Review: Sally Hansen Extra Strength Brazilian Bikini Waxing & Shaping Kit

There are some products in this world that simply shouldn't exist. But, because they do, I feel it's my responsibility to warn you about them... and to stay far, far away.

Summer is officially here, and one thing that is frequently on our minds as we bear more and more skin is maintaining a smooth, hair-free look. The bikini area can be especially problematic at times, and shaving isn't always the best option for sensitive skin and fast-growing hair. What's a girl to do?

Professional waxing can get pricey fast, but there are a few good do-it-yourself alternatives available. Today I'd like to tell you about one product that does not fall in this category - Sally Hansen Extra Strength Brazilian Bikini Waxing & Shaping Kit.

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Product Description:

• "Easy to use - no strips needed!
• Eliminates even the coarsest hair.
• Everything you need in one kit to expertly shape and groom your bikini line.
• Smooth results last up to 8 beautiful weeks!
• Exclusive easy-grip handle for safe and easy microwave use.
• Helps reduce the appearance of hair regrowth.
• Salon Tested - Dermatologist Tested."

Price: $9.99

Other: Mess, pain, and frustration factor = 10/10.

Results: The kit comes with no waxing strips, as advertised, and is simply a wax you apply and remove. Included are the jar of wax, wooden spatulas, after-care oil, small scissors, a mirror (haha!), and gauze... you're going to need that later, trust me.

The concept seems simple enough: heat wax, apply small amount, wait to harden, and remove. But the main problem with this kit lies in the wax itself. There are so many issues with it, I hardly know where to begin. For one, it's a horribly sticky, gooey mess that hardens very quickly... so much that you can not remove it from anything it comes in contact with. Meaning if you get it on your rug, on your body, anywhere else - forget about trying to remove it in the next 24 hours.

I made the grave mistake of getting some of the wax on my nails. If this happens to you, I can say with confidence that you will have to kiss your pretty manicure goodbye! It will NOT come off with any amount of oil or nail polish remover, and will remove only after heated and scrubbed. If you must, wear gloves!

Next, the wax simply doesn't work unless the conditions are exactly right. The hair can't be too short, or the wax won't grab; too long, and it's very hard to pull off. You must have JUST the right amount of wax to pull, and because it hardens so quickly, you only get one chance and can't wait too long to remove. I'd say the correct amount is between a thin and thick layer, but it's so difficult to determine. If it's too thick, good luck getting it off you - you won't even want to try, it'll be such a mess.

Next, this is definitely the most painful waxing kit I've ever encountered. You can easily bleed and, as a few others have experienced, bruise your skin. Heck, it'll rip the top layer of skin clear off. The wax makes it so incredibly time-consuming and painful that you don't want to finish... especially if you're attempting larger or sensitive areas of skin.

I appreciate the efforts Sally Hansen has put forth here, but it's simply not worth the mess, trouble, and tears. Do your body a favor and stick to wax strips, better wax kits, or your good old salon waxer. Nothing about this kit is worth the $10 tag.

I would absolutely never, ever recommend this product to any woman. I couldn't be happier to return to my other Sally Hansen waxes and strips!

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You'll like this product if: You want to try waxing at home, you enjoy pain, you handle messy waxes well

You won't like this product if: You want a comfortable, easy waxing experience with minimal mess and fuss

Rating: 1/5


Images: walgreens.com