Let's Talk About Waxing!
I always feel like I should start this kind of post with something like 'it's that time of year again, ladies!' but I for one like smooth skin all year round. I've never managed to successfully wax my legs as I can't stand to leave them long enough without shaving but for practically everything else I use Nair. I don't remember how I discovered the brand but around a year ago (I think it was nearly exactly a year ago actually as we were at IMATS) a fellow blogger convinced me I should try waxing. I'd always been too scared and the attempts I'd made in the past hadn't gone well so I had decided it wasn't for me but she told me to persevere and I did.
Now I should warn you this might get a bit TMI as the biggest breakthrough I had was with my bikini line, not only did the wax strip remove almost every hair first time, I'm also convinced that a year on the hair is growing back thinner. Previously if I was going swimming with the kids I'd have to take a quick shower and make sure I was 'decent' but these days if I need any maintenance I whip out a wax strip and it's over in seconds with no fuss or residue. It's not for everyone and once upon a time it wasn't for me, I remember my Mum once trying to wax my legs and me crying and showering it off (how I did that I have no idea - sheer willpower I think) and these memories were what put me off trying again but for those of you who want it to work but haven't managed it thus far I'd highly recommend the Nair Body Wax strips.
At some point (she says, vaguely - I'm on my third pot now but it's hard to put a date on it) I was confident with the strips and was feeling brave so decided to try the HOT wax. Now this I thought was a moment of madness... I'd got it sussed and I really didn't need to be messing around with something that worked but I was curious as to what difference there could be in the results so I gave it a go. This is NOT for the faint-hearted and absolutely not for beginners. I actually find it to be much more effective in more stubborn areas and that the heat soothes and almost numbs my skin so this is the less painful method of the two for me BUT I have some warnings. You're effectively applying molten wax to your skin so 1. make sure it's the right temperature, 2. don't leave it on the skin too long before removing it... the longer you leave it the harder it is/more painful, 3. and I cannot stress this enough, if you're thinking of doing a full hollywood wax be very careful with this... I would recommend the strips for the more intimate areas!
For those who prefer to avoid wax altogether Nair do a variety or removal creams for various areas of the body and sensitivity levels. I prefer wax because it lasts longer and I find that the Argan range is so gentle it doesn't irritate my skin but the reason there are so many options is because we all have our own ways. If you have any comments on the hair removal creams leave them as I don't have as much experience in that area.
Moving on from TMI entirely... well maybe... facial hair. Another area which I wax on a regular basis is my top lip. I am finding at least 10 new facial hairs on each birthday and there are no signs of that slowing down any time soon so I have to have wax on hand! I like the facial wax strips from the same range for the same reasons, gentle on my skin, quick and easy to remove and the colour cue that tells you when the wax is ready. You just hold the strip in your hands for a few moments and the blue logo disappears indicating it's ready to be used.
I've tried the new Upper Lip Kit with moderate success but as I say, I'm a wax girl. It works but I like a longer lasting result. A couple of tips I wanted to leave you with that I've picked up along the way - Don't bathe immediately before or after waxing, hot water is not your friend! Witch Hazel applied directly after waxing will prevent any pimples appearing in the days afterwards (top lip, I'm looking at you!) and lasting exfoliation is key! If you're prone to ingrown hairs (which apparently I am) regular exfoliation will keep these at bay. If you have any of your own tips you want to share please let us know.
I'm not saying anyone NEEDS to remove ANY hair but for me it's a confidence thing and when my skin is smooth I feel good, especially in Summer but really any time of year. It's a subject that not a lot of people talk about but almost all of us use some kind of hair removal product so I'm interested to hear what you use and whether you've found your holy grail system yet!
Click here to find out more about the Nair range
Miss BB
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