I Did It! At-Home Waxing!

MOOM Hair Removal Kit with Tea Tree Oil (Classic) ($19.95) is a sugar-based hair removal system. According to MOOM, the creator brought “sugar, chamomile, lemon juice, water, and tea tree oil” together to create the system. It’s supposed to contain certified organic chamomile, lemon juice, tea tree oil, sugar; and then water. The idea behind MOOM was to combine the benefits of waxing and sugaring without any drawbacks.

Since moving, I had to give up my previous wax therapist. I’ve tried waxing at a local spa here, which was rather expensive, and it was the most painful waxing experience I’ve ever had. It’s amazing how important it is to have a good experience; even if painful, a good therapist will help you through it, whether by helping you time your breathing, applying pressure, etc. I had painful bruising that lasted for four days. I’ve used two therapists (both were excellent) prior to the bad experience, so luckily, I didn’t swear off of waxing–but I might have if my more recent experience was my first.

I decided to do something I didn’t think I’d ever attempt again: at-home bikini waxing. The last time I attempted this, it ended with me on the floor–crying–trying to remove all the wax and feeling like there was no hope for removal. It was rather traumatic at the time, LOL! I looked on Amazon for highly reviewed hair removal products, and I ended up purchasing MOOM (4/5 stars, 320 reviews, Prime shipping, and $13.33!).

I wasn’t expecting to write a review, but I was so impressed by the product that I felt compelled to share! The kit contained 6 oz. of the hair remover, 18 washable/reusable fabric strips, and 4 wooden applicators (two small, two large). It actually wasn’t very painful. It’s not something that feels good, but it’s more than tolerable and doesn’t persist. I was surprised at how little pain there was. What impressed me more was that the remover was truly water soluble and while sticky like honey, it completely dissolved in seconds under water. The fabric strips really are reusable, too, as the remover dissolves and dislodges from the fabric, along with any hair.

The removal process is very much like waxing. You heat up the jar in 10-second increments until it’s warm but not hot–and it actually holds temperature well, as I didn’t need to reheat it during the time I was using it (about a half hour). Then, you use the wooden spatula to spread a thin layer across the area, spreading in the direction of the hair growth. Next, press the fabric strip over the area and smooth it over a few times. Finally, pull the fabric strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

I’m pleased to report soft, smooth, hair-free skin that’s neither red, irritated, or bruised. MOOM was exactly as described, and extremely impressive for someone who was rather nervous about doing it themselves!  I’m over the moon that the fabric strips are reusable, because those are often the most costly part of at-home waxing.  I used about half the jar for this go-round, which would be 3 oz., but it was my first try, so I might be more efficient next time  You can purchase 12 oz. jars of MOOM for $19.95 (MSRP).  Compared to a $75 wax at the salon, ~$5 each time is a total steal.

Shaun, aka The Tech Guy, aka my boyfriend, is here with another must-read “manly” review. He’s twenty-seven with normal-to-dry skin and suffers from no more acne (much to my envy!).

Shaun enjoys long walks on the beach, vegging out on the couch watching chick flicks, and cuddling with Mellan. Or maybe not! He handles all the behind-the-scenes action here at Temptalia, from tech support to server woes to being my shoulder to cry on.

I haven’t used a straight razor in a long time. In fact, I tend to put off shaving as much possible. I tried Gillette’s ProGlide ($12.99) with a bit of reluctance because of the bad memories of shavings past. They came to me in the night much like the story of Scrooge. Each one was scarier than the last, but I persevered!

The main complaint I have with the straight edge is that it seemingly takes forever and is morbidly inconvenient. Maybe it was the razor, or maybe it was just the passage of time, but this was one of the quicker shaves I’ve had in a while. There’s no doubt about it, the straight edge does a far superior job than the electric razor does. This particular model came with a vibration feature, and I don’t know what it is about the term “vibration” but I feel… Dirty about it…

I used it reluctantly and induced Christine into a double blind test. How did I do this–no doubt you’re wondering–first, I did the two finger eye poke ala Ric Flair (ladies love wrestling references right?). After jabbing her eyes and doing the Ric Flair strut, I grabbed her hands and put them on either side of my face. She determined that the buzzed side was a bit smoother, and then she proceeded to point towards the ceiling. Upon observing what she was pointing at, I took a knee to the most sensitive area on a man’s body. The solar plexus.

This razor is very… Car-like (thanks reader, Proximity!): it’s chrome and has various gripping mechanisms all over its exterior. The problem with the chrome is upon getting it wet, it becomes slippery and could cause major or minor facial reconstruction upon slippage.

After three or four usages, the green strip at the top of the replaceable portion of the razor is already half white. This indicates that it is nearing the end of its lifetime. This is a bit quick for me, however, no one is forcing you to replace the cartridge, but getting only five or six shaves at full strength is a bit on the weak side.

Recommendation: It might be time to give the straight edged razor a try again electric fans. I think I’ll be sticking with it for the time being. This particular razor seems like a solid and reasonably price option. Give it a shot.

As has been said in the past, I am on twitter (@shauntechguy) and beside seldom updates, followers will receive a signed copy of my coming-of-age tale: The Tech Guy in You!*

*While Supplies Last**
**Supplies No Longer Last

See more photos!

Going Brazilian @ Stript

Last week, I had my first-ever waxing experience (of any body part), and I just took the bull by its horns and had a Brazilian done. I went to Stript Wax Bar. Stript is owned by the lovely, puts-you-right-at-comfort Katherine Goldman, a local Bay Area esthetician. Stript is all about waxing, whether it’s brows, legs, or down under for ladies AND gents. They have three locations: San Francisco, Oakland, and Palo Alto. I visited their Palo Alto location near Stanford University for an appointment with Katherine, and I was so impressed by the service, I immediately booked my maintenance appointment for four weeks out!

First up, a quick Q&A session with Katherine on some of those first-time waxer questions I had to get answers on before I went under the… wax.  Then, a more detailed rundown of the experience itself–but let me just say getting my upper lip threaded was 10x more painful than getting a Brazilian.

Temptalia: What are the basics that a first-time Brazilian/bikini waxer know?
Katherine: The basics that a first time waxer should know is that first and foremost make sure the hair is long enough. If you are a shaver, wait two weeks to allow enough growth for the waxing. Secondly, know that there is going to be some discomfort but with continued waxing it does get much better and you can take either a pain reliever or apply a topical numbing cream half an hour before your appointment.

T: Are there certain times that are better to have one done than others?
K: Yes, there are certain times when waxing is better. I would avoid right before or during your cycle because this can make you more sensitive.

T: How long will it last?
K: Waxing typically lasts 2-4 weeks. It really depends on the hair growth cycle of the individual. The more you wax, the better the results so most people come every month. This diminishes the amount of hair so it grows in thinner, sparser and finer.

T: How can women feel less embarrassed about their visit?
K: Women can feel more at ease during their appointment just knowing that we are all beauty professionals that undergo extensive training and are licensed through the state we practice in. We understand that this can be uncomfortable but we do our best to distract you and put you at ease. We also offer disposable panties or a towel for you to cover.

T: Are there are pre- or post-rituals that should be done?
K: Before the wax, again make sure hair is long enough and take a pain reliever before the appointment. Afterwards make sure to exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs. We have a few product such as a scrub (manual exfoliant) or a medicated product such as PFB which is targeted at treating and preventing ingrowns.

Note: I’m not going to be overly graphic, and there are certainly no before-and-afters to be found here, but if you’re squeamish about the human body and hair removal, you may want to skip this post!

I’ve been a habitual shaver for about two years now, and I have always been curious about trying waxing, but all of those horror stories really made me wary.  Prior to my appointment, I did take two Advil, just in case.  I also made sure not to shave the area for about two and a half weeks (it is recommended that you wait at least one to two weeks and/or at least 1/4″ of growth before waxing).   It totally felt like a jungle and was driving me batty.  I could not wait to hear the schwizppppp! of the waxing strip for it to be all gone.

Surprisingly, I was not actually nervous.  I think I was just finally ready to experience waxing for all its glory, for the good or the bad, and in the name of reporting back to you on a first-timer’s experience with it.  I’m so happy to report I don’t have a horror story to add the campfire tales.  In fact, I have the complete opposite.

First, Katherine and I chatted about waxing, the store, and the like.  She told me how it was important that clients feel comfortable, and this is why Stript is clean, well-decorated, and focused on hair removal.  It’s not a secondary procedure here; it is the star of the show.  Stript’s service list is extensive and includes depilar, as well as such things as The Vajacial (which I always giggle at, sorry! I swear I’m not 12!).   In my area, Stript’s prices are above services done by nail salons but lower than services provided by full-service spas (facials, saunas, wraps, etc.).

Next, Katherine showed me to my room and had me use an antiseptic wipe to prep the area, and then a numbing spray/mist.  Though I didn’t feel numb from it, I imagine it did help ease the pain (yes, there is pain; it is not painless!), even by a smidgen.  I laid down and used the towel Katherine gave me to cover up my girly bits while I waited for Katherine to return.

Once she returned, she immediately put me at ease.  She talked to me about what to expect, the process, what makes Stript different from other salons, and really just kept the conversation moving the whole time that I didn’t even have time to think about being embarrassed.  She explained how they are concerned with making their clients comfortable and safe and having a good experience.  They never double-dip and use higher quality products so that the wax sticks to the hair and not the skin (which means less pulling on the skin and therefore less pain).

Just to add my two cents and based on my experience at Stript:  DON’T BE EMBARRASSED! Don’t let embarrassment stop you from trying it at least once.  I’m so thankful that my esthetician kept me talking and made me feel like she was just a professional doing what she did best and never to worry, she had everything handled perfectly.

The wax felt warm without being hot or uncomfortable.  Katherine waited several seconds, and then she would ask me to take a deep breath, and then exhale–when I exhaled, she would remove the strip.  It really is no worse (probably even less) than a band aid coming off after a few hours.  I’ve waxed my upper lip at home, as well as had it threaded, and both of those hurt quite a bit more than the entire Brazilian.

It was a remarkably quick process, too!  I thought it would take awhile, but I was in and out in twenty minutes flat!  There was no bruising, redness, or tenderness.  It was just soft, smooth, and awesomely hair-free.  I also liked that nobody pushed products on me, but I did end up buying PFB Vanish, which is a roller ball product that is designed to minimize ingrown hairs (which I, personally, am more prone to in that area).

I’m happy to report that a week later, and I’m still hair-free and ingrown-free!  According to Katherine, the wax should last between two and four weeks, with most clients re-booking every three to four weeks, but some going as long as six or seven weeks.  She said it really depends on your personal level of comfort–how much regrowth are you willing to tolerate–as much as it does on how quickly your hair grows back.

I was so pleased with the results and completely blown away by how little pain there was involved, I booked my another appointment for four weeks out with Katherine.  That’s how awesome it was.  I also wanted to tell everyone around me that waxing isn’t scary! It isn’t the worst pain ever! It’s not torture!   Not having to shave every few days and then deal with itchiness and/or ingrown hairs?  It’s so worth it.  So worth it!

If you’re in the Bay Area, I fully recommend Katherine @ Stript.  She travels between all three locations, but she works four out of her six days at the San Francisco location.  Brazilians are $55, maintenance Brazilians are $50.  Check the website for the service list and prices for other waxes!

Have you had a great waxing experience?  I’d love to hear yours!

Katherine Goldman, Owner of Stript Wax Bar

* Service was complimentary. Purchased PFB. Will be a normal, paying client going forward!

The TRIA Laser ($995.00) is an at-home permanent hair removal device created to mimic the laser treatments done in dermatologist offices. The story behind TRIA is to give women a way to get the benefits of light-based hair removal in the privacy of their own home. The gold standard used in dermatologist offices is a diode laser hair removal system. The scientists that invented this professional diode laser also developed the TRIA laser, which utilizes the same technology as the professional lasers you would find at your dermatologists. TRIA’s technology is miniaturized and safe for use at-home by you.

The folks at TRIA asked me if I would be interested in trying out the TRIA and chronicling my experience on the blog. My first reaction was, “REALLY?” And my second reaction was, “PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL? REALLY?” So here I am, chronicling my adventures with the TRIA Laser for all to read, and you can be sure you’ll hear how it progresses and what results I see as I go through the treatments. The basic technology behind the TRIA is a diode laser which targets the dark pigment found in the hair follicles; this energy heats up and disables the hair follicle, which in turn causes the hair to fall out. Eventually, no more hair growth!

You tell me why I would even consider a device that’s $995.00! TRIA is not designed for the girl on a budget, but it is designed for people seeking permanent hair removal, but those who cannot afford the expense of having laser treatments performed by their dermatologists. According to TRIA, women can expect to spend approximately $3,000 over the next ten years for shaving, nearly $5,000 for depilatories, $11,000 for waxing, and $14,000 for electrolysis. Despite the long-term cost-savings, it is a larger up front cost that I feel is best suited for women in the market for permanent or laser hair removal. Going to the dermatologist’s office will cost you thousands to treat your legs, arms, bikini line, and underarms–TRIA costs you much less in comparison. Waxing is also a pricey option (moreso than shaving), so those who regularly get themselves waxed might find this something to consider.

Treatment One

I’m just about at the end of my first treatment (which I did just under four weeks ago). At that time, I did my legs and underarms. I attempted my bikini line, but I hadn’t shaved immediately before, so I decided to wait until next time. I discovered my legs and underarms could withstand the highest energy level for the most part. There were a few spots on my legs that I needed to reduce the energy level to medium, because the pin-prick sensation was mildly painful. Any pain associated with the treatment was still less than waxing, though. Luckily, with three settings, you can generally find your butter zone where it’s working and you’re comfortable.

It took me about a half hour or so to do both legs, but I think I might have hurried and not been as thorough as I should have been. I’ll let you know how it long it takes for treatment two when I’m deliberately being more thorough! The TRIA does need to be recharged regularly. I wouldn’t count on doing marathon sessions of hours of the TRIA or anything, but you should be able to do your legs or your arms in one sitting. Basically, the larger the area, the longer it will take.

So far… Generally, you won’t have visible results until after your second treatment, but I can say that the hair on the back of my legs is sparser than it was before. I’ve also noticed that some of my underarm hair has grown less (like it looks patchy almost) in some areas. FYI, I shave my underarms everyday; I think the hair under there grows faster than my boyfriend’s scruff, LOL.

Get details on how to use the TRIA and where it can be used, plus a few more photos…

How-to use it: The TRIA is used every four weeks for six to eight treatments. The idea behind the four week gap is that the hair follicle cycle is about four weeks long, so each treatment should get different hairs or the ones it missed in the previous treatment.

• Prior to using, you should shave and clean your skin–but note that you cannot wax, and if you have waxed recently, you need to wait four to six weeks for hair growth to return.
• You will need to unlock the TRIA–this is an amazing result of technology. Lasers are only designed to work on some people, not all. It works most effectively on light skin with dark hair, because the laser targets the pigmentation found in the hair. TRIA specifically states it should not be used by those of African-American, East Indian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent. In order for the laser to turn on, you have to first put the Skin Sensor over the body part you’re attempting to treat, which will unlock if it is safe to use on your skin tone.
• There are three “energy” levels, which are kind of like three levels of intensity. Generally speaking, the highest is the most effective, but some might find pain associated with it and need to reduce the intensity (more on this later).
• Apply the laser tip to the area, and you’ll hear a short beep once the pulse is complete. You overlap the area by mere millimeters, so you end up with about 25 beeps per square inch. Each pulse is just a few seconds (maybe even less), so each pulse itself isn’t lengthy, but the entire process may take longer.

So where can it be used? It can be used on legs, bikini ilne, underarms, arms, back, chest, and abdomen. It is not to be used anywhere above the neck (aka face), around the eyes, nipples, anus, or genitals.

Stay tuned for treatment two!

Skin Sensor

Skin Sensor

A few weeks ago, I tested Gillette’s Venus Embrace, which is a five-bladed razor. It has a “Protective Ribbon of Moisture” that goes around the razor head, which basically helps make the shave go smoother both during and afterwards. It also has a ShowerPod, which has a suction cup allowing it to attach to your shower wall. The ShowerPod is of decent size, such that it can hold extra cartridges so you can grab them whilst in the shower. No more of those, “Ugh! I forgot to change the blade!” moments.

Last time I wrote about razors, I raved about the Schick Quattro. I know what the first question you have for me is: which one is better?

Well, find out!

They are both great razors. They are different, and some people will have definite preferences, but for me either one works just as well. I do find that the curved razor head of the Venus Embrace to be particularly helpful when shaving under my arms, because it just fits so well. At the same time, the razor head is a bit larger than my previous razors, which means it can be a little clunky to use on some areas. The razor head also moves more, so it can curve around areas and move with the shave/body part as you go, which might make it easier for some.

Both razors are priced right, and they’ll always do you right. I’ve alternated between both brands since I started shaving, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The same is true with the Venus Embrace and its five-blade technology. You will definitely get a close shave with this razor. Remember not to exert too much pressure while shaving, else you may cut yourself.

While using the Venus Embrace, I did try it with Venus’ Avocado Shaving Gel, which squirts out in gel form and lathers up pretty quickly. A little of the gel can go a long way. I find I’m more generous with areas prone to sensitivity and require more post-shave care than I need to be with my legs, though. The gel is kind of like mousse – it quickly grows on you, so don’t get more than a dollop of the gel at a time.

Accompanying these products was a nifty product guide/shaving guide, and I wanted to share some of the more interesting parts of it…

“Contrary to conventional thought, the scientific conclusion is that shaving does not increase the re-growth of shaved hair. Shaving doesn’t alter the size or color of the hair. Further, shaving doesn’t cause shaved hair to grow back thicker, darker or faster. Shaving does, however, alter the tip shape of the re-growing hair, which may initially change the way hair feels to the touch when it grows back. If the shaved hair is allowed to grow back completely, the hair will return to its previously silky and soft-feeling state.” — Gillette Venus Ultimate Shave Guide

Gillette has a guide called “Seven Steps to the Perfect Shave.” I think it’s useful, and it’s pretty easy to follow, so I thought I’d paraphrase for you.

• Step 1: Shower or bathe before you shave; the hydration will make it easier to cut the hair (but no more than 10 minutes).
• Step 2: Remove any natural oils, perspiration, etc. (aka clean) the area you intend to shave. Use a shaving gel to make it easier for the razor to glide.
• Step 3: Have a good razor for the job! This means one that is clean, sharp, etc. (Like the Venus Embrace… duh.)
• Step 4: Sharp razors do it better. Gillette recommends replacing your razor every ten shaves.
• Step 5: Go easy. No need to get rough with your hairy parts, just apply little to no pressure, gilding
  across the area.
• Step 6: Leave the hard parts for last. Gillette advises shaving gel be left longer on hard-to-shave areas to make it easier overall.
• Step 7: Moisturize! When you’ve finished shaving, moisturize well and often.

I bet you didn’t realize that shaving isn’t always easy. Some of us are lucky — we can shave willy nilly and never knick ourselves, don’t know what a razor bump or in-grown hair is, etc — but many need to take a few more precautions. After you shave, it is important to pat the area dry and then seal in the moisture with a rich moisturizer.

I found Gillette’s “Ultimate Shave Guide” a good read, if only because they made shaving sound like an art form. Did you know that the average woman has approximately 8,400 hairs on each leg and 300 hairs under each arm? Awesome! Did you know the hair under your arms grows 50% faster than the hair on your legs? I bet you thought so, and now you know it’s true!

Schick Quattro For Women Razor ($9.19 @ Drugstore.com) puts the disposable razor to shame. The head of the razor has two conditioning strips that contain aloe and vitamin E, and it is probably one of my favorite parts about this genre of razors. You just know your legs will feel just that much smoother when you’re done. I’m sure you figured out that “Quattro” refers to its four blades, which are positioned closely together. But you know why I really liked this razor? Because it comes with a shower hanging doo-dad. There’s a suction cup on one side that you attach to your shower wall, and then the razor hangs in it. Awesome, so awesome. No more razor on the tub sides, precariously positioned! I use this kind of razor on my legs, underarms, etc. (I save disposables for bikini area–only because you want to have a super sharp, brand-new edge all of the time, so disposable is way cheaper). My legs are lovin’ it. By the by, that $9.19 price includes two replacement cartridges, so it’s not a bad deal at all. If you’re a tech geky, check out www.quattroforwomen.com for all the goodness on it.

What razor do you use? Do you just wax? How do you keep your legs smooth and non-Chewbacca-like?

P.S. I know it’s “Friday” for a lot of people, so if you’ve got the Friday jitters, send a friend (or yourself) a dream date courtesy of Shick.  Just head over to www.schickdreamdate.com.  Or enter to win their Dream Date II Sweepstakes!

In a world of technology, and being a bit of a product geek myself, when bliss/philips sent over Bikini Perfect (Deluxe Spa Edition) ($59.99), I admired it first in awe, because it looked sleek and practical. Then I admired it because it looked like it could quite easily be a modern day torture device. Seriously, some of those attachments will leave the less hair removal savvy running!

The Bikini Perfect is an at-home grooming system. It features a cordless, rechargeable, shower-friendly trimmer with six attachments. The kit also comes with trial sizes of their body butter & an ingrown-hair exfoliating pad.

• Precision Trimmer: grooms bikini ilne
• Precision Comb: ensures even grooming results (5 length settings)
• Eyebrow Comb: trims entire eyebrow to a uniform length
• Micro Trimmer: shapes/defines/removes brows or a single hair
• Micro Shaver: extra smooth and safe shaver
• Epilator: removes hair by the root

So what did I do? Being the not-so-hair-down-there savvy (hey, I don’t mind the disposable razor technique–gives me the results I want and keeps me bump free!), I went straight for the Epilator attachment. Now, let me tell you that I imagine the epilator attachment is the most painful of the six, because let’s face it, it’s plucking hair entirely, not just trimming or shaving it.

When you first turn the device on, the speed it is spinning/whirring at is downright frightening. I was like, “OH GOD!” when I turned it on, and I looked at myself in the mirror thinking, “Can I really do this? Aww, what the hell!” For as daunting as it seemed, it wasn’t that bad when I was going around the bikini line and whatnot. This is not to say that it was painless. I think my pain tolerance is decent for down there, so the epilator and I got along fine. However, there were a few hairs that got pulled out that made me go, “GOOD GOD!” The pain is akin to plucking out the hair with tweezers–just not as painstakingly slow. I’m trying to build up some courage to try the eyebrow comb, but we’ll see!

For the pricetag, this is a worth-it purchase if you’re into at-home shaving. If you’re a little terrified of having someone else see (or muck around with) your naughty bits, this is a less embarrassing method. If you’re into Brazilians, you’re probably better off getting a wax, since it’s faster (and the pain is probably about the same as with the epilator in THOSE areas). But for those who just want to trim, neaten, and take care of the bikini line–this does a fine job of keeping you looking your swimsuit best!

Learn more about the kit at blissworld.com.