I think it’s time we start caring about our feet. Growing up as a dancer and working in nightclubs in heels, I’ve always done more complaining about sore feet than taking action in decreasing the pain. I did a bit of research and thought I’d share some tips on how to preserve our tootsies.

Some visuals to encourage you to care:

Victoria Beckham has been the bunion queen for a while now but wearing pointy, tight heels has not helped her case in any way. It was said back in ’07 that she may have to undergo surgery to correct her problem. Katie Holmes has corns galore which can be somewhat prevented.

WHEN BUYING:

Size Matters!

Make sure to buy the right size! I almost ALWAYS buy shoes that are too small. It’s a bad habit of loving the look of little feet. Remember, your feet expand throughout the day, so make sure to get the right size. There’s always the option of adding an insole which will make them more comfortable anyways.

Different brands, Different sizes, Different styles

Don’t assume you are a 7 across the board. All brands fit slightly different so make sure to try them on, and be honest with yourself on what is most comfortable. You may be a 7 at Browns but try to fit into a Christian Louboutain 7 and your feet won’t be very happy! Also, many of us have one foot that’s bigger than the other so buy the size according to the fit of the bigger foot.

If you feel off balance in heels, choose a thicker heeled shoe. Booties are good, as well as heels with a front strap to help hold the shoe on. This will prevent you from having to grasp your toes in the hopes of keeping your shoe on.

Pleather vs. Leather

If the shoe is made of plastic, do not justify buying the sale 7 although a bit too tight because you think it will ‘stretch out’. It’s plastic, it’s not gonna happen. Oh and by the way, the rubbing of a sweaty foot in a plastic shoe will leave visible damages ie corns, blisters, scars…NOT CUTE! Also, avoid extremely pointy heels.

Think of a pair of heels as an investment. Go for the natural materials even if they are a bit more pricey. Your shoe will adjust accordingly and allow your feet to breathe.

More on how to wear heels and what to do when enough is enough under the fold.

I saw this line at Bath & Body works yesterday and this particular product jumped out at me. It’s oil with shimmer in it. You can put it on after tanning, or before going out for a night on the town.  If lightly spritzed, I don’t see it leaving a disaster all over your clothes.

If you give it a try, let me know what you think. It retails for under $20

xoxo,

Lowe

People are always asking our bestie Mimi how she does her hair (she’s the one in the pic on the right) so we decided to do a little video tutorial.

Click read more to watch and learn

Clairol Natural Instincts is looking for a lucky few Coco & Lowe readers to attend an uber exclusive VIP day of pampering in Toronto on Monday August 16^th.  The contest winners will spend the evening being spoiled fab-u-lous with makeovers using Clairol Natural Instincts which you will see gives you soft, shiny, rich looking hair, PLUS a makeup application and a professional photog will take your before and after pics!  You will also have a chance to be part of a national marketing campaign for Clairol!

There will be yummy snacks and delicious cocktails and an all together smashing good time. The event is FREE, but as any good thing, the space is extremely limited.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

xoxo,

Coco & Lowe

*No purchase necessary.  Natural Instincts Makeover Challenge closes August 11, 2010. Open to residents of Canada (excluding the province of Quebec), must be of legal age to enter. Click here for details*

I don’t typically go for bright colours but I can’t get enough of this China Glaze polish called ‘Flip Flop Fantasy’.

Get a bright colour while the summer is still here because before you know it, we’ll all be back to the Lincoln Park After Darks and the Funny Bunnys.

xoxo,

Lowe

Not sure if that bronzer is good for your combination skin?  Overwhelmed when you walk into Sephora and don’t even know where to begin when it comes to brands and products?  Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me 8th Edition, just might be your saving grace.  ’Cosmetic Cop’ Paula Begoun scours makeup and skin care counters around the world and puts almost every product that comes on the market under rigorous testing.  She’s a myth busting, false promises exposing makeup vigilante that for once has the consumer in mind.

Here’s an excerpt from her book where she explains the importance of a ‘Cosmetic Cop’.

“If a moisturizer claims it can hydrate the skin, it should contain ingredients that can do just that.  If an anitwrinkle product claims it contains a special ingredient that can eliminate wrinkles, we searched the medical and biomedical journals to find support, or lack there of, for those claims.  In addition, I make a point of challenging the inflated claims made about myriad ingredients.  I also explain why seemingly impressive-sounding ingredients might indeed benefit the skin or might hurt the skin, and I often elaborate on the validity or usefulness of a specific ingredient or combination of ingredients.  In short, the skin-care reviews separate the state-of-the-art products from the so-so and the ‘Oh, no!’ products found in line after line after line, often citing the published research used to make the assessment.”

Because I truly believe you’re only properly equipped when you have the facts, why not know what you’re putting on (and subsequently in) your body before you do it.  I was pleased to discover that my favorite foundation (Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation) got full marks which makes me more comfortable with the price.  I was also interested to see that Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips (an absolute must have for Lowe and me) got a less than stellar review.  Will we stop using it as a result?  Probably not, but because Begoun gives an alternative product to try, it lets us know that there are other options out there available to try if and when we’re ready to let go…..

This book really helps alleviate the pressure I always feel when makeup shopping at department stores.  Now you can know all you need to know about a product before you’re bullied into buying it.  The latest edition -8th- is available now for purchase online HERE or at your local bookstore.  If you don’t want the entire book, you can sign up online (for a fee) and search your products online.

xoxo,

coco

Eyebrows are a feature that can drastically change your face, which I find many women (and men) neglect. Whether it’s the shape, size, or colour, these are key factors that can contribute to a better appearance.

SHAPE

Everyone’s natural shape is different, so take what you have and enhance it with minor plucking or waxing with a trustworthy aesthetician. Ritual on King is known for great waxing!

Make sure not to over-pluck. Take your time and take a step back after every pluck to make sure they’re symmetrical and that you’re not getting carried away. Eyebrows should reach beyond the length of your eye. See pic above for proper length.

Read on to see tips on Sizing and Tinting