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Product Review: Completely Bare Wax Works

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:00:07 -0700

Since it's Beach Week here at BellaSugar, I thought I'd talk about a new at-home waxing kit I tried out. It's from Completely Bare, a New York-based spa specializing in nearly painless hair removal. I confess, I scoffed at the idea of a pain-free bikini wax, but after getting a freebie coupon in a Fashion Week goody bag this past February, I decided to try it. And what do you know? Truth in advertising! I had a great, surprisingly easy (and yes, ouchless) wax.

In-spa waxing really adds up, though, so I was excited to learn about Completely Bare Wax Works ($135, on sale for $99). It's an at-home, do-it-yourself kit using the same French wax that estheticians use at the spa. Would it give the same results at home? To find out, read more

I'd been using Poetic Waxing for years, but upon unwrapping the Wax Works kit, I suspected I'd been missing out on an easier way to de-fuzz. With Poetic Waxing, I had to constantly keep re-heating the wax in a bain marie, but Wax Works comes with its own professional-style, temperature-controlled heater. That alone makes me a fan.

Using the heater is really simple: You just plug it in, turn it to the appropriate temperature, and wait for the indicator light to change color. Another thing I liked about this setup was that I could leave the room while the pink wax heated; because the heater has a lid, I didn't have to worry about my cats pouncing around and getting wax on their paws. (Sadly, yes, this is a valid concern when it comes to those frisky felines.)

While the wax heated up, I watched a how-to DVD that comes as part of the kit. It's actually really charming, with cute animations showing how to apply the wax and how to properly remove it. The kit does include detailed instructions on paper, but the DVD makes it easier to understand.

In about 15 minutes, the wax was ready. The kit comes with everything you need (spatulas, paper strips, pre- and post-waxing lotions). The directions call for baby powder, which I didn't have, but, you know, I'm a rebel. I'll wax without powder. After applying the wax and letting it cool, I yanked it off with the paper strips. While it wasn't completely painless, it wasn't bad, either. What I really appreciated was how well the wax grabbed the hair. Some waxes just grab half or three-quarters' worth of the hair, but this wax got all of it but a few strays. That means I didn't have to go over my skin over and over, which kept it from getting raw.

I had high hopes for this product, and I'm glad to report that it really delivered. Since it's on sale for $99, I think it's a worthwhile investment. After all, the wax can be used on the bikini area, eyebrows, legs and underarms-so it really is a multi-purpose product. And considering a Brazilian bikini wax is $70 at fancy spas-$84 with a tip-this kit pays for itself in just over one use. Very highly recommended! And for more suggestions on at-home waxing kits read on -although, sincerely, this one is worth every penny.

Beauty Marked! DIY Waxing Kits

BellaSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:26:07 -0700

If you're heading to the beach this summer, don't go before you look at the results of the latest Beauty Mark It challenge. Last week, I asked you to share your favorite at-home waxing kits, and you found some pretty cool ones.
(To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here.)

Gruaig_rua pointed out Nad's Naughty Bikini Design Kit, which lets you become a bikini-area landscaper, while Steen unearthed the affordable (if oddly named) Surgi-Wax Brazilian Waxing Kit for Private Parts. I've assembled all of your waxing suggestions in a nifty widget, so just scroll through to see everyone's picks. If you want to learn more about a product, just click on the link.

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Carbamide peroxide (Into the ear)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:55 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Carbamide Peroxide (KAR-ba-mide per-OX-ide)

Used to soften, loosen, and remove excess wax from your ears.

Brand Name(s)

Debrox, Ear Wax Drops, Auro Ear Drops, Rite Aid Earwax Removal Kit, Otix Ear Wax Removal Aid, Ear Drops, Audiologist's Choice, E-R-O, Medicine Shoppe Ear Wax Removal System, Auraphene-B, E-R-O Ear Drops, Oxy-Otic, Mack's Wax Away, Mollifene

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carbamide peroxide. You should not use this medicine if you have a punctured eardrum, or discharge from your ear. You should not use this medicine if you have had an ear surgery, or if you have pain, irritation, or rash in your ear.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Remove your hearing aid while using this medicine.
Use this medicine only in your ear.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
You may warm the drops by holding the unopened bottle in your hands for a few minutes.
Remove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.
Lie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child's earlobe down and back to straighten the child's ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or put a cotton ball into your ear.
You may hear a bubbling noise in your ear after placing the drop in it. This is normal and is not something to worry about.
Do not rinse the dropper.
After using this medicine 4 days, gently flush your ear with warm water, using a soft bulb syringe to remove the wax.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Keep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You should not use other ear medicines while using this medicine, unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If the medicine does get in your eyes, flush them with water and call your doctor right away.
This medicine should not be given to children under 12 years of age without a doctor's approval.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Do not use this medicine for longer than 4 days.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5250

Reader Review of the Day: Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:05:35 -0700

Hair removal is the bane of many of our existences, but it doesn't have to be. A few months ago I dished on my experience with Bliss Poetic Cosmetic Waxing Kit ($45), and now it's Bluegirl81's turn. Here's what she had to say about this DIY home waxing product below:

This wax is amazing. I used to break out on my face when waxing at home or the spa, but this wax does not make me break out. It is virtually pain free compared to other waxes. I have been removing hair on my face for over 10 years and this is by far the best. I will never use another at home wax. Highly recommended.

Share your thoughts with us now on anything from hairbrushes to toothpaste on our Product Reviews website. Thanks!

Wax On, Wax Off: The Best of Hair-Removal Posts

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 -0700

After last month's attempt at a DIY bikini wax resulted in spectacular disaster - we're still discovering particles of sticky wax on the bathroom floor - I have decided to splurge on a professional deforestation this month. Very exciting stuff, folks. If you're thinking of ripping out some of your hair, look no further. Behold, six wax-themed posts to help you grin and bare it.

Photo by Annabananabobaloo

How to Have (Nearly) Pain-Free Bikini Waxing

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:00:40 -0800

At the risk of taking the bullet train to TMI City, I loathe bikini waxing. It is the Sisyphean task of my beauty regimen: I wax, the hair returns, I wax again. On and on it goes.

For a while, I got a $35 wax from a really sweet lady... until I noticed that she was double-dipping the waxing stick. Since I'm a clean freak, I've decided to wax less often but go to a better place. Ergo, I de-fuzz with the bikini wax at Bliss spas, where double-dipping is strictly verboten. Plus, it's shockingly not painful to be waxed here. Bliss has its own special wax that is the closest thing to pain-free ladyparts grooming that I've experienced. It doesn't stick to the skin, but it grabs even the smallest hairs. So one quick rip, and that's all you need. During my weekend bikini wax, at one point I literally didn't feel the wax pulling my hairs out. Score!

If you don't live near a Bliss spa, or you'd like to save a few bucks, check out the waxing kit ($45). It contains the same wax and tools that the pros use, and I've had success using it at home. (Not for Brazilians, though; there are some things that are too tricky for me.) Along with the Completely Bare kit, it's the best at-home option for a minimally painful wax.

Should You Sugar?

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:49 -0700

With bikini season just around the corner, I've been getting a lot of questions about hair removal. I recently had a reader ask me what the deal was with sugaring, so read on to decide if this is something you should try.

Sugaring is an all-natural alternative to waxing. So if you're squeamish about the chemicals and additives in traditional waxing, sugaring could be just the ticket. It is also a lot less expensive than getting the job done at a salon or purchasing an at-home kit, especially if you concoct the sugaring solution yourself.

To see what this process actually entails, as well as the potential ouch-factor, read more.

The process of sugaring itself is relatively simple. You can either purchase an at-home kit, like this MOOM Organic Hair Removal Kit ($17), or you can whip up the solution yourself at home. The technique is identical to that of traditional at-home waxing. So what's the difference? Here are some pros and cons.

Pros:

The solution contains no artificial chemicals or preservatives, which could be beneficial if you have sensitive skin.
If you wax regularly, at-home sugaring could end up saving you a lot of money.
When done correctly, sugaring should be less painful than waxing, since it sticks just to your hair, while waxing sticks to your hair and skin.
Sugaring is easy to clean up since it is water based, whereas waxing is difficult to get off of skin, clothes, and carpets.

Cons:

It can be difficult to get the temperature just right, since your at-home solution will heat differently than traditional waxing kits.
You might have more stray hairs left over than with waxing, since it doesn't always "grab" the hair the way waxing does.
You need patience! Preparing the solution, heating it to the right temperature, shredding your old tees, and getting the technique right is a lot more time consuming than grabbing a box of wax from your local drugstore.
It's not totally painless. You might have to withstand a some extra pain while practicing to get the technique and temperature right.

If you have the time and patience, sugaring can be an effective and economical hair-removal option. I would love to hear if anyone has tried this and what their experience was like. Also let me know if you have any tips or at-home recipes!

Ten Tips for a Nearly Painless Bikini Wax

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:00:50 -0700

I think only masochists look forward to a bikini wax, and small wonder: It hurts! The thing is, it doesn't have to hurt quite so badly. I've compiled a list of ten ways you can reduce the pain of waxing. If you're new to waxing, I highly recommend going to a professional to see how it's done. After a few times, you might want to try doing it at home to save a few bucks; I really love completely bare's wax kit because it's practically pain-free. (Let me know if you'd like a how-to on at-home waxing; I'd be happy to do one!) For now, to learn how to keep pain at bay, read more

Plan to wax after your period. Your pain threshold is higher in the week after your period than beforehand. Think of it like this: If sappy commercials make you cry when you're premenstrual, having wax applied to your dainty bits certainly will.
Lose your self-consciousness. Yes, a stranger is going to see you wearing, at most, a paper thong. Don't worry about offending her or feeling embarrassed. It's nothing she hasn't seen before. The less anxious you are, the less you'll worry about pain.
Start off slowly. Your first bikini wax is not the time to try a Brazilian. If you're new to waxing, go with a basic bikini wax. You can always decide to remove more the next time around.
Exfoliate. The day before you decide to wax, exfoliate in the shower. This will remove dead skin, allowing the wax to grip shorter hairs.
Speak up. A good esthetician will work with you to make sure you're as comfortable as you can be. I always ask my esthetician to tell me when she's about to pull the wax off. So don't be shy to say something if you have a low pain tolerance-it's better to speak up than to suffer in silence.
Use hard wax. Hard wax is more gentle than soft wax, so I recommend going to a spa that uses it.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. About an hour before your appointment, take an Advil, Tylenol or other pain reliever.
Breathe. It can be tempting to hold your breath, but breathing in and out helps reduce the pain. Take a deep breath in when the wax goes on, then breathe out when your esthetician gives it a yank.
Know which parts are most sensitive. You wouldn't expect it, but having hair pulled from the lower abdomen area is more painful than it is around the vaginal opening.
Turn your head and cough. An esthetician at Bliss taught me this trick: When the wax is about to be ripped off, cough. It distracts from the pain, and trust me, it works!

Source

Beauty Mark It! DIY Waxing Products

BellaSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:20:41 -0700

The only thing that might hurt more than a bikini wax is the cost of an in-spa wax! With some spas charging $70 for a basic one, it's no wonder that people are trying at-home kits to save a few bucks. I've had good luck with the surprisingly painless Poetic Cosmetics Waxing Kit ($45), but I've run out of wax.

So for this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I'd like to know what waxing products you like best, from drugstore bargains to swanky setups. (The less painful, the better!) Tell me by Beauty Marking your favorites and tagging your choices with the phrase "waxing kit." I'll feature the readers' favorites on BellaSugar next Tuesday, June 26.

To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Victoria's Secret Beauty
Sephora
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Folica
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Bergdorf Goodman
Beauty.com

Wow Oh Brow! Benefit Launches New Brow Kit

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:00:00 -0700

There is no denying that this is the season of the bold brow. Think classic Brooke Shields, or model of the moment – Hilary Rhoda.

Yet, tell that to my brow lady, who during a conversation about how converting to Catholicism has affected a mutual friend's bikini waxing regime, (well, we like to chat) waxed off what was almost my entire eyebrows. I couldn't even raise them in disgust.

So, feeling like a victim of surgery gone wrong, or a WAG, or both perhaps, I was all ready to mourn for my long-lost brows, when the lovely Benefit girls told me they have a new brow range, that's just the ticket for victims of brow theft, like me. Just read more

Benefit are thankfully launching their new, dual-ended brow pencil, (£12.50), in the UK, for easy peasy catwalk brows, even for the eyebrow-challenged. It'll be out in September, and has a fantastically smooth texture and very-natural range of colours.

Their new perfect brow kit, includes Speed Brow, (£11.50) a quick set brow gel that tames unruly brows and adds a hint of color, and an under-brow, highlighting pencil, (£12.50). There's also the newly repackaging Brow-Zings, (£21.50), which is basically perfect brows in a compact.

As well as being very impressed with the pencil, I was rather partial to the Brow-Zings kit as well. The compact includes pigmented wax for shaping, a natural-shaded powder for setting, some great, mini tweezers, and two tiny brushes – one with a hard angle for shaping, and the other a softer blending brush.

The brushes were, admittedly, a little fiddly, but the dark wax colour, which looked slightly scary in the pot, came out super-natural. Despite being afraid of ending up with that old-lady-with-painted-on-eyebrows effect, my brows looked normal – only better – thicker, fuller and with more definition.