.: Shave It :.
Gillette Venus Embrace
The traditional mode of hair removal is, of course, the razor. It's easy to use, painless (if done right), and doesn't smell. The drawback is that it doesn't last very long. Still, newer blades, creams, and shavers keep this traditional way a viable option.
There are dozens of disposable razors on the market, but not all are created equal. The Gillette Venus Embrace, Razor for WomenVenus Embrace, Gillette's update on the popular Venus razor, has five blades, a ribbon of moisture to prevent nicks, and a spring-loaded head for ease of use.
Aveeno's Ultra Calming shave gel
will reduce or eliminate redness and irritation, leaving behind smooth skin. You can gain a little of the time spent shaving back by using multi-taskers like Aveeno's 2-in-1 body wash or Nouveau Cosmeceuticals cleansing gel—to wash, exfoliate, and shave in the same step.
If electric is more your style, you need a no!no!
. The no!no! isn't a traditional shaver/blade by any means but is just as easy to use (with a small learning curve). It removes hair without pain and irritation, and if used consistently over time, reduces hair re-growth ($250).
.: Cream Removal :.
Nair Shower Power
Depilatories have a long history and typically last longer than shaving. The drawbacks include messiness, a distinctive and unpleasant smell, and the risk of irritation to sensitive skin. The newest products attempt to address these issues and make us consider the benefits of creams over a blade.
Nair is probably one of the most well known brands in this category from way back in the Who Wears Short Shorts? days. One of their best recent products is the Shower Power hair removal cream
. Put on before you get in the shower, wash as you normally do (it'll stay on), then use the exfoliating sponge to remove the cream and hair after about 10 minutes.
For Nair that doesn't smell like Nair, try the Pretty soft cream
, a pleasantly scented alternative that works on legs and bikini area.
Veet's In-Shower cream works really well on thick hair and only takes six minutes or less. Use it for the legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line.
.: Pull and Pluck :.
Bikini Perfect Deluxe
When the first Epilady came on the market, the idea of a machine yanking hair out by the roots didn't have great appeal. But now waxing is one of the most requested services at salons and spas, and even the epilator has come a long way (baby).
The Bikini Perfect Deluxe
comes with several heads — trimmers, combs, shavers, micro trimmers, and, of course, an epilator. The epilating actually doesn't hurt as much as we feared and is about as fast as shaving.
The Braun Silk-epil Xpressive 
for body and face also has interchangeable heads that epilate, massage, shave, and trim. There's even a precision attachment to use on the face.
For some, getting a professional wax is unparalleled. Thank goodness for easy waxing strips and stripless waxes.
Parissa's Quick & Easy wax strips for face, bikini
, and eyebrows
live up to their name. Warm the strips between your hands, peel apart, and apply.
The Nair Soothing Wax Kit for bikini and body works on the same principle. Used in conjunction with their soothing pre-wipes. It's not totally painless, but even the pain-sensitive will call it nothing. You can get small strips for the face or medium and large ones for the bikini area and legs.
Though if you have a lot of area to cover (leggy girl, you), a better choice is the Salon Divine Body Wax kit
. This microwavable wax doesn't need a cloth strip—just smooth it on, let it cool off, and pull.
.: Prepare and Repair :.
Tanzotic Salt Scrub
Exfoliating beforehand increases the effectiveness of home waxes and leads to closer shaves. Use your favorite exfoliator for face or body if you're waxing, but if you're shaving with a blade, consider a sugar or salt scrub with a natural oil base.
You can always use numbing cream to temporarily remove sensation from the area for about 30 minutes. Many women won't wax without it.
Soothe your skin after shaving with Jojoba, a natural ingredient-based cream, to moisturize and prevent irritation. If you're looking to shave less often and don't have the bank for a no!no!, try Aveeno's Positively Smooth
. After four weeks of use, your hair will be softer, finer, and less noticeable so you can go longer before having to get rid of it.
Follique's Super Bump Fighter Kit includes five different products to battle ingrown hairs and other post-shave problems. The wipes are particularly effective for eliminating existing bumps.
e Best Hair Removal Products
