Pedicure-in-a-jar - that's what these two top performing fresh masks from LUSH are. Julie Gabriel gave these two products a test-run for seven days, and here's her opinion.
Sometimes a pedicure, no matter how great it is, need a little something to perk it up in a few days. That’s when you need Volcano by LUSH, a gorgeous enzyme-and-pumice packed mask topped with Smitten.
You know that feeling. Even though the polish is right, and the heels are silkiest, you still think those amazing jewel-encrusted sandals deserve a better foot. Just in time for my brand-new Giorgio Armani sandals I opened up a freshly concocted jar of Volcano mask.
It virtually kicked me off my feet.
On the base of kaolin and pumice Volcano boasts a rich brew of tomatoes, limeflower, papaya, cinnamon leaf oil and potatoes. While tomatoes deodorize and kill the evil odor-causing bacteria, papaya and lime exfoliate, and kaolin and pumice polish the toes and heels to the perfection. The best way to use it is after a bath: first, slather the mask on your feet, then wrap them in the plastic, and for the best results, put some old socks on. Leave for five to ten minutes, then wash it off. You saved yourself a trip to pedicurist and about an hour of your precious time. Beware: even though Volcano is quite similar to late Enzynamite, don’t be tempted to apply it on your face. It stings. We tried. (sigh.)
If you choose to use Volcano at night, go one step further: after washing it off, apply the Smitten cream to your feet and put another pair of socks – preferably cotton – for the night. Even though Smitten was designed for your hands, it doesn’t mean your hard-working feet don’t deserve it. With chamomile, almond oil, marigold infusion, flaxseed and wheatgerm oil, Smitten works well on all over the body, except for face, maybe – too emollient.
Here’s my ten-minute express pedicure routine to ensure my tootsies look their best no matter how much I dance last night:
1/ Exfoliate well with a pumice stone, so you have a good base for your magic potions.
2/ Apply a thick layer of Volcano mask. For best results, don’t rest – walk around, so the mask gets another kick.
3/ Wash the mask off and dry your feet thoroughly. Ten minutes is just the right time to read ten pages of Toronto Fashion Monitor - check the latest gossip, store reviews and fashion trends.
4/ Buff your nails with a buffing pad. Now you can skip a basecoat because your nail surface is free of oils and other substances that ruin the nail polish.
5/ Apply the hottest red-coral nail polish (OPI Chile Caliente) from right to left, if you are right-handed, to avoid smudging. Apply the polish in even strokes from up and over the nail. Keep your arm steady.
6/ Apply a thick coat of fast-drying top coat and - voila – you are off to go!
PS. My toes are treated by loveliest Agnes at Allure spa in Bloor West Village. Book her while you still can!
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