I have a week to fix my manky legs and feet

[Mybobowler]

I need some beauty wisdom!

I'm going to be bridesmaid to my best friend a week on Saturday. I've just tried my dress on and have realised that my legs and feet look awful. Pasty, pimply legs (with inexplicably purple knees) and a couple of spider veins thrown in (thanks, pregnancy). My feet are even worse - ragged nails, hardened skin, cracked soles and the blueish hue of my appalling circulation. The idea of being photographed like this is already bringing me out in a cold sweat.

I am - as you have probably guessed - not brilliant at maintenance. What on earth do I do to polish up in a week? I know the easy answer is a spray tan and a pedicure but I can't afford either and I'd be way too embarrassed to drag my disgusting trotters to a beauty salon anyway.

Any tips? I need magic!

While I do use foot masks when I fancy a pampering session, I don't actually think they do anything more than a good skin filing session followed by a rich moisturiser. Except those masks that make your feet peel (mine have been peeling for two weeks and are only half way!!!).

Another vote for Sally Hansen, it's great stuff and no need for tights. Wouldn't be without it in hot weather, so easy to use and comes off with soap & water

@SpeckledlyHen

I would suggest you go and get a proper pedicure, they honestly will not care what your feet look like and I can assure you they would have seen worse! I think if you have a good pedicure with a polish it can transform how your feet look. With regard to the legs good exfoliation and moisturising between now and the day will make a massive difference.

I know you said you can't wear tights but you can get ones you can wear with sandals - although tights might make the shoes a bit slippery.

But honestly, a good pedicure I think will make the world of difference.

I think one of us needs to do a name change …..

Thought I was going mad!

I would spend on a pedicure with Gel / shallac. It will look better than doing your own and they can remove all the dead skin. If you can possibly stretch to it.

Then DIY tan.. gradual. Three evenings in a row before the wedding, that should be enough. Exfoliate first and exfoliate off any imperfections the next morning (around ankle and knee is tricky). Go for medium-dark, never light. That's yellow on almost all skin tone.

Have a great time at the wedding!! I think we're all feeling a bit frumpy and self conscious atm.

Wear a maxi dress and trainers then - but you could apply fake tan yourself (I like those gradual ones as they don't come put too orange) and then put on some oil on the day - file your dead skin off your feet with a nail file then put nail varnish on your toe nails - all will be well

Hi..You'll look beautiful..your friend has chosen you to be a bridesmaid so you ( not your dry feet) are important to her....you do have time to do some beauty treatments, though ...here's the best beauty tip ever spoken, by my gorgeous 90 Yr old mum..." Put a smile on your face and noone will notice anything else" so true...nothing worse than a physically beautiful person who has a scowl of their face

Put a smile on your face and noone will notice anything else

If only. Nice sentiment though.

OP, I am joining the chorus of approval for Sally Hansen airbrush legs. It is the dog’s bollix, particularly if you are not confident using fake tan.

I don't have any ideas but I wish you well in feeling good.

I would book in to get your feet done. Maybe speak to the salon person explain your feet are very neglected, get reassurance. They will see much worse things I promise.

How your feel good on the day ♥

I can't help with the fake tan unfortunately but I can suggest a wonder product that will make light work of restoring your feet.
I would highly recommend Margaret Dabbs hygiene cream - it works wonders for me. My feet can get really gnarly and beaten up as I swim, run, walk, yoga, have a very physical job, garden etc and I am really prone to athletes foot too -this stuff is the best.

I massage a good dollop and pop some moisterising socks on overnight and it helps keep my feet smooth and soft looking, keeps my nails looking good too. I never ever get pedicures but when I use the cream consistently my feet are in great condition. My diabetic mother also uses it to maintain her manky feet, and I've also got my sister onto it too. I think it would really help you, not a fussy product and you might enjoy the couple of minutes of foot massage each night!

Back again! Only a few days to go and my feet are looking less troll-like, hurrah! A friend is doing a gel polish for my fingers and toes, so no one could accuse me of not making an effort!

One question for the Sally Hansen fans - what colour do I want? I'm white and while I tan easily, I'm the washed-out grey of someone who lives in England and hasn't been on holiday for two years. Will the medium be too orange-y? What's the colour like?

I am so white I am almost blue. I use Sally medium to give a bit of a tan. The light one covers everything the same but doesnt have the glam effect of medium. It's amazing stuff!

Lovely update op. I am so excited for you! And clearly over invested. But honestly, your beauty shines through in your words. Although sometimes it's nice to not have troll feet. Best of luck with tan. I am off to Google Sally Hanson!

P.s. can we have pics.

@Mybobowler

Back again! Only a few days to go and my feet are looking less troll-like, hurrah! A friend is doing a gel polish for my fingers and toes, so no one could accuse me of not making an effort!

One question for the Sally Hansen fans - what colour do I want? I'm white and while I tan easily, I'm the washed-out grey of someone who lives in England and hasn't been on holiday for two years. Will the medium be too orange-y? What's the colour like?

I am very pale and use the light. But it's less of a tan and more of a cover up. Gives a bit of colour. Never tried the medium.