Make much of your feet, for head to toe dressing

It may be the start of the new year but, how new do you feel? The year's end is always hectic, involving late nights, tottering on high heels. Your feet need tender care. It is estimated that in a lifetime your feet carry you an average of 70,000 miles. Almost three times around the world! A pedicure is really an indulgence every girl should allow herself. It revives and refreshes. Well-groomed feet are a sign of a woman who takes care of her appearance. Remember, it's all about head to toe dressing.

Naughty Twenties: Go for it.

Skincare

The feet are the most neglected parts of your body and you should develop good habits and start looking after them, now. On days when you know you have been on your feet for too long, rub on a mixture of olive oil with a dash of peppermint oil. Before you sleep, generously dab lotion and wear cotton socks to bed. They will make the feet more relaxed and also keep them looking super smooth.
Colour: This is the age to go mad. If you want to wear a dark nail varnish, do so. However, these tend to chip easily, so are high maintenance. For funky colours, try Maybelline or, if travelling abroad, Hard Candy is known for a bright and bold colour palette.

Flirty Thirties: Be kind.

Skincare

Dr Vandana Punjabi is a dermatologist with Lakme Beauty Salons (well known for their extra soothing pedicures) and she says that it is best to start foot care as early as possible. By now, regular pedicures are a must. Says Punjabi, "To evaluate if a pedicure or manicure is good, first check the cuticles - not a speck of dirt should be visible. Nails should be of consistent shape and smooth on the edges and your feet should look visibly cleaner." If you want to try a DIY (do it yourself) pedicure, scrub off any dead cells with a pumice stone and then use a scrub, (any body scrub). This cleanses and softens the feet. Then massage in some cream. Italian beauty house L'Erbolario has a cleansing cream for hands and legs. Clean your nails, trim and file (use an emery board, not a metal file). Apply polish. If you wear open shoes all the time, use a sun block on the feet.

Colour: Though you may want to use more subtle colours in your 30s, Punjabi says this is not necessary. "Most women in the 30s tend to opt for sober colours but, we believe that colour is a great way of expression and also a mood elevator. Hence, when it comes to colour, age is no bar." Remember polish on hands and feet don't have to match, but they should be from the same colour family. If you are worried about chipping, apply a top coat like Nina Ricci's Haute Brillance.

Fab Forties: Slow it down.

Skincare

Try not to wear heels that totter. Says Punjabi, "In your 40s, you should not wear too many heels. This is the menopause period where osteoporosis sets in and the body is more prone to fractures and sprains." Opt for block or kitten heels. To prevent discomfort when wearing high heels, rub some ice to numb. Apply a foot cream to keep them soft. Biotique's Costos Foot Cream works well. On stressful days, walk barefoot on the beach. Sand, a natural exfoliate, keeps those soles smooth.

Colour: Think retro, go back to the days of Hollywood. Opt for red, it gives your feet a look of classic style and always is in fashion. Keep toe nails short and squared. Revlon has just introduced two new shades of red.

Fun Fifties: Softly does it.

Skincare

Creaming at least twice a day is vital, as you need to keep the skin glowing. Try heavier treatments. As Punjabi says, "During the 50s, the skin on hands and feet starts getting wrinkled and dry and hence one needs to use heavier oils like almond oil and paraffin treatments." At home, you could opt for La Prairie's Body Emulsion. It is super rich and comes in an easy to use dispenser bottle.
Colours: You may want to go subtle and not wear a colour that draws too much attention to the feet. Look for elegant pearly whites such as Lakme's Fireworks no 18 by Tarun Tahiliani. Remove your nail polish with a gentle, non-acetone remover. Revlon makes one that is kind to nails and stops them from drying out.