Go coco-nuts for Nair Sensitive Coconut!

Take the worry out of sensitive skin hair removal with Nair Sensitive Coconut! Designed with sensitive skin in mind, each product is infused with 100% natural coconut oil plus vitamin E and are also dye-free, paraben-free and dermatologist tested to gently remove hair and leave your skin nourished and smooth. Plus, it lasts longer than traditional shaving!

The new Nair Sensitive Coconut line-up includes:

Nair Glides Away Sensitive Coconut - 93g - $11.99 - great for bikini area, arms and underarms - with a unique, deodorant-like application stick that offers a quick, easy and touch-free alternative to other removers. The dye and paraben free formula is infused with 100% natural coconut oil and vitamin E to gently remove hair  and leave skin smooth for up to 6 days while nourishing the skin and contains odour neutralizing technology with a comforting coconut scent so you don't stink up the bathroom!

Nair Wax-Ready Strips Sensitive Coconut - 32 strips + 3 finishing wipes - $11.99 - specially designed for bikini and underarm hair removal, these ready-to-use wax strips are made with a breakthrough cold wax technology that delivers salon like results at home without the need for warming or rubbing. The formula contains nourishing coconut milk oil to soothe delicate, sensitive skin, while removing even the shortest hair for up to 4 weeks.

Nair Shower Power Sensitive Coconut - 312g - $17.99 - a quick and easy in-shower application for the body and lets that delivers smooth skin for up to 6 days! Includes a specially designed sponge - for effective hair removal and a 100% natural coconut oil and vitamin E formula that is dye and paraben-free for gentler hair removal and that much-needed odour neutralizing technology with a comforting coconut scent.

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Get hair free for the holidays with Parissa Hot Wax Super Pack!

It's that time of year again when people just won't stop taking your picture - also making it the perfect time to get rid of any extra fuzz you may be sporting with:

Parissa Hot Wax Super Pack - $38.55 - has every thing you could possibly need for before and after waxing including:

• Parissa Hot Wax - 120g - a strip-free, salon strength, hard wax that’s perfect for gently lifting away short, coarse hair in sensitive skin areas. 
• Wooden Spatulas x 3
• Parissa Wax Warmer Electric Plug-In -  keeps the wax at the right temperature during your waxing session.
• Azulene Oil Spray Bottle - 60ml (+ 8ml mini size) - an be applied before and after waxing. Applied before waxing, it helps create a barrier between the skin and wax, just apply and remove with tissue to ensure only a very fine layer remains on the skin. Azulene oil also contains natural chamomile anti-inflammatory and antiseptics which reduce ingrown hairs and redness when applied regularly after waxing.
• Exfoliation Gloves - can be used 24 hours after waxing - regular exfoliation helps remove the outer layer of the skin's dead cells, reducing the occurrence of ingrown hairs.
• Hot Wax Instructions 

I am pretty new to this whole waxing thing - the only experience I have are with those strips that come with wax on them that you warm up in your hands and then apply and rip off - I didn't find them very effective so it was a one time deal.

Hot wax is very different but surprisingly very easy to use - just pop the pan on the stove on low heat until it's about half melted then use the spatula to mix it up until has the consistency of honey - you can then place it on the warmer to keep it at the right temperature.

Now you're ready to wax - using the flat side of the spatula, spread on a thick layer of wax in the opposite direction of hair growth - leave the wax thicker and rounder at the outer edges to make it easier to get off - yes, there are no strips to mess around with, the wax itself is the strip!

Once it's been on for a few seconds use your fingers to even out the wax - while it's still pliable and before it hardens is when you want to peel it off - lift the outer edge and peel off against hair growth with one hand while using the other to keep the skin taut - don't let the wax harden or it will just crumble and not peel off properly!

And then just keep repeating the process until you are hair-free - be sure to apply the oil afterwards too, it is really soothing - now you have super smooth skin with results that will last up to 6 weeks!

And while it is perfectly okay to use it for waxing eyebrows too, I totally get it if you are reluctant to put hot wax near your eyeballs - in this case you'll want to check out the Eyebrow Wax Strips Kit!

Important things to remember and learn from my mistakes:

Read the instructions first!

Do a patch test 24 hours before!

Do not exfoliate or clean skin before waxing!

Use an oven mitt to take the wax pot off the stove, the handle is hot!

Do not accidentally spill wax on your favourite jeans, it will not come off!

Available now online at https://parissa.com where they also have waxing videos and all kinds of how-to guides that will turn you into a waxing expert in no time!

- Lisamarie -

Happy hair removal with Philips, Parissa and Avon!

I love my epilator and even though it's only meant for the body I've actually tried to use on my face - bad idea! It's not gentle enough and I ended up with a nasty red rash - so I'm happy that there is now one actually designed for all those delicate areas:

Philips SatinTouch Precision Epilator - $39.99 - with a slender, precision design designed for more subtle yet effective hair removal on sensitive areas and face, it features 8 tweezing discs that firmly grab and remove the hair from the root, helping to avoid discomfort and reduce pulling of sensitive skin. Comes with an additional cleaning brush for easy cleaning and optimal hygiene and a protective pouch ideal for storage and travel.

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Parissa Persian Cold Wax - 240ml - $15 - includes cold wax, 2 spatulas, 20 reusable non-woven fabric strips and easy to follow instructions - the original natural sugar hair removal treatment effective for removing medium-fine hair on legs, body or face and made up of 3 basic ingredients: sugar, lemon and water that have been cooked down into a thick taffy-like paste - making it a great choice for people who have sensitive or allergic skin and require a simple, all-natural product.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Moisturizing Shave Oil - 150ml - $10 - with a fresh cherry blossom scent and a formula enriched with shea butter extract and vitamins A & E that transforms from an oil to a creamy lather on wet skin for a silky smooth glide, it moisturizes while you shave leaving legs (or whatever) feeling soft and smooth.

Available from your Avon rep - 1800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - perfect brows with Parissa, Maybelline and Hard Candy!

Parissa Brow Shaper Mini Wax Strips - $7.99 - includes 32 (16 x 2 sided) mini strips - perfect for shaping or maintaining brows up to 6 weeks - the clear backing and small size of wax strips allows for easy placement of strips for shaping arches or getting small hairs on fingers or toes; easy to follow illustrated instructions, and an 8ml Azulene Oil - to soothe and soften skin as well as prevent ingrown hairs. Making eyebrow waxing quick, easy and  mess-free.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Maybelline Brow Drama Pomade Crayon - $11.99 - in 3 shades: Blonde, Soft Brown and Deep Brown - offers perfectly filled in brows with a simple swipe with a creamy, waterproof formula in an easy to use chubby stick to shape, fill and fix all in one go!

There seems to be an Auburn shade available in the States but not yet here - that's the one I'm waiting to try!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Hard Candy Brows Now! Ultimate All-In-One Brow Powder Kit - $7.98 - in Light Medium and Medium Dark - that includes everything you need to shape brows like a pro! Compact contains a brow powder duo, soft brow wax and cream highlighter. The long wearing powders come in complimentary shades so you can custom blend for superior shade matching. Tame and set unruly brows with the setting wax. Enhance and lift brow bone with the cream highlighter. Also includes a mirror, a hard angle brush applicator and blending brush along with guided instructions for expert application.

Available exclusively at Walmart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Say bye-bye to unwanted hair with Nair, Parissa, Venus, eos and Velvet Touch!

Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Ultimate Roll-On Body Wax - 110g - $18.99 - a washable resin wax with breakthrough technology that rinses off easily with water and delivers exceptional salon results at home. Along with added nourishing and moisturizing benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil, the convenient, easy to use roll-on wax allows for precise and even application and works on hair as short as 2 mm, reducing the wait time required between waxing, so skin remains soft and smooth up to four weeks at a time.

If you love it you'll be happy to know that it also comes as a Roll-On Wax for Face - and there is a Microwave Resin Wax for Legs and Body in the collection.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Parissa Organic Wax - 240ml - $19.99 - a washable hair remover made with USDA certified organic cane sugar and 100% natural ingredients that is gentle on skin and on the environment. Suitable for all hair types, it can be used everywhere on the body - legs, face, brows, bikini and underarms - in just 3 easy steps: warm, smooth and peel!

Includes 30 washable strips, easy to follow photo instructions and 3 spatulas.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Gillette Venus Swirl Razor - $14.99 - includes 1 razor and 2 cartridges - with 5 contour blades that adjust to every curve, even tricky areas and a microfine comb that guides hair to the blades that capture virtually every hair for a flawless shave that won't be drying thanks to the water-activated moistureglide serum.

Available now at drug, mass and food retailers across Canada.

eos Shave Cream - 207ml - $5.69 - in 3 fragrances: Pomegranate Raspberry, Vanilla Bliss and Lavender Jasmine - with a new formula containing a unique ingredient blend of vitamin B3, grape seed extract and green tea to help improve skin condition and brighten skin to leave it more beautiful and even toned along with natural conditioning oils, aloe, oat shea butter and vitamins C & E for skin that is soothed and softened for a full 24 hours.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws, Rexall and London Drugs.

Velvet Touch Natural Hair Remover Mitten - 3 pack - $4.49 - a non-chemical, odorless and harmless solution to hair removal that is simple, effective and economical. With a mitt that gently massages hair away in or out of the shower, leaving skin smooth and slow down regrowth. Infused with the soft scent of cucumber and melon and coated with aloe vera to help protect skin from sensitivity.

Available at select Walmart, Rexall, Jean Coutu, Lawtons, Pharma Plus, Lond Drugs, IDA, Guradian, Proxim, Value Drug Mart, Overwaitea and Army & Navy locations across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Sweet Ease Waxing Kits!

Sweet Ease Waxing Kits make it easy to remove hair wherever (and whenever) you don't want it! Includes wax strips that you can easily warm up between your hands; after wax wipes; and directions that show you exactly what to do with lots of pictures to make it super-easy! Available are:

Face Waxing Kit - $5.99 - perfectly sized for small facial areas and pre-loaded with gentle cream-wax that  will take care of facial hair and sensitive skin - leaving it soft and smooth with no redness.

Bikini Waxing Kit - $5.99 - quickly and easily helps you get a beach ready bikini-line with gentle cream-wax strips.

Leg Waxing Kit - $6.99 - with everything you need for hair-free legs in just 20 minutes - no stress, no stubble, no fuss - just smoothness that lasts for weeks!

As long as you remember that for waxing you press the strip on in the direction of hair growth and pull the strip off in the opposite direction, you will have a minimum of pain (vodka helps too)!

Available now (just in time for that warm weather that we are owed) at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Easy hair removal with wax strips from Nair, Balea and Veet!

Want the long lasting results of wax but are totally scared by the idea of dripping hot wax on yourself? Wax strips are the perfect way to get all the benefits of wax without the freaky-factor! They are also super-easy to use:

Just cleanse the area you want to wax with a soap and warm water and dry it thoroughly - for best results the area to be waxed must be clean, dry, and free of creams or cosmetics.

1. Take your wax strip and rub it between your hands to warm up the wax.
2. Carefully peel the strips apart and put one aside, then apply one strip to your skin and rub several times in the direction of
hair growth.
3. Hold the skin taut. Grip the bottom end of the strip, and pull it back as quickly as possible against the direction of hair growth. Keep close to the skin rather than pulling away from it. The faster the strip is pulled, the more hair is removed.
4. Wash away any residue with a wipe.

Ta da! You are now hair free and (fairly) pain free - and here are a few great wax strip choices:

Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Wax Strips - 40 strips - $14.99 - features Moroccan argan oil along with jojoba for ultra moisturizing and is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Effective on hair as short as 1.5mm and offers long-lasting results for up to 4 weeks. What makes it really neat though is they've taken the guess work out of when the strip is ready to use with PerfectTemp technology - rub it between your hands as usual, when the logo fades, it's ready!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Balea Shave Legs and Body Ready-To-Use Wax Strips - 10 double strips - $7.99 - in Regular, Short Hair and Argan Oil formulas that remove hair at the root with finer feeling regrowth with easy to use pre-coated strips that leave skin soft and smooth for up to 4 weeks. Kit includes 2 post depilatory wipes to remove traces of wax residue as well as moisturize.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Veet Natural Inspirations Wax Strips - 20 strips - $12.99, 40 strips - $21.99 - leaves skin on the legs, arms, underarms and bikini line stubble free for up to 28 days, removing even short, stubborn hair. Formulated with 95% naturally sourced ingredients such as pine resin and aloe to leave skin beautifully moisturized and silky smooth. With Veet Easy Grip technology that makes using the strips a breeze.


Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Easily get rid of your winter fur with great new products from Veet after you win them with our Contest!

Just in time for summer nakedness, Veet has launched the first collection of depilatory products - Veet Natural Inspirations - inspired by nature and containing up to 100% naturally sourced ingredients!

Each product is enriched with natural ingredients including grape seed oil, argan oil, shea butter and aloe for moisture and ingredients sourced from pine resin, sugar cane and potatoes are part of the depilatory formulas - and all underwent rigorous testing to ensure optimal results and offer the same long lasting, touchably smooth results as the regular versions – up to 28 days for wax products and twice as long as shaving for cream products.

The line includes several waxing options and while I know some people enjoy ripping their hair out by its roots, I like the more gentle (and lazy) approach with:

Veet Natural Inspirations Hair Removal Cream - 200ml - $12.49 - provides long-lasting smoothness for up to two times longer than shaving, working close to the root on short, stubborn hair. In 2 formulas: with natural grape seed oil for sensitive skin and natural avocado oil for normal to dry skin - to leave skin beautifully moisturized and touchably soft. It's easy to use - just apply a thick, even layer of cream, ensuring that the area is completely covered; leave on for five minutes; and rise skin with water to remove!

You should decide what pain level you like for your hair removal yourself though and what better way to find out then winning the entire line!

This contest is open to all our Canadian followers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow through Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin' or Facebook Networked Blogs (if you aren't a follower you can do that now - sign up buttons are in the right sidebar).

1 entry for following and letting us know what the problem with your current hair removal method is? Or if you've found a good one, tell us about it!

And for extra entries:

Follow @Beautycrazedcan on Twitter and tweet the contest
Like Veet on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Veet

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Veet contest" in the subject line. Remember to leave the post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winner to be decided by random drawing and you have until May 23rd to enter. Good Luck!

- Lisamarie -

Get summer ready with Nair Candy Apple Sugar Wax!

Summer is coming which means it's time to start thinking about getting rid of the winter pelt that has been keeping us warm these past months - and there's no reason you can't smell like a carnival even if you don't look like a sideshow...

Nair Candy Apple Sugar Wax - $14.99 - the kit includes microwaveable sugar wax, a salon length spatula and reusable non-woven strips - and if you're going to rip the hair out of your legs why not do it with something that indulges the senses with the mouth-watering scent of Irresistible Candy Apple. The new sugar wax from France features a lavish soft and creamy texture, luxurious scent and bright red hue. Infused with naturally sourced ingredients, including moisturizing apple and sugar cane extracts, it leaves skin feeling silky and smooth.

The ultimate at-home hair removal system, that's convenient, easy and ready to use from the microwave in just 30 seconds. The 100% rinseable formula has proven effectiveness on hair as short as 2 mm - which means there’s no waiting for re-growth and removes hair from the root at the first application for long-lasting results up to 4 weeks. Dermatologist tested and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Available now at  retailers across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Waxon opens a new location in the Toronto PATH with express services!

Hairy people of the PATH rejoice, Waxon Waxbar has arrived with a new PATH location in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre for your de-hairing pleasure!

Offering all the same services as the flagship Summerhill location but with the added benefit of a Waxbar MiniBar which offers express facial waxing, threading and tinting services for the business person on the go.

I did some quality control testing and had Shima thread my eyebrows, which she did quickly, painlessly and perfectly. And if you have to go back to work after, threading is the way to go, it leaves behind almost no redness and what little there is, they will conceal for you so no one needs to know where you snuck away to!

You can sign up for unlimited waxing  for a single specific service with their Wax To The Max program and earn reward points in a variety of ways good for complimentary services.

And while you're there be sure to check out the specialty brow cosmetics for sale, Princereigns Ingrown Hair Serum (at the only place you can buy it in Canada), Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion and the Body Shot Skin-Quenching Body Oil which smells amazing!

And as a special holiday treat, when you spend $65 before tax in the month of December, you'll get a $15 gift card!

The new Waxon location is in the PATH under the Richmond-Adelaide Centre at 120 Adelaide Street West, Unit R11 - For more info visit www.waxon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Bikini trims at home made easy with Philips, Nair, Gillette, eos and Tend Skin!

Dealing with the bikini line has got to be the trickiest part of home hair removal so anything that can make it faster, easier and smoother is a winner in my books like the:

Philips Bikini Genie - $19.99 - offers ease, convenience and affordability for those looking to bikini trim at home. This little number’s small shape and compact design are ideal for taking on-the-go – making it a great option for beach vacations.

Product features include: a unique shape and ergonomic handle that allows for precision trimming; and safe rounded tips on the trimmer head that provide extra comfort and are also detachable to allow for easy cleaning and are fully washable. It even comes with a battery included so you can start using it right away!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Personal Edge, Amazon.ca and Jean Coutu

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay PerfectTemp Easy to Use Wax Strips for Face & Bikini - 40 double sided wax strips in 2 sizes and 4 after-use moisturizing towelettes - $9.99 - with innovative Heat-Advanced Technology to ensure the wax is at the perfect temperature so even an idiot like me can figure out when to use - when warming the strip by hand, the Nair logo fades away when the strip is warm, signaling that the strip is now ready to use!

Effective even on short hair with long lasting results for up to 4 weeks.

Available at drug and mass merchandisers.

Or go traditional with:

Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Razor - with 2 refills - $15.99 - offers an easy, close shave thanks to built-in shave gel bars that flex - simply wet the razor for light lather - with an easy to grip handle that won't get away from you in the shower. And even though you don't have to use a separate shave cream, I don't find there is enough lather for my taste so I like to use:

eos 24-Hour Moisturizing Shave Cream - 207ml - $3.99 - in Pomegranate Raspberry, Vanilla Bliss and Fragrance Free Sensitive - in a paraben-free formula packed with natural conditioning oils, shea butter and vitamins C & E for soothes and soften your skin while shaving and afterwards for a full 24 hours. I especially like the bottle is plastic making it rust-free!

Available at Rexall, London Drugs, Loblaws, Jean Coutu and Uniprix.

No matter what you use the downside to de-furring such a delicate area is that you are bound to end up with razor bumps and ingrown hairs - go check the boy's medicine cabinet and steal his:

Tend Skin - 118ml - $20 - for unsightly razor bumps, burn and ingrown hair - what used to be used on the boy's face and neck also works great on our legs, underarms and bikini lines! Apply it morning and night on dry skin until the problem clears up - it feels soothing so the affected area will feel better right away - and then daily to maintain. Outside of hair removal, it's also great on skin irritated for any reason, I've been using it on mosquito bites this summer and it takes the sting right away!

You can grab some when you are perusing the new fall nail colours - Nail Polish Canada is now carrying it - www.nailpolishcanada.com.

- Lisamarie -

Perfect your brows with Veet, Tweezerman, Anastasia and Smashbox!

Veet Precision Wax & Care - $16.99 - includes: 1 x 10 ml Precision Wax; 1 x 5 ml Aftercare Cream; 1 Precision Spatula; and 20 Reusable fabric strips - the product was specially developed to easily and effectively remove facial hair and leave skin feeling silky smooth for up to 28 days. With an easy-to-use tube that allows you to apply a precise amount of wax exactly where it's needed – especially on the eyebrows where accuracy is critical to achieving an attractive arch, in addition to upper lip, chin and cheeks. The Aftercare Cream, enriched with Aloe Vera, will leave skin soothed and softened.

I wasn't sure how easy it would be to wax my own eyebrows at home but it was acually pretty foolproof - you heat the wax by placing it in a glass of hot water and the slanted applicator tip makes it easy to apply the wax in small areas without it getting all over the place. Then you just apply the fabric strip and tear it off. I found it much easier to use in the area around the brow then right up against the brow itself where a couple of times I ripped out hairs that I didn't want to (and the long hairs hurt dammit) but I actually found a trick - it you coat your eyebrows with a little bit of vaseline, the wax won't stick where you don't want it to! The Aftercare Cream is a nice touch, very cooling and soothing.

Available at retailers across Canada now.

Tweezerman Hot Pink Mini Brow Rescue Kit - $30 -  containing mini versions of their Slant Tweezer, Browmousse, Eyenhance Highlighter Pencil and Brow Shaping Brush.

Having this in my purse has saved my butt on many an occassion - it always seems to be under away-from-home lighting that I notice a random brow hair (or other facial hair that you want to be rid of ASAP) and I have also used them to pull out a splinter and rescue my keys from a tight spot under my car's seat - not recommended uses for your tweezers of course but at the time I was sure glad to have them! The Enenhance is also great to use as the day wears on and you start to look as tired as you feel!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Fix - $27 - A colorless brow gel that was designed to keep brows in place with flexibility and is best used after applying brow color for a subtle, yet defined look.

I used to use clear mascara to do the job but this pencil is so much less messy and allows for a lot more precision, I will never go back again!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

And I'm going to take this opportunity to get a little ranty re: Smashbow Brow Tech - I don't have a lot of holy grail products, in general I have very little product loyalty at all but the Smashbox Brow Tech Duo in auburn was one of them - nobody else really makes an auburn powder that actually is auburn and not just a muddy shade of brown that they are trying to pass off as auburn. Now that Smashbox has changed their duo to a trio they have joined the ranks of companies with a sucky auburn powder. The trio has a light shade that is too light and a dark shade that is too brown. You can mix the shades together but I still don't get anything nearly as perfect as the auburn shade that was in the original duo! Luckily I stocked up when they did the switchover but I just realized today that I only have one left so sad times are a'comin'.

Revlon brought back my favourite concealer so I don't see any reason why you can't follow suit Smashbox...

- Lisamarie -

Get beach ready with Marc Anthony, Andrea Professionals, mark. and Dior

Beach hair is all about loose, soft, wavy effortless hair with body and texture - beach babies with easy and daily ocean access obtain it naturally, the rest of us have to work at it a bit and now it's easier to achieve thanks to:

Marc Anthony Dream Waves - Amplifying Shampoo - 250ml - $9.99 and Amplifying Conditioner - 250ml - $9.99 - prepares your hair for a full day of volume and texture, Amplifying Lotion - 340ml - $10.99 - for voluminous, defined waves or maximum fullness and bounce, Beach Spray - 150ml - $11.99 - offers super texture and waves.

The line offers conditioning polymers to help add body to limp hair, create an extra wavy bounce and block humidity for longer lasting style; hydrolyzed silk and provitamin B5 to add moisture and high shine; and powerful UV protectors to absorb ultraviolet light to save your hair from harmful sun exposure, dehydration and colour-fade.

With my super straight, fine and short bob, I figured these products would be a waste on me but strangely not. They don't add any wave because they aren't magic, but they are great for adding body and texture so that my hair will hold a sexy beach tousle!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmapix, Loblaws and other drug and mass retailers.

As for the body, now we need to de-hair, buff and colour with:

Andrea Professionals Face & Body Multi-Size Wax Strip Kit - 44 strips - $12.99 - includes three different sized wax strips designed to fit the area you are waxing perfectly. The kit includes: 20 body, 12 underarm/bikini and 12 face wax strips as well as a 4ml bottle of azulene oil which helps soothe and moisturize skin post-wax as well as instructions that include techniques for waxing various areas of the body and face.

mark. Just Buffing Body Exfoliator - 145ml - $12 - with a foaming formula that gently cleanses and exfoliates to reveal smoother, softer skin - with walnut and bamboo powder that polishes away rough and dry spots without stripping skin's natural moisture and a beautiful scent of citrus and sugar that will make you want to take bites out of yourself!

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

Dior Bronze Auto-Bronzant Self Tanning Natural Glow Body - 125ml - $39 - in a rich cream form that melts into the skin upon application leaving it perfectly moisturized with a tint that enhances the natural skin colour immediately while the tan is developing.

For me a self tanner is one of those purchases that is worth splurging on, cheap products can offer unnatural looking colour which you most certainly don't want if you are going to be showing a lot of skin!

All you have to do now is grab your bikini and head for the sand (or the turtle pool in your backyard, your choice)!

- Lisamarie -

Waxon Waxbar - the only waxing location in Toronto that is Karate Kid approved!

If you're looking for waxing services someplace other than the back of your salon you'll want to check out Toronto's new Waxon Waxbar - where waxing is all they do! Waxon waxologists use a combination of European and Canadian made hard and soft wax which are made with allergy-friendly natural ingredients and follow a 5-step process - Refresh, Relax, Wax, Relieve, Renew - that preps and replenishes skin pre and post-wax to encourage healthy skin and hair growth.

Waxing services are available for both genders and include the waxing of just about anything you can think of - brows ($14-$20), facial ($11-$46), body ($10-$55) and bikini areas ($15-$43) - and they will torture men equally - the services even include Manzilians ($72)!

You also have the option of pre-paying for waxing services at a discounted rate with their Bar Tab program and every time you have a service, you earn reward points towards receiving complimentary services.

Waxon is also carrying a couple of products exclusive to them in Canada:

BareEase & Cream - $25 - pre-treatment kit for ouchless "down there" hair removal - just apply a small amount of cream over skin approximately 30-40 minutes before hair removal (there is also an option for the boys - Numb Nuts - $19)

Prince Reigns - $30 - an ingrown hair serum that includes all-natural ingredients and soothing moisturizers - aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, sage lavender, vitamin E and citurs oils - that don't burn or clog pores for results within 1-2 days. It works by softening and straightening the hair follicle, preventing future ingrown hairs and bumps.

As well as other amazing Canadian products including IZZI Exfoliating Loofah Soaps - $6.95, Bubble Bath - $32.95, and Bath Salts - $15.95 and LoveFresh Sugar Scrubs - $28, Hydrating Body Butter - $22 Moisturizing Lotion - $18, and Body Wash - $18

Waxon was the setting for my very first waxing experience this week. It's true, I've never had anything except my eyebrows waxed - but I do try to live the the philosophy of being willing to try anything once! Why I didn't go for something a little easier like my legs, I have no idea but I went full in and had The Braziliant. And this my friends is why it is important to know what you are getting when you do something like this. I thought a brazilian meant there was still a little something left - but that it would seem is called a "modest" brazilian... live and learn...

So for everyone who hasn't done this before, you want to know how excruciatingly painful it was - fortunately I used the BareEase & Cream or I expect it would have been awful - with it, it was uncomfortable and slightly stinging at times but bearable. Would I do it again? I don't think so - I'm in agreement with the Real Housewife (which one, I don't know, who can keep track of them all) who said that life before waxing was a lot easier because you didn't have to worry about camel toe! Amen sister!

I definitely recommend checking them out if you are a waxing kind of girl (or guy) - if you're going to torture yourself that way you might as well do it in comfortable surroundings with nice people! And be sure to ask for Nicole who patiently answered all of my (probably stupid) questions, has the best attitude about which in my opinion has got to be the world's weirdest job and made the whole thing as fun as something like that is capable of being!

Waxon Waxbar is located at 1246 Yonge Street in Toronto - 416-949-4929 - www.waxon.ca   - you can make an appointment or walk-ins are also welcome - and guys don't worry, if you are worried that someone might see you going in and start wondering about what you are waxing - there is a back entrance!

- Lisamarie -