DIY Peppermint Foot Scrub and Lotion

In case you didn’t already know, winter is torture on the feet. You have to leave most of the “fancy” shoes in your closet for months (thanks, ice patches), and there’s also no pedicure or nail polish in the world that can withstand a season’s worth of scratchy wool socks. But DIY to the rescue! This scrub-and-lotion combo made from the simplest ingredients is just what you need. In both concoctions, you get the softening benefits of a base oil, plus cooling, refreshing peppermint oil to hydrate, increase circulation, and diminish aches and pains. (The scrub relies on the exfoliating power of plain old granulated sugar.) Kick off those winter boots and indulge. Hint: this duo also makes a wonderful cold weather gift; the servers in your life will thank you.

Peppermint Foot Scrub

YOU WILL NEED

• 2 cups white granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup oil (try olive, coconut, or almond)
• 3-4 drops peppermint oil
• red food-grade edible food coloring
• glass jar (that can hold at least 16 oz.)

Mix sugar and oils in a large bowl until well blended and free of any clumps. Separate half the mixture into a second bowl and add a few drops of red food coloring and stir until you get a subtle red. Then layer red and white: Spoon some of the white sugar scrub into the glass jar and pat down with a wooden spoon. Add the same amount of the red scrub into the jar and repeat, alternating red and white until it’s all in the jar. For more of a swirl appearance, pull a knife clockwise through the jar once or twice.

Whipped Peppermint Foot Lotion

YOU WILL NEED

• 3/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup oil (try olive, coconut, or almond)
• 3-4 drops peppermint oil (for scent)
• glass jar (that can hold at least 8 oz.)

In a saucepan, melt shea butter over low heat until liquified, then stir in the oils. Allow the mixture to cool. Once cooled, whip with a mixer to give it a fluffy consistency, and spoon into glass jar.