It’s summertime! Time for a shave or a wax?
I’ve been an avid reader of The Philippine Star, especially the fashion section. Since summer is almost here and swimsuits are in, I just want to know which is safer and cleaner to do (meaning less bumps): Is it shaving or waxing? If waxing, what products do you recommend? I’m still not comfortable going to a salon for a bikini wax.
"Johnson" Girl
Indeed, summer is here again! Pack up your shades, your sunblock, and your bikini! But don’t pack too fast yet. Before you decide to soak up the sand and the sun, it’s good to consider getting rid of the hair "down there." To shave or to wax? Read on and you decide.
Shaving The Bikini Line
The lowdown: Razors cut the hair at the skin’s surface.
Tools needed: good quality razors and shaving cream.
Pros: quick and inexpensive, easy to do at home.
Cons: doesn’t last too long (one to three) days; stubbles reappear quickly; there’s the possibility of nicks and cuts if you shave too closely; can cause bumps in the bikini area.
Tips: The key is to drench the skin with water and use a moisture-rich shaving cream. This preparation is a must, as the hair in the bikini area tends to be thicker, denser, and curlier, making it more difficult to cut. Handle the skin in the bikini area gently; skin here is thin and tender. Shave horizontally, from the outside to the inside of the upper thigh and groin area, using smooth, even strokes. Keep in mind that skin is most sensitive after shaving, so let skin rest for 30 minutes before applying lotions, moisturizers, medications, or before going swimming.
Recommended products: Gillette and Schick razors are very user-friendly, and do an excellent job no matter where you shave (available in all leading supermarkets, department stores, and personal care stores).
A must-try product is Body Bistro Soothing After Shave Serum (exclusively available at Rustan’s Essenses). It really helps soothe the area after shaving.
Waxing The Bikini Line
The lowdown: Waxing is the application of a sticky resin that binds to hair, which is then pulled out at the root.
Tools needed: honey wax or wax strip kit.
Pros: removes hair close to the root; leaves skin smooth; can last two to six weeks.
Cons: causes some pain and soreness; costs more than shaving, whether done at home or professionally.
Tips: Waxing can remove a layer of skin along with the hair. To minimize pain and swelling, take an antihistamine an hour before waxing.
Recommended products: If you’re doing it at home, try Andrea Surgi-Wax (exclusively available at Rustan’s Essenses). You can also try Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit (available in all leading supermarkets, department stores, and personal care stores). If it’s your first time, I highly recommend you have it first done professionally before trying it on your own. There are two salons that do a really clean and practically painless job: Visage Salon (located at Shopwise Libis, tel. no. 635-0355, ask for Rica) and the favorite of many of my co-models, Brazilian Bare (located at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati).
Rissa
Is it safe to have a diamond peel now that I am seven months pregnant? I had very smooth face pre-pregnancy, but hormonal changes changed everything.
Vain Mommy
Although some doctors say a diamond peel is safe for pregnant women, I would rather you don’t get one. I believe it is always better to be safe than sorry. When I was pregnant, I was at my ugliest  my skin was breaking out like there was no tomorrow and that was the case for the whole nine months. I did not apply anything and all I could really do was to conceal it. Bear with it two more months and as soon as you give birth, work on getting your flawless, radiant skin back.
Lucy
Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and rissa_samson@yahoo.com.
