Pedicures are such a pain in the winter. You’re wearing pants and boots, you have to sit under the dryer forever so that you don’t ruin the polish putting on boots and it’s just awkward. It takes what should be a very relaxing experience and makes it exasperating.
In general, feet and foot-related products are an odd thing. It’s just another part of your body, but nobody wants to be seen in the Foot Care aisle of the pharmacy. It’s no big deal to buy special hand cream, but to be seen buying special foot cream is squirm-inducing. It’s totally okay for us to say we’re getting a pedicure, but we don’t want to be the person giving the pedicure.
However, there is a cool new gadget on the market that I’ve been dying to try, and I got it for Christmas from a dear friend (after we had an entire conversation about how feet are weird).
Amopé™ Pedi Perfect™ Electronic Foot File: $30-40
This is basically a tiny power sander for your tootsies. The Amopé comes with a motorized handle powered by 4AA batteries, included. The abrasive head is covered in a sandpapery material their marketing people say is filled with diamond crystals. Ooh.
When you gently place the roller against your heels, it gently files down and powderizes any hardened skin. If you move the head in continuous forwards, backwards, sideways and circular motions, you get incredibly smooth results. Possibly even better than you’d get during a pedicure. This takes about 2 minutes per foot. Just don’t leave it on any one spot for too long!
The unit isn’t waterproof and you shouldn’t use it on wet skin. I found the best way to use the Amopé is to sit on the edge of a dry tub with your feet inside the tub. That way, dry skin powder doesn’t land on your bathroom floor. When you pop off the roller to rinse if off, you can easily rinse out the tub and rinse off your feet simultaneously. If you moisturize immediately after, you absorb the lotion even better!
One important thing about the Amopé is that unlike some other recently popular products like the Ped Egg, it doesn’t use blades or metal to remove dead skin. This significantly reduces the risk of infection. For people who take care of elderly relatives, this would be perfect.
The abrasive heads need to be replaced “when worn,” according to the manufacturer. I’ve used it once a week for 3 weeks, and the head looks exactly the same. Online reviews show the heads are good for 3+ months. Replacements come in a 2-pack for $15.
In a year this product plus replacement heads will run you about $60, which is $5 per month.
Generic pumice stone or foot file: $1-$10
Your standard pumice stone can be purchased at any pharmacy or major retailer. It’s a small block of lightweight, hardened lava foam which you scrub over your dry spots to remove dead skin. Most women know how to use one, but typing out how you actually do it is incredibly weird.
Unlike the Amopé, a pumice stone definitely works better when your skin has been softened by water, after a bath while the shower is running is best. I use a dollop of my current shower gel and balance on one leg while scrubbing away, although you could sit on the edge of the tub if you have one. It probably takes a few minutes per foot to get things smooth, but it’s not always completely effective.
Pumice stones need to be replaced monthly because their holey texture encourages bacteria growth. At an average of $5 per stone per month, that ends up being the same cost as the Amopé.
I’ve never used a foot file because of the safety concerns. They look like cheese graters and there’s never a good reason to use a cheese grater on yourself. Blades can slice too deep and cause scrapes which can easily become infected. Plus that hurts. No thanks.
Verdict: Splurge
Amopé all the way. Although there are cheaper short term alternatives, it ends up being about the same price plus it’s much more effective. It’s basically going to cut out my need for pedicures this winter, so it’s going to save me money in the long run.
I won’t post before and after photos, mostly because I didn’t take a before photo, but also because no one wants to see photos of feet. They look silky smooth and softer than they’ve ever been.
Keep it classy,
MufasaMufasaMufasa
The Lion's Mane 