Product Review: Parissa Wax Strips

In my neverending quest to find the perfect method of hair removal, I picked up Epilatory Wax Strips for Face & Bikini during a recent trip to Ulta.

I always approach these strips (from any brand) with a healthy dose of skepticism. I never can seem to make the work, always either completely ineffective or such a mess that I'd rather deal with my actual hot wax pot and a popsicle stick. However, these wax strips were actually quite easy to use, no mess, and they actually worked!

Were they the perfect hair removal product? Well, no. Using actual hot wax and the popsicle stick will always give you the best results. But Parissa's Epilatory Wax Strips for Face & Bikini are really good for a quick fix. You won't get perfect results, but you'll get good enough until you can make it to your waxer to properly take care of everything.

To help you get a better result, I came across a few tips that might help. Jennifer Turchi, head of makeup on the show How I Met Your Mother suggests this:

Avoid beauty products with exfoliating ingredients three days prior to waxing. Sensitive skin? A week is better. And always do a small test strip to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction.

Epilatory Wax Strips for Face & Bikini retail for $9, and are available at Duane Reade, Fred Meyer, Target, Ulta, Whole Foods, and Parissa.com.

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Ultimate Hair Removal Guide Pt. 3: Depilating Lotions

Depilatory creams are simply chemicals that transform hair at or slightly below the skin's surface into a gelatin-like mass which is then removed along with the chemical.

That's the semi-scientific explanation, anyway. Typically, these chemicals are in the form of a lotion which is applied and allowed to sit for about five to ten minutes before removal. It's important to remember that this isn't a permanent solution, and will require almost as much effort as shaving, since the hair isn't removed at the follicle as it is with tweezing or waxing.

If you suffer from ingrown hairs, especially in the bikini area, this method of hair removal might give you some relief. Part of the reason for this is that you don't have to use it as often as shaving. Also, when a razor is used to remove hair at the surface, it often regrows as a sharp point which is much more likely to curl in and become imbedded in another pore in the skin. With this method, the hair grows in with a blunt edge. Not that ingrown hairs are eliminated, but you may find you have significantly less.

The hardest part of using depilatory cream is the waiting. Application is as easy as putting lotion on, but sitting in one spot without messing up the application can be tricky. Removal is extremely easy.

I heard they smell. Is that true?

Yes, most of the lotions on the market do have a strong smell. This is due to the alkaline nature of the chemicals used. These chemicals are typically barium sulfide, sodium sulfide, calcium hydrosulfide and strontium hydrosulfide. Many products claim that they have a pleasant smell, but this is usually due to added perfumes.

Are they dangerous?

There have been reports of chemical skin burns and other problems with these lotions. However, following product directions closely will mostly prevent these kinds of problems. Formulations have been created for different areas of the body; for example, a formula created for the face will be much more gentle than a formula created for the bikini line. Both hair and skin are different in these areas.

How do I use them? Are they hard to use?

Typically, you apply the lotion as a thick paste on the skin and allow it to sit for seven minutes or so. Then you wipe away with a washcloth or tissue. Some products come with a remover, such as the Veet Rasera Bladeless Kit, which looks like a straight blade but will not cut the skin, only assist in removing the remaining hair.
So which ones do you recommend?

I can say honestly that most of these lotions are the same. There are different formulas for different needs, and some of the best ones I've found include:

• Veet Rasera Bladeless Kit for legs and larger areas. The "blade" really does help remove hair much easier than just a washcloth.
• Extra Strength Creme Hair Removal For Face by Sally Hansen is an excellent formula for facial hair.
• If you have a sensitive bikini area, Nair Sensitive Bikini Cream might be your best bet.
• For use in the shower, Nair Shower Power products look interesting, although I haven't tried them yet.

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Ultimate Hair Removal Guide Pt. 2: Waxing

Often feared due to the pain it can cause certain people, waxing is considered one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted body hair. Waxing is a epilation method, meaning that it removes hair from the follicle under the skin rather than removing it only from the surface (depilation). Removing the hair from the follicle results in a longer time without the hair, as it requires more time to grow back from the follicle itself versus just the surface of the skin.

Waxing involves the application of hot or cold wax to the area with hair in the direction of the hair growth, covering with a piece of material, usually muslin, and then removing it quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. This can be done either at home or in a spa, depending on your comfort level, skill level, and budget.

There are two basic types of wax: hot wax and cold wax. Hot wax is generally applied in the direction of hair growth with a wooden applicator which often looks like a popsicle stick. The wax becomes in bedded in the hair, a strip of muslin is applied, and quickly removed in the opposite direction. This is the most popular form of waxing in a salon. Cold wax often comes in strips, especially those bought at the drugstore or other retail outlet for home use. They work in the same way as hot wax but do not need to be heated up. They are often cut in strips to fit certain areas of the body: legs, eyebrows, upper lip, etc. Many people don't have as much success with cold wax systems, including myself, especially if they have coarse hair.

A word about sugaring

Sugaring has become popular due to the many kits available for home use, and because it is water-soluable. In other words, it is easy to remove with just water, whereas wax often needs something stronger. I have yet to find any sugaring system that works anywhere nearly as good as a waxing system. In fact, most sugaring systems I've tried haven't worked at all. If you have dark or coarse hair, my advice is to ignore these systems, save your money, and use a hot wax.

I'm not interested in learning how to do it, I want someone to do it for me.

Excellent for newcomers to waxing, or simply for those who just don't want to be bothered. Look for a reputable, clean salon that does waxing on a regular basis. Inspect the waxing area - is it clean? Does the technician double dip the wooden stick into the wax? What sort of products are they using? Then make sure to check the pricing. A good eyebrow waxing and shaping can run anywhere from $10 to $25, depending on your area. Don't be afraid to shop around.

I'm not paying $25 to wax three inches. I need to do it myself and save some coin.

Waxing at home is not only easy, it's economical too. There are many different varieties of wax out there, from cold wax strips to small jars of microwavable wax to full on heating systems. Regardless of the type of wax you use, the basic process is still the same.

To get started, make sure the hair you are waxing is no longer than 1/2 inch. Trim if necessary. If you skip this step, it's entirely possible that you will get some brusing and/or discolored areas. I skipped it once and ended up with little bloody patches, NO GOOD. So make your trimmer or your favorite pair of scissors your best friend and clean it up. Next, I like to apply a little baby powder to make sure the skin is completely dry and to help with wax removal. You don't need a whole mess of it, just a little sprinkle on the area you're working with. Next, apply the hot wax with a wooden applicator in the direction that your hair grows. If you are using cold wax strips, the same idea applies - just make sure it is applied in the direction of hair growth, not the other way around. Lay a muslin strip on the top of the hot wax and very gently rub it in or pat lightly. Pull the skin taught and grasp the material and pull in the opposite direction that you applied it, and in the opposite direction of hair growth. Repeat.

When you are finished waxing, consider a wax remover to remove any little spots of wax you may have missed. Then smooth on a good anti-inflammatory lotion to reduce tenderness and redness. If skin is very irritated, try 10 minutes with some ice to reduce the swelling.

What about my ladyparts?

All the basic information above applies. Make sure to trim, make sure skin is completely dry, and watch your temperature if you're using a hot wax method.

Okay, I don't know what to buy or where to buy it. Help a girl out.

Easy as pie.

• Waxing systems: run, don't walk to Sallys and buy the GiGi Honee Wax Warmer. For $29.99, you have a salon quality wax warmer that you can fill with any appropriate wax for your skin type. Buy several different sized applicators, some muslin strips and you're set.
• Microwavable Wax: Again, from Sallys, the All Purpose Honee Wax is the best. Sally Hanson also has a very microwavable facial wax set.
• Cold wax strips: Sally Hanson also has a pretty good kit that I would recommend. It has everything you need to get started with the cold wax method. Also, Surgi-Wax facial strips work well.
• After waxing care: this varies depending on what your needs are. Jibere makes a very good wax residue remover. If your skin becomes really irritated, try the Gigi Skin Calming Lotion, which has hydrocortisone in it. Their Cooling Gel is a win for just about everyone.
  

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Ultimate Hair Removal Guide Pt. 1: Shaving

While I love summer, I often think that the time I save by reducing my daily makeup is more than made up for the amount of time I spend worrying about the various hair removal duties I absolutely must perform. Unless you're willing to sweat it out in some jeans in 90+ degree weather (and I'm not, sorry), there is no hiding those legs. And since we often find ourselves at the beach or pool, we have a whole other issue to deal with, don't we?

Shaving is without a doubt the most popular hair removal technique there is. It became popular in the 1940s when stockings were becoming a thing of the past due to the war, and while stockings and pantyhose come and go in fashion, removing the hair on your legs hasn't.

The difference between manual razors and electric razors

There are a wide variety of razors out there to choose from, but your first choice is going to be the type of razor you choose. Most women use manual razors, but there are some excellent electric razors on the market these days as well, some that can be used in wet or dry situations. If you are looking for the closest possible shave, try a manual razor first. Electric razors are quick and easy but are not known for giving you the closest possible shave. However, if convenience is more important, try an electric.

Electric razors come in all shapes and sizes, wet and dry, dry only, and just about everything in between. When using an electric razor, I generally prefer a dry razor, as water makes the skin swell slightly, making it harder to get a close shave.

Manual razors are also widely varied, from disposable cartridges to disposable razors. You can choose from a single blade or choose a razor head with five blades - all depending on what you need. If you suffer from ingrown hairs, consider a single blade. If ingrown hairs don't trouble you, you'll find the multiple blade razor heads to be excellent.

So, disposable or reusable?

Purely a matter of personal choice. However, my personal experience has led me to the conclusion that I have far less irritation when I use a resusable razor. Also, while disposable razors seem cheap in the short term, you are actually paying more. Plus, it's far more ecologically friendly to use one of the "systems" (i.e. razor that you purchase cartridge heads for). Disposable razors create far more waste. That being said, I will still occasionally take a disposable along on travel.

Okay, I've picked my razor. Now what?

Put down that bar of soap right now. And promise yourself that you'll never use soap to shave again. It's drying on your skin, and it isn't doing you any favors. Soap doesn't have any slip - ingredients to help your razor guide smoothly across your skin to reduce irritation and nicks. Good shaving creams and gels include additives to increase slip and protect your skin.

Okay. I'm ready to shave. Any tips?

Of course. The closest shave occurs when you shave against the hair growth. On the legs, this usually means starting at the ankle and pulling the razor up. After each swipe with the razor, rinse the blade to remove debris. No need to press hard on the razor - that will just cause irritation. If you need extra skin protection, consider putting a drop of olive oil on your razor blade before each swipe. It's time consuming, but can help prevent ingrown hairs due to lack of the aforementioned slip.

Do you have any product recommendations?

Don't I always? Here is my list:

• Razor systems: Gillette Venus Spa Breeze: this has a good shave cream built right into the head. Good if you don't like a million products cluttering up your shower. Also available as a disposable.
  
• Disposable razors: Preserve Recyclable Razor can be used either as a system or as a disposable, and it's completely recyclable.
• Electric razors: Panasonic Close Curves is wet or dry, although I prefer to use it dry before the shower. For bikini line and ladybits, the Ultimate Personal Shaver system is ideal and darn near perfect. Look for an indepth review on this soon.
• Shaving cream: Ambrosia by Lush Cosmetics is hands down the best shaving cream I have ever used. If you suffer at all from ingrown hairs or razor burn, you owe it to yourself to try Serious Shave Cream by Glytone.
• Ingrown hair prevention and treatment: Bikini Kitty's Everyday Magic Spray is an exfoliating spray that will both prevent and help treat ingrown hair. Used with a soft bristle brush, you can't go wrong with this amazing system. Tend Skin liquid is also an excellent product, as well as the GiGi No Bump Treatment RX found at Sallys.
  

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Finding Your Perfect Eyebrow Shape: Eyebrows Simplified

I will admit, I’m a bit obsessed with eyebrows. I don’t really tend to pay attention to everyone else’s brows, but I am always messing with mine. It constantly amazes me how well-groomed eyebrows can radically change the appearance of my face. A few simple steps can completely alter your look, and it doesn’t take much time to accomplish.

To begin, discover the right shape for you. Don’t just go attacking with the tweezers! Look straight into a mirror and take a ruler (or other straight lined object - I’ll admit to using an eyeliner pencil most of the time) and place it vertically along the outer edge of your nose up to the inner corner of your eye. Take an eyebrow pencil and mark where the pencil lies - that is where your brows should begin. Leave the pencil against your nose but angle it out so that it passes by the outer part of the iris. Remember to look straight ahead, or this whole exercise is futile. Take your brow pencil and mark this spot on your brows. This is where your arch should be highest. Again, leaving the pencil in the same spot, angle it out so that it goes over the outer corner of the eye. Mark this spot as as well, as this is where the brows should end.

Now you have your basic shape. Pluck all stray hairs and decide how thick your brows will be. The current trend is for strong, or thick, brows, but I’ve always preferred a more natural look. Tweeze to define your arch and be sure to remove all hairs in between brows. To emphasize your arch, pluck underneath carefully, making sure you don’t go too thin.

A simple brush with an eyebrow brush every morning will make a huge difference. Fill in brows with an eyebrow pencil or powder lightly for a more finished look. For a natural look, try a clear eyebrow gel. You’ll be amazed at how it will finish off your daily look.

Photo by chilling_soul on Flickr

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My Love for All Things Lush Continues with Ambrosia

It's the season for hair removal, ladies. So get yourself ready, because I'm going to be writing about it a lot in the next month. Look for my Ultimate Guide to Hair Removal to come out right before Memorial Day - I've already began working on it!

In the meantime, we need to talk about Ambrosia. I grabbed this awhile back on a trip to New York City when I left my shaving cream at home, and goodness knows I wasn't going to trek around the city with unshaven legs and other bits.

And let me tell you, I haven't gone back to any other shave cream in the past two years. This stuff is beyond my favorite - it's turned into a must-have staple.

Most people seem to not like the smell. Lush says it smells like honey and chamomile. I don't find that to be the case, really, and neither do many of the reviewers. However, it's not an unpleasant smell, and I don't have a problem with them lingering, but that could be because I follow each shave session with my body wash (almost always exfoliating, especially in the summer), a body scrub occasionally, and always a lotion or massage bar treatment. So the smell isn't an issue for me at all.

Basically, what I love the most about this product is that I don't have to use the additional oil on my razor when I shave. This has the oil already in it. It gives me the smoothest, softest shave I have ever had. It helps keep irritation and razor burn away and even leaves the skin feeling well moisturized afterwards.

If you're a heavy duty shaver like I am, give this one a try. I think you will really like it. Get it at Lush for $8.75 to $16.45 for a large bottle.

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For the Men Fridays: The Four Elements of a Perfect Shave by The Art of Shaving

Pure luxury. The Four Elements of a Perfect Shave by The Art of Shaving kit combines Pre-Shave Oil, Shave Cream, After Shave Balm, and a Pure Badger brush.

These aromatherapy-based products have an excellent reputation as being able to soothe razor burn, prevent ingrown hairs, and give an unbelievably smooth shave.

It's not just the product, but the technique that The Art of Shaving promotes, and you will learn it all with this kit.

The Four Elements of a Perfect Shave by The Art of Shaving, $120 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Summer Lovin': Emjoi Soft Caress Epilator

I never thought that I'd be able to handle epilation. Basically, these handheld battery-operated machines have a tweezing function that remove each individual hair from the root, usually from large areas such as legs, arms, underarms, even bikini lines. I knew logically that it couldn't possibly be much different than waxing or even tweezing, but I'd heard all the horror stories about the different brands, like EpiLady. Remember when you could buy that at Macys? No? I'm probably older than you.

At any rate, I started to notice that my "tan from a can" wasn't holding up well on my lower legs. It stood to reason that the reason why was that I was exfoliating that area every day by shaving, resulting in a rather uneven tan. I really didn't want to let the hair grow out and wax, nor did I want to incur that extra cost and time investment of heading to the salon every two weeks to get that done. So I did what any other product junkie would do and started checking out all the reviews on different epilators. I settled on the one that everyone seemed to like the best, the Emjoi Soft Caress. After much trepidation, I settled in to see just how bad this was going to be.

Are you waiting for my horror story? Well, there isn't one. The first time I used it it was a bit uncomfortable, but certainly nothing alarming. I quickly got used to the pulling sensation, and eventually it stopped bothering me at all. Probably because the areas I was going over were already smooth and didn't have any hair to remove. I did one shin and my bikini line the first time. The next day I went back and cleaned up the leg and did the other one. Uncomfortable, not that painful. Although, I will say, everyone has a different pain tolerance - I have a tattoo on my left calf, and it certainly wasn't anything near what I felt when I got that.

The best part about it is the time it lasts. Because it removes hair from the root and not just the surface growth, I'm getting well over a week with no maintenance, and best of all? An even fake tan. Bonus!

Available at folica.com, emjoi.com, and ulta.com.

Image courtesy folica.com.

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Pesky Ingrown Hairs

It's that time of year again, where we start baring part of our bodies that haven't seen the light of day in six months. And so we start prepping, tanning, shaving, and exfoliating.

Unfortunately, all that new shaving can lead to a common concern: ingrown hairs. Many adults suffer from this in some form or another, especially in areas that are shaved often. Essentially, the hair is shaved leaving a sharp edge which then curls back into the same hair follicle as it grows. As this happens, the body responds with an inflammatory reaction, often in the form of raised red bumps, some of which can also itch or even hurt. What you may think is a pimple is actually an ingrown hair - the two look the same sometimes.

So, how do you treat the bumps you have? The preferred method is to use a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid (one of my favorite beauty ingredients EVER) on the area. They have the ability to actually penetrate into the plugged follicle and slowly release the hardened proteins. If you're feeling as if it needs to come out NOW, you can try removing the hair yourself. Start with a warm compress on the affected area for a few minutes. When the skin has softened enough, use tweezers to remove the ingrown hair from the area. If you can't get to the hair, please don't dig at your skin. Put a salicylic acid product on it, and leave it alone. It will eventually go away on it's own, or you can try again another day.

Preventing the bumps is key. This is where excellent exfoliation comes into play. Use gentle exfoliating products with salicylic acid and a washcloth or shower puff. You can even find special products for exfoliation, such as brushes and mitts. Try shaving in the direction of the hair growth, although that isn't always an option for people with curly, coarse hair - in other words, the person who is most prone to ingrown hairs! Instead, try alternative ways of removing hair such as depilatory creams or waxing. Both of those will drastically reduce your ingrown hairs.

Permanent hair removal is also an option, if it's in your price range. Many people have excellent success with laser hair removal.

A few products that you must have for shaving, if you are prone to ingrown hairs:

• Bikini Kitty's Clean Up Kit: Complete kit for bump-free shaving. Includes Smooth Shave Gel, No Nick Razor Oil to apply to your single-blade razor, Everyday Magic Spray for daily exfoliation, and a brush for physical exfoliation. $39.95
• Veet Hair Removal System with Bladeless Tool: a fast-acting depilatory cream with a razor-like tool for physical removal with no sharp blade. $7.99
• no!no! Hair Removal System: Conducts a gentle pulse of heat to the hair, removing it and possibly reducing hair density. Has an odor, and can be cost prohibitive. $250
• Bliss Poetic Cosmetics Waxing Kit: Popular do it yourself in the privacy of your own home waxing kit. Includes everything you need to wax. $45
• Emjoi Gently Gold Caress Hair Removal System: Highly rated epilator with "pain reduction" technology. $59.95
  

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Review: Bikini Kitty Clean Up Kit

This is one of the most comprehensive shaving kits I have ever come across. Not only is it full of high quality products, it is an education in shaving sensitive areas. I have struggled with ingrown hairs and razor burn in "that" area, and this kit pretty much got rid of all of that. I credit the Magic Spray the most. This is a simple spray that you put on once daily to gently exfoliate and keep ingrown hairs at bay. That product alone was almost worth the somewhat high price of $39.99. I liked the shaving gel, but it wasn't anything special, and the razor oil was a nice olive oil, which was great, especially since I had never used razor oil before, but still nothing out of the ordinary. The spray, though, was excellent. I plan to keep buying the spray, but I probably won't replenish any of the other products in the kit. The single blade razors I can find at Rite Aid, I have plenty of olive oil (is it just me, or is olive oil being used in everything lately?), and a regular shaving cream (or BeneFits Bathina if I'm feeling especially frisky) works great for me. Overall, I feel like I paid for education, which is just fine with me - I no longer have a scary bikini area!

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