"Wax on, wax off" // Smooth Appeal Wax Review

Last year, I finally decided to take the plunge and try waxing!

 I felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the options and just wanted something that seemed fool-proof, and so I purchased Nads facial wand kit. It was easy to use and did the job. But the more I used it, the more frustrated I grew, having to wax over the same spot because it just didn't seem sticky enough!

When that had run out, I gave Veet high precision facial wax a go, which was a waste of time and absolutely useless.

So I trundled back into Boots and decided to give Smooth Appeal a go. It looked a little less intimidating than the traditional hot waxes, but still a little more ‘professional’ looking. I’d never heard of it, but that’s not always a bad thing.

The first time I used it, I wasted loads and made a mess. Trying to get used to it had me flustered. Turns out that the recommended heating time is nowhere near enough, so I experimented, doubled the microwave time and sat stirring it for a while to let it cool slightly, tested the heat on my wrist, and then slapped it on. I finally got the job done. 

The trick with this is to apply it with a thickened area at the end of my self-created strip, to hold onto. The wax hardens pretty quickly, and is pulled off from the thickened edge whilst holding the skin taut with the other hand. 

The wax itself is great. As messy as it can get when starting out, it can easily be peeled off any surfaces you spill it onto, and it doesn't take too long to get the hang of it. After use, the sticky wax strip can be used to pick up any residue left over! I also noticed that different pots are sold for different areas of the body, but as far as I can tell, the ingredients are the same, and only the amount of wax varies.

 I’ve decided that I’m a pro with this stuff, and I’m still using the first pot! I recently felt a little bit cocky and decided to try waxing my bikini line with absolutely no preparation whatsoever, and amazingly had a positive outcome.

Wax tips:

*Apply aloe-vera, calamine, or another soothing product afterwards to keep redness and reaction at bay. I received a sample of Clinique’s exceptionally soothing cream last year, and am still using that!

*Apply wax in the direction of hair growth.

*Always pull skin taut when pulling off the wax strip, and pull away from the direction that you applied it, as close to the skin as possible to keep pain to a minimum as well as skin irritation. If waxing the upper lip, folding your lips underneath your teeth can help with keeping the skin taut.

*Taking a pain killer around 30 minutes prior to waxing can help too.

S xx