The Hair Removal Issue

It's an age-old issue- hair removal and the when, the how and sometimes, the whyyy???

Removing unwanted hair should be easy, right? Shaving, waxing, laser-removal, cream hair removers and whatever other product or service comes along leaves us with several options, but which one works best for each one of us is sometimes a puzzle.

For me, shaving has been my go-to-method for years, but it doesn't always offer great results. As I get older, my skin is changing and so is my hair. Razor burn, bumps and discomfort are just a few of the disadvantages of shaving. I've been searching for a better removal system and thought waxing might be a great alternative to shaving. I admit I even thought about revisiting the use of Nair, which I haven't used since I was in high school. Anyway, the waxing option seemed appropriate but I definitely wanted to try it first at home. I am modest, and I just didn't think I could bring myself to go to a waxing professional. So home-waxing, here I come... or so I thought.

I stood in the hair removal aisle at Target staring at the few options offered. "Which one should I try this time?" I thought to myself. This will be the 2nd waxing product I've tried in my life. The first wax product I tried was while I was in college, and it was a wax with strips so I knew I wanted to try stripless wax this time. I spotted Sally Hansen's Simple Spa wax kit, purchased it and tried it the same day. Before I continue, I have only given this product ONE trial so I may have a different outcome next time.

Rundown:
It took about 25-30 minutes for the wax to melt. While one should NEVER leave the warmer unattended while it's on, it still seems a little too dangerous to me to leave anything hot (and spillable) on that long in my home. After very closely watching the wax melt, stirring the wax and prepping the area, the wax seemed ready to apply. I applied a few swatches of wax, peeled the wax off as directed and studied what came off in the wax... disappointing. With the intense pain that came along with ripping the wax off my skin I thought that surely all the hair from those areas would be removed, but unfortunately the wax really did not seem to remove that much hair at all. From my first trial, I was disappointed. The pain from waxing was not worth the few hairs that were removed. I may have had better luck removing more hair by tweezing and plucking in the same time it took the wax to melt and maybe would have experienced less pain and definitely better results. HOWEVER, like I said earlier, this was my first trial with this product so I am willing to give it another go. When I do, I will let you know if I get better results. So overall, I do not want to give a solid conclusion opinion on this product yet because I have only tried it once and am willing to try it again.

I love how the cord neatly wraps up into the warmer. 

The warmer itself is pretty lightweight so be careful to not move it or knock it over.

***If you've tried Sally Hansen's SIMPLE SPA, I would love to see your feedback. I would love to know what you think about this product, other products that work for you and/or stories about waxing or any other hair removal experience.  Thank you!

Have a fabulous day every day. :)

Summer Beauty Basics

Summer can be so much fun. It is a time for going on vacations, swimming at a lake or pool and hosting BBQs. However, summer can also spell disaster in the beauty department if you are not prepared. Here are some summer basics (in no order) that should help you stay fabulous as you enjoy an amazing summer.

1. Wearing sunscreen daily should be second-nature by now, but I feel I still have to include this on the list. Make it a water resistant sunscreen if you will sweat or be in water. Reapply if you need to. Always protect your skin. There are some wonderful makeup formulas that include a sunscreen (if you do not need it to be water resistant). Also, protect your lips with SPF lip balm.

2. Exfoliating your skin at least weekly (as long as you are not sunburned) is still important as is moisturizing your skin. Always remove your makeup before you cleanse and exfoliate your face. There are many cleansers that also exfoliate. Try Neutrogena's Wave Duo. It cleanses and exfoliates simultaneously and can be used daily. ***If you have a sunburn, especially if it is still painful, do NOT exfoliate until your skin has healed or until you have spoken with your dermatologist.

3. If your usual foundation is too heavy for the hot and humid summer months, try tinting your moisturizer with a drop of concealer or foundation or use a pre-made tinted moisturizer available at many drugstores and makeup specialty stores.

4. Oil absorbing sheets are perfect for hot summer days when you start to shine in the not-so-camera-ready way.

5. Teeth whitening strips are a fabulous and affordable way to brighten your smile. Crest has some wonderful teeth whitening product options.

6. Summer is the perfect time, or excuse, to wear your hair tousled. Add a splash of salt water to your locks and voila, sexy beach hair created in your own home. It may not be appropriate to wear to the office, but on vacation or on weekends, this look can be ultra sexy, especially with longer strands.

7. Add a silky scarf or ribbon to your tousled hair as a tie around a low pony-tail or spice it up in a bun or add it to a loose side braid.

8. Summer is about fresh, airy and seemingly effortless style and beauty. Think simple, refreshing, light... Insert CoverGirl's slogan, "Easy, breezy, beautiful..."

9. Smile. This is always the number one way to look fabulous and confident. Additionally, smiling is contagious. Just watch the effect of your beautiful smile on others.

10. Think positively...about yourself. Confidence is key. See your beauty inside and out. And I know that summer can bring some added stress if you are uncomfortable with your body. The older I get, the more I have to work at caring for my body and reminding myself that I love my body even when I gain a few extra pounds. Everyone has a different body, and we are all beautiful in our own unique ways. Our differences are beautiful and fascinating.

Have a fabulous day every day, and enjoy your summer, beautiful!