Conair Infiniti Pro - Mighty Hair Dryer For A Tiny Price!!

There are certain things that I am SUPER frugal about and one of those things (for some unknown and illogical) reason is hair dryers.  I find it hard to plunk down $100+ for a hair dryer despite it being a personal appliance that I use EVERY DAY!!  It makes no sense, I know.  The most I think I would spend on a hair dryer is probably $40.

Hair dryers under $40 basically leaves me with the choice of either Conair or Revlon.  I went with Conair's Infiniti Pro because it was purple and boy did I get a huge surprise!

It didn't just cut my hair drying time in half...it now takes only one-third of the time!! This is the BEST hair dryer for the price.  I got it for $24.99 at Ulta.  It was on sale for $29.99 and I then used a $5 off coupon.  It's still on sale at Ulta.com for $29.99 (but only in the orange version) and if you use the code "54609", it's an additional 20% off!

If there's an Ulta store near you, you can use the following coupon: Ulta 20% Off Personal Care Item.

Note:  Both code and coupon expires on 12/4/10.

Prescription-Strength Hydroquinone: Not Covered By Insurance But Still Cheaper Than Whitening Beauty Products

Last week, I went to a follow-up appointment with my oral surgeon.  I went in knowing that he was going to admonish me for getting a tan on my recent trip to Bermuda.  And yes, he did admonish me.  He re-stressed to me that tanning and scarring don't mix.  Basically, he was thinking, "What the hell was she thinking??"  

I was really good the entire summer.  I avoided tanning and I used sunblock every day.  But when I'm on vacation, I just can't help it.   I like to tan when on vacation.  I still use sunblock but when you're on the beach, you tan.  KWIM?  

So what did this mean for me?  Before I could start my laser resurfacing treatment to correct the scarring below my lower lip, I had to lighten up the scar area.  My doctor prescribed to me prescription-strength hydroquinone (4%) - the generic version.

Much to my surprise, prescription-strength hydroquinone - even the generic version - is usually NOT covered by insurance.  Cash price for generic hydroquinone cream (4%) was $43.  Okay...this is not a huge amount of money, but what the heck am I paying my health insurance company for?  Per the pharmacist, hydroquinone is considered a cosmetic prescription, so most health insurance plans do not cover it.  I argued that I needed it for corrective purposes, not cosmetic but it fell on deaf ears.

I've been using the bleaching cream for a few days now... and not just on the scarring below my lower lip but also on a dark spot on my left leg.  I don't know about the scarring below my lower lip, but the dark spot on my left leg has lightened in a most dramatic manner.

What's the point of this post?  If you're out there buying over-the-counter bleaching products to lighten darks spots, consider going to your dermatologist for prescription-strength hydroquinone. Even at $43, there's a good chance that it's still cheaper than whitening beauty products from a department store.

Salon With A Sign Of Humor

I walked by Slate Salon a few weeks ago on E 7th St and they had the following sidewalk sign out that I can appreciate (unfortunately) on a personal level (just the side about self-coloring):

Note: I've never been to Slate but I really like their sidewalk sign.

CeraVe Lotion PM: Welcome To My Evening Beauty Routine!

About 2 weeks ago I was lamenting over the need for a new skincare routine (see post here: Wanted: A New Skincare Routine!!).  My favorite skincare products were discontinued and I was feeling slightly bewildered and slightly indignant.  What was I to do?   Why would anyone discontinue products that weren't just good, but great??  (I would like to point out the suggested replacement products for each and every discontinued product was costlier...and in La Prairie's case, significantly costlier.)

The 1st product that I needed to tackle was my evening moisturizer.  While shopping on-line on Walgreens.com, I came across the brand CeraVe.  I've heard of it but never actually tried it.  After reading rave reviews of this brand on Walgreens.com, Drugstore.com and Amazon.com, I decided to give it a try.  I opted for CeraVe's Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.  It's only $12.99 and after my 30% off discount code for Walgreens.com, it was $9.09!!

I've been using CeraVe Lotion PM for a few nights now and...I love it!!  It's a scentless, light-but-rich, lotion that easily absorbs into the skin.  Dare I suggest that my skin is even smoother and clearer than before??  My only concern is that it won't be moisturizing enough for winter.  There's a CeraVe Cream but not a CeraVe Cream PM.  CeraVe tweeted me that CeraVe Lotion PM is a year-round moisturizer.  We shall see...I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I appreciate that CeraVe Lotion PM comes in a light, plastic pump-bottle.  It will be easy to pack for traveling and it won't weigh down my suitcase.

My fallback summer evening moisturizer was Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer.  Looks like I won't be needing it now!  (But if CeraVe Lotion PM is moisturizing enough for winter, I'll be using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.)

Bonus:  As of this posting, CeraVe Lotion PM is on sale at Walgreens.com for $10.99 (that's a 15% discount).  Get an additional 20% off with code "SALE20" (expires 08/14/10); this code works on all beauty and personal care items.  That means CeraVe Lotion PM is only $8.79!!  Plus, get free shipping when your entire purchase is $25+!  Just be forewarned, the shipping at Walgreens.com is slow...very slow.  Hmm...maybe I should stock up?

Kiehl's: Recycle And Be Rewarded!!

For those of you who are Kiehl's fans AND live near a stand-alone Kiehl's store, are you participating in Kiehl's "Recycle and Be Rewarded" program?  If so, good for you!  If not, it's never too late to start.  Just ask for a "Recyle and Be Rewarded" Program card the next time you're in the store.

Here's how the program works (it benefits both our environment and you!):

• Bring in your empty Kiehl's bottles and jars (including lip gloss and lip balm tubes, but excluding sample sizes) for recycling;
• Give them your program card;
• Get the following rewards:
• First 3 empties = Lip Balm #1
• Next 2 empties = 2.5 oz Travel Collection Product
• Last 5 empties = Full-Sized Product (up to $25 value)

The Kiehl's rep that was helping me at the counter very thoughtfully informed me that the free Lip Balm #1 that I was receiving for bringing in my first 3 empties could be counted as an "empty" when I was done with it.  I knew there was a reason why I've loved Kiehl's for so many years!! They have such great customer service!!

Benzaclin, I Love You!

Per one of my previous post (see post here: Regressing...Feeling The Teen Angst), I had run out of BenzaClin and was forced to use up&up's Maximum Strength Acne Medication (Benzoyl Peroxide Gel) for three weeks.  What did I learn from this regression to using what was basically Clearsil?  There was a reason why I went to the dermatologist in the first place.

For the first week, my face remained mostly acne free.  But by the second week, I had little bumps (i.e., clogged pores) that would come and go.  I wasn't too alarmed because maybe it was just that time of month? But by the third week, some of those little bumps weren't so little and removed to "go".

Thankfully, the appointment with my dermatologist occurred during that third week.  I was given a new prescription of Benzaclin, and after one week of use, my face is clear again!  One prescription, the right prescription, from your dermatologist is truly priceless.  On the happiness scale, a clear face is up there with thinner thighs and a smaller butt.  And dare I admit it?  It's way better than a new pair of Louboutin pumps or a new Chanel bag.

Bonus:  There is now a generic version of Benzaclin.  I'm currently using the generic version.  It's much cheaper and it works just as well as the brand name version.

Drugstore.com: Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths For Cheap!!

When it comes to my skincare routine, I seem to be running out of everything lately.  I just used up my last pack of Olay Daily Facials (cleansing cloths).  I am a huge fan of the Deep Cleansing version that's geared toward Combination/Oily skin.  It's my evening facial cleanser.  It not only foams (a must for me!) but it also gently exfoliates (thanks to the dual-texture of the cloth).  I envision myself wiping the day's grime off my face when I use one.

A single pack of Olay Daily Facials contains 30 cleansing cloths.  This means that I go through at least one pack a month.  It's quite annoying to purchase refills monthly, so I like to buy my refills in bulk.  Usually, I purchase refills from Ulta but I haven't come across $5 off coupons lately.  It didn't help that I didn't realize that I was low on cleansing cloths, so I failed to take advantage of last week's Ulta.com's 20% discount code AND Walgreen.com's 30% discount code.  What to do?

Drugstore.com came to the rescue!  Currently, the Double Refill Pack for Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths (Combination/Oily) is 20% off on Drugstore.com.  On top of this automatic discount, if you purchase $50 worth of refill packs, there's a $20 rebate.  Just click on the "Buy $50 worth of select Olay facial products and get a $20 rebate" link under "Special Offers" of the product page to get the rebate form/information.  More importantly (and I'm not sure why), if you click on the rebate link, the first double refill pack is FREE!!

I like to buy my refills in bulk but I'm not buying $50 worth of Olay Daily Facials to get the $20 rebate (where would I store them all?).  So it's fortunate that I stumbled across this $10-rebate-on-$30-worth-of-Olay-facial-products: (For rebate form/information, download and print.) 

AND on top of all this, don't forget to purchase on Drugstore.com via Ebates.com to get 6% cash back!!

For those of you who love Olay Daily Facials as much as I do, it's a great time to stock up for cheap!!  And for those of you who haven't tried Olay Daily Facials yet, it's a great time to try it for cheap!

Update (08/04/10):  Wow!  I received my package today.  For standard shipping, that was mighty fast.  I also wanted to mention that you get a 5% credit from Drugstore.com for most items that you purchase.  How great is that?

Wanted: A New Skincare Routine!!

My perfect skincare routine is nothing but a sweet (and slightly bitter) memory.  Since I like to stockpile skincare products when they go on sale, I don't notice a discontinuance until it's too late.  Last night, I discovered that everything that I use (well...everything but two products) has been discontinued.  WTF??  It took a lot of time, effort, and money to find my perfect skincare routine.  And now I have to start over.

As I was going through the motions of my evening skincare routine yesterday, I finished off my last tube of Kiehl's Light, Nourishing Eye Cream and my last bottle of Kiehl's Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion.  When I checked Kiehl's website, I was surprised to find that the Light, Nourishing Eye Cream had been discontinued.  I already knew that the Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion had been discontinued, but I have been in major denial.

I've tried the majority of other eye creams from Kiehl's (Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, Abyssine Eye Cream +, Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment and Imperial Repairateur Moisturizing Eye Balm) and none of them work for me.  Maybe La Prairie's Cellular Eye Contour Cream?  But I'm not feeling the jump from $23 to $125.  KWIM?

After reading about the much hyped CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, I purchased the evening version, CeraVe PM.  I hope it lives up to the rave reviews.  If that doesn't work out, I'm going to revert to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer...a good but not perfect alternative.  (I know that everyone has been loving Kiehl's Acai line but I just can't stomach its strong scent.)

With discontinuance on my mind, I decided to check the status of my day moisturizer, La Prairie's Cellular Moisturizer SPF 15 (aka The Smart Cream).  And surprise, suprise...it has been discontinued!  You can still purchase it in the "Final Call" section of LaPrairie.com, but I'd rather find a new day moisturizer that has not been discontinued than stockpile the discontinued one.  Stockpiling at this point just feels like counter-productive procrastination.  (And yes, I believe that there can be productive procrastination!)  

For me, The Smart Cream has been the PERFECT summer day moisturizer.  It's a light cream that doesn't clog my pores and doesn't make me "shiny." Despite the built-in SPF, it's neither sticky nor smelly.  It actually absorbs beautifully and has a soft, barely-there scent (a very important thing to me).  Hmm...maybe I should procrastinate and stockpile?

So what are the two beauty products that I use that have (yet) been discontinued?  Kiehl's Moisturizing Eye Stick SPF 30 and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15.  But the discussion of these two products are for another post.

I'm going to have to make a trip to the beauty counter SOON and sample the eye creams and the face moisturizers.  I'll keep you posted on my progress...

Neutrogena: pure & free baby sunblock stick

Sometimes, you find something great unexpectedly.  You don't realize it until after a few days of using it or trying it.  This is how it was with me and Neutrogena's pure & free baby sunblock stick.  (I realize that SPF 60+ is a bit much, but that's the only choice.)

I dislike putting layers upon layers of creams/lotions/make-up on my face.  I try to keep my beauty routine as simple as possible.  I like the idea of my skin being able to breathe.  I'm not sure if that's scientifically or medically accurate (probably not) but that's how I like to think about it.  Too many "layers" makes me feel like I'm suffocating my skin.

As a result, I like to use a day moisturizer with a built-in sunscreen.  It's one less layer and one less step in my beauty routine.  I remember reading somewhere that it's not as effective as using sunscreen separately, but for me, it's better than not using sunscreen at all.  I'm also rather picky about the kind of moisturizer with built-in sunscreen that I use because the sticky consistency and smell of sunscreen is a huge turn off for me.

Last week, I had the scar below my lower lip lasered (I'm hopeful that it will significantly improve the appearance of the scar).  I was told by my doctor to wear sunscreen because that area would be sensitive and would darken if it came into too much contact with the sun.  So being me, I freaked and went looking for sunscreen with the highest spf+ possible for my face.

I found Neutrogena's pure & free baby sunblock stick.  It's GREAT!!  It's not sticky and it doesn't smell. It glides smoothly and is absorbed easily.  The consistency reminds me of a stick deodorant.  Right now, I'm only using it on the lasered area below my lower lip, but I'm thinking I may try it for my entire face, particularly around the eye-area to help prevent crow's feet.  

Regressing...Feeling The Teen Angst

I have my skincare routine down to a science.  Unfortunately, I'm not the best scientist.  I don't keep the best tabs on the lab supplies.  I've run out of BenzaClin and my dermatologist can't (or won't?) write me a prescription to tie me over until my appointment at the end of the month.

In my defense, it's hard to tell how much BenzaClin you have left in its opaque pump jar.  You have only about a 3-pump warning before the jar becomes empty.  And since it's impossible to get a dermatologist appointment the same week you call or even the week after, I'm left with 3 weeks of no BenzaClin.  What to do?

I felt myself regressing and (re-)experiencing teen angst over potential pimples.  My response to this regression?  I went to Target and purchased up&up's Maximum Strength Acne Medication (benzoyl peroxide gel).  LOL!!  Say it with me: regression!

It's been a VERY long time since I've purchased straight old benzoyl peroxide from Clearasil or Clean & Clear.  (Do you remember the tinted version of Clearasil?  I do.)  Apparently, fear of acne is a huge motivating factor to try anything that might help in the prevention or the clearing of acne.  No wonder ProActiv is a huge success.

I'll keep you posted on how well (or dismal) this switch to benzoyl peroxide gel goes.  I'm hoping that it won't over-dry my face (I still remember the flaking issue) and that it will prevent pimples (I still remember a time when I had no control over my acne).  I'm keeping my fingers crossed...because flaking + acne = teen angst.

Breaking Out From The Heat: Home Facial Time!

Maybe it's the heat.  Maybe it's the trip to the beach (sand?).  Maybe it's my sunglasses.  I'm not sure of the exact cause, but I'm 100% sure that my face is breaking out.  I don't have huge angry mountains.  I have tiny scattered hills running parallel to my nose on the right side of my face.  They just appeared like magic, (black magic!) this Monday morning.

I'm not a huge fan of salon facials because for the most part, they're not much better than my home facials.  Plus, I don't like getting pressured into buying facial products at the end of the session.  I already buy more than enough facial products on my own.  KWIM?

I was hoping that the bumps would go away but last night, they were just screaming at me.  It was time for a home facial.  I've been using Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate and Malin + Goetz's Detox Face Mask.  Both are great products, but I'm starting too think that they're too gentle for the craziness that is my summer skin.

So I decided to bring out the big guns and really clean my face.  What does that mean for me?  I used Natura Bisse's Glyco Peeling 50% Pump and Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque.  And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I looked in the mirror.  The bumps are most definitely tinier.  Hmm...I may have to adjust my summer skin care routine and do more home facials.

Note 1:  If you don't regularly use NB's Glyco Peeling Pump, the actual pump will jam up.  Don't forget to pump the NB Glyco Peeling Pump a little every so often to keep to keep it from jamming.

Note 2:  Make sure the cap for Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque jar is screwed on tightly when you're done.  Otherwise, the next time you open the jar, the masque will be dry, dry, dry!  (And then you'll be mad, mad, mad!)

Bare Escentuals: 20% Off Sale!!

I love to buy make-up, but I rarely use it.  So I have drawers filled with new or used-only-once lipsticks, powders, blushes, eyeshadows, etc...  However, one thing that I do regularly use (besides mascara) is Bare Escentuals' bareMinerals Mineral Veil!

My face is unnaturally shiny (I'm not exaggerating...it really is very shiny).  I don't need coverage (thankfully...well, actually, thank you Tazorac), but I do need a shine-killer.  And yes, I've tried most anti-shine products.  I'm not a fan of anti-shine gels and primers...they make my face feel weird/tight-ish.  So I like to do a quick and light swipe of Mineral Veil.  It does help that this translucent powder is basically error-proof.  I just don't have the patience to carefully and slowly put on a "face" every day.  And then I'm all about oil blotting paper for the rest of the day.  During the summer, I don't leave home without oil blotting paper.

But Bare Escentuals rarely goes on sale (in any store), which is why I'm very happy to report that Bare Escentuals is currently have a 20% Off Sale thru 6/20/10 (sun) both on-line and in-store!

• For on-line purchases at www.BareEscentuals.com, use code "SHARE".
• For in-store purchases at Bare Escentuals retail stores, print and bring this coupon:

L'Occitane F&F Sale: 25% Off Your Entire Purchase!!

Take advantage of L'Occitane's F&F Sale and get 25% off your entire purchase!  This sale ends on 06/06/10 (sun).  I'm a big fan of anything from L'Occitane's shea butter collection (particularly the soaps) and the Rose 4 Reines Solid Perfume (it's a light rose scent).

To purchase on-line at usa.loccitane.com, use code "FNF25".

To purchase in-store, save and print this coupon:  

Drugstore Body Wash: Suave Naturals Ocean Breezes

I'm currently obsessed with the following drugstore body wash:  Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze.  It's super foamy (I've always loved bubble baths as a child so anything foamy is good in my books) and the scent is light and refreshing!  It actually does remind of the beach/ocean.

Malin + Goetz: Foam Me Up Scottie!!

Malin + Goetz has this really cool self-foaming Detox Face Mask ($40) that may have replaced my long standing favorite face mask (Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask from Kiehl's).  It's soy based and...well who really cares?  It SELF-FOAMS and you face feels clean, refreshed and baby soft afterwards!!

I also like Malin + Goetz's foaming Grapefruit Face Cleanser ($30):

When I travel, I always bring my own bath products because you never know what you'll be getting from a hotel (except for Four Seasons...love the L'Occitane products).  This Malin + Goetz Essential Bag ($30) contains everything I need while I'm on-the-go:

[Images Courtesy of Tobi.com]

Tobi.com is offering 20% off regular priced items with code "SUNNY20" (expires 5/25/10) and Malin + Goetz is NOT on the excluded list (code is not applicable to merchandise from A.P.C., Alexander Wang, Anthony Logistics for Men, Comme des Garcons Play, Converse, G-Star, Hudson Jeans, Hunter, Nixon, T by Alexander Wang and TOM Shoes)!!  Beauty discounts are much harder to come by than discounts for clothing/shoes/bags, so snap up these items before this promotion expires!!

Pimple or Bug Bite?

I can't tell if certain tiny bumps on face (not many, just three) are pimples, bug bites or both!! ;I must start using Deet again when I go running outside.  Wait...do they even make a face version of Deet?


Update (5/23/10): I can now confirm that I have TWO mosquito bites and one pimple.  I'm wishing that they were all pimples.  It's hard to resist scratching but I'm trying because I really don't want them welting up on my face....

Necessary But Boring: Manicures

Now that it's sandal season, it's time to be vigilant about getting mani-pedi's.  The only thing is...I can't stand getting a manicure.  I'm okay with getting a pedicure, but manicures are soooo very boring to me.  Maybe it's because I can read a magazine or play on my cellphone during a pedicure?

Just sitting there during a manicure with nothing to do/read, drives me nuts!!  And the-waiting-for-nail polish-to-day part is the worst.  I know that the polish isn't completely dry after 2 drying cycles under the drying machine (I read somewhere that it takes at least an hour for the polish underneath to completely dry), but I still leave and delude myself into thinking that it is.  As a result, my new record in smudging my new manicure is 3 minutes after leaving the nail salon.  Quick dry coat only dries the top (2nd) layer.  They should apply quick dry coat to the 1st layer as well!

Ok...I'm done ranting.  I must stop staring at the clock while I'm waiting for the nail polish to dry...

Sabon: Free Shower Oil

Sabon is one of my favorite bath and body stores in the city.  Thanks to their hand washing stations in each store, I always walk out with clean, exfoliated and moisturized hands.  Because the products are so nice, my hands actually feels better than they do after a manicure!  The prices are a little steep for what they're selling but you can skip the spa after you use one of their body scrubs and then take a bath with their bath foam and bath salt.  Sunshine can attest to it (yes - he had his "Chandler Takes A Bath" moment several years back).

For those of you who live in the city, sign-up for Sabon's new membership program (it's free!) and get a travel-size bottle of Shower Oil as a welcome gift:

I chose the Lavendar Shower Oil but other scents are available.  This "welcome gift" promotion is on-going while supplies last!

For those of you who can't make it to the store, Sabon has an on-line gift promotion:  Get a free travel set with any $60 purchase.  This promotion expires 5/16/10.  No code is necessary, the gift is automatically added once you hit the $60 threshold.  The travel set will include hand cream, shower oil and glycerine soap...the scents will vary.

If you do decide to purchase something from Sabon, I highly recommend the scrubs.  They're absolutely amazing!  It makes your skin feel like a baby's bottom.  There are so many scents to choose from that there's a scent for everyone...even me, a scent-sensitive person!

Did I mention that they wrap everything beautifully?  Check out how they wrapped the shower oil.  Unwrapping it was half the fun!

Kiehl's: The Last Bottle of Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion

About 2 years ago, Kiehl's decided to discontinue my all-time favorite moisturizer, the Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion.  (There was also a thicker cream version that I used for the winter.)

By the time I realized that the Lycopene Lotion was being phased out, I could only get my hands on two more bottles.  Those two bottles are sadly empty now.  I've been searching for a replacement lotion for about a year and I'm coming up empty.  Currently, I'm using a moisturizer from La Prairie but I'm not so enthused about the price difference between the Lycopene Lotion and the La Prairie Moisturizer.

To my delight, Sunshine had stocked up on the Lycopene Lotion as well!  Sneaky boy!  ;)  Unfortunately, he has only one bottle left.  :(  I guess that one remaining bottle is better than none.  It truly is the best facial lotion that I have ever used!

So here's my plea to Kiehl's:

Dear Kiehl's,

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back the Lycopene line!!!  The Acai line, while good on its own, is just not cutting it when compared to the Lycopene line.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart,

Sale Therapy

Wax On, Wax Off!

Once in a very rare blue moon, I am pleasantly surprised with something related to the tortuous but necessary activity know as waxing.  Last week, there must have been a blue moon because I discovered the best hard wax ever!  And this wasn't something that occurred at a salon.  I'll let you in on a little secret:  when it comes to grooming down there, I prefer to do my own bikini line.  It's easier, cheaper and less painful because I use hard wax.  (Now it's confession time and please don't hate me: I have no experience when it comes to waxing my legs because I only have a few strands of hair.  I just pluck them away and I'm good to go for a few weeks.)

I purchase all of my waxing gear at Sally Beauty Supply.  If there's no b&m Sally Beauty Supply near you,  fret not.  Their website (www.sallybeauty.com) is fantastic!  If you're looking to buy a lot of stuff, join the Beauty Club Card.  It's costs $5 a year, but you'll save significantly more than that measly membership fee.  All items are priced lower with the Beauty Club Card.

Here's my fantastic find:  clean + easy Acai Berry Full Body Hard Wax!  It's usually $13.99, but it's currently on sale for $10.99.  This jar/tub will last you many waxing sessions.  If you do the math, you end up saving a lot!

The Acai Berry Full Body Hard Wax smells like a berry lotion and melts at a lower temperature than other hard wax that I've used.  I've found that the lower the melting point of a hard wax, the less it hurts. I like using hard wax because I found soft wax (the kind of wax that needs muslin strips) to be messy and hard to use.  With hard wax, you put it on, wait for it to harden and peel it off.  (I know...easier said than done.)

I like using the following pre-wax oil:  GiGi Pre-Epliation Oil.  It's $6.49 but $5.99 with the Sally Beauty Card.

I bought this on a whim and it really paid off.  Not only does the hard wax come off easier, it creates a layer of heat protection between your skin and the wax.  It lessens the pain of "waxing off" significantly!  

Here are the other items you'll need:

• Wax Warmer:  I like GiGi's Space Saver Wax Warmer because it's much smaller than other wax warmers.  The only downside is that there's no wax temperature controller; you have to monitor the wax temperature yourself.  (NOTE:  ALWAYS test the wax temperature before you use it to prevent burning.  You can also twirl the wax applicator after dipping it in the wax to cool the wax a little.  But if you cool the wax too much, it won't "grab" your hairs.  Practice makes perfect!)  This is usually $24.99 but it's currently on sale for $21.99.

• Wax Warmer Clean Collar:  You'll need collars to keep your wax warmer clean.  I use GiGi's version because I know that it'll fit my GiGi wax warmer; it's the round collar-like stiff paper that has GiGi written all over it.  It's $5.49 for a pack of 20, $4.99 with the Sally Beauty Card.  Unless you're super messy, they last for quite some time.

• Wax Applicator:  The wax applicator is basically a larger popsicle stick.  I don't remember which brand I purchased but they're basically all the same and come in a big pack.

Waxing is kind of like shaving:  Apply the wax on in the direction your hair grows.  (Then pull off the wax in the opposite direction - against the direction your hair grows.)  I'd start with small patches until you get the hang of it.  

  

Tip:  To prevent in-grown hairs, try Tend Skin or Completely Bare's Bikini Bump Blaster.