Don't neglect the feet when pampering skin

It's nearly summertime, but before you go sporting your favorite sandals it may be a good idea to get your feet in shape for flaunting.

Women's Health magazine recommends an at-home pedicure as the perfect way to beautify feet as well as give yourself a relaxing treatment.

First off, to soften dead skin and callouses, give yourself a 10-minute foot soak in warm water that has been fortified with Epsom salts or essential oils.

Next, exfoliate feet with a sugar scrub and use a pumice stone to slough off any callouses or rough spots. You don't need to buy an expensive brand of sugar scrub, since it's easy to make in your kitchen. Website FitSugar.com recommends mixing a quarter cup of raw or brown sugar with the same amount of honey, then adding some essential oils for fragrance. Stir it together in a bowl and rub generously on feet, elbows and knees.

To get enviable toenails, shape and buff them before adding two or three coats of glossy nail polish - think bright shades for summer.

After the polish has dried, slather feet with moisturizer to soften skin and top off your at-home pedicure. When going to the beach or heading out for the day in sandals, it's also a good idea to put sunscreen on the top of your feet.  

How to identify and treat melasma

If you've noticed dark patches of skin that appear symmetrically on your face, specifically the forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip or the bridge of your nose, you may have a condition known as melasma.

While melasma is not a sign of and does not lead to any other serious illness, it can affect a person's quality of life due to embarrassment.

The condition may be the result of overexposure to the sun - especially for African Americans or people with ethnic skin tones - or a change in hormones that occurs during pregnancy.

While pregnancy-related melasma cannot be prevented, it often does disappear after giving birth. Those who are not pregnant and want to prevent melasma or keep dark spots from worsening should always wear sunscreen, and may even want to consider wearing wide-brimmed hats while outdoors.

Mild forms of melasma may be treated using fade creams for black skin, but be sure to choose a brand that is free of hydroquinone.

Those who experience more severe discoloration should consult a dermatologist to discuss options like chemical peels, laser treatments or topical steroid creams.  

Paula Patton shines in Jumping the Broom

Jumping the Broom stars Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Angela Basset in a romantic comedy about what happens when two families are joined by marriage despite their differences. The film has already been shown to be a hit, coming in third in its debut weekend, earning $13.7 million at the box office, according to Hollywood Reporter.

This may be in part because of the rising star Patton's appeal as an up-and-coming powerhouse after earning acclaim in 2009's Precious as the title character's inspirational teacher, Ms. Rain.

The actress spoke with Women's Health about how she maintains her glowing complexion and healthy figure.

"I know if I enrich my mind and spirit, then I'll feel good. And when you feel good about yourself, it can't help but reflect on your outer beauty," Patton said, quoted by the source.

Her regimen includes yoga and loading up on green tea, water and fruit to keep her lovely African American skin healthy. Additionally, she said that moisturizing is key - even indulging in oxygen facials - as well as getting plenty of sleep each night.  

Jennifer Hudson seems to be having a great year

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson recently made a trip to Brazil to benefit AIDS prevention efforts and has been showing off her savvy for fashion with a new, slimmer figure.

Hudson and fellow actress Claire Danes headed to Sao Paulo in late April to support the American Foundation for AIDS Research for the organization's first South American event.

While there, Hudson will show off her vocal pipes as designer Francisco Costa is honored for his awareness efforts.

At a recent event, she showed off her slimmed-down figure in a rosy pink sheath that beautifully complimented her skin tone. She was also spotted at the Met Costume Institute Gala wearing a ruched, silvery grey Vera Wang gown. Additionally, her red-orange Versace gown at this year's Oscars was as memorable as her award-winning performance in Dreamgirls.

Hudson seems to have this show business thing down - from flawless skin to smart fashion choices - and is quickly becoming Hollywood's go-to African American actress.

The singer and actress will be performing this July at the 2011 Essence Music Festival, along with Mary J. Blige and Kanye West.