forget to drench the toes in cuticle oil and apply foot lotion. Annabel's picks Yikes, the sights you see in the foot region when the weather's hot. Can I just say – hello, has everyone folk forgotten about the joys of a good old fashioned nail brush? People spend a small fortune on nail art, but when it comes to £4 for a wooden (rather than plastic) nail brush... Feet have become a passion I never thought I'd have – possibly because mine keep reminding me they deserve my full attention. Hard skin, corns, a shortened metatarsal that means my feet pronate, a bunion on my left foot (I had the right one removed which was one of the best things I ever did) I've seen and got them all. That's why these days, I see a podiatrist every few months. I'm about to get orthotics fitted. While they won't alter the alignment of my feet long term, I'm assured they'll help them rest in the correct position while I'm wearing them, so shoes don't rub and callouses and hard skin form less quickly. Using Margaret Dabbs' excellent foot file several times a week and a really good foot cream daily keeps things under control between visits. (Kure Bazaar's is pricy but lasts ages). Orthotics aren't cheap either but sometimes you can get them on private insurance. Either way they have to be worth it. Foot health is vital to overall health and wellbeing. There's a section of rigorous foot exercises on the Pilatesology app which help strengthen feet and lift arches. Pilatesology is a paid-for app that, despite being a Pilates disciple for 30 years, I've only recently discovered. It has a huge library of classes for all levels, from mat to machines. It's brilliant. If that all sounds a bit much, rolling a simple spiky ball or foot roller under your arches can feel amazingly good. Meanwhile, I'm wearing my sheepskin-lined Fitflops (good in hot wear, no rubbing) from last year that look and feel like a bed. Surprisingly, I've had a lot of compliments on them and my feet have never been happier. Birkenstock do something similar. They're not the most elegant footwear, but a good manicure makes a world of difference. Like Annabel, I love natural, buffed, clean looking toenails, but my sensible, low-glam footwear tipped me over into a glossy orange red pedi the other day, and I must say, it's very cheering. I don't bother with gel on my toes – too much of a faff getting it removed. The exception is if I'm going on holiday and planning on scrambling over rocks, an admittedly niche activity which chips varnish in a nano second. A few drops of cuticle/almond oil whenever you remember, keeps things looking glossy and healthy. Lisa's picks
