Prelude - Beauty

prelude beauty

Words by Christina Kallery

HAIR we go again

Summer days are here again! It’s time for backyard barbecues, beach parties—and unearthing that bikini. Since this last event demands a smooth, fuzz-free body, we’ve scored some ace hair-removal tips from Audra Senkus-Lemma, co-owner of New York’s Haven spa and salon (212-343-3515, www.havensoho.com).

Wax on

Because of its long-lasting results, waxing remains a beach bunny favorite. However, it’s no easy feat and requires careful practice. Audra recommends that fi rst-time waxers try it out on the lower leg, leaving the delicate bikini area to the pros. In fact, at-home bikini waxes should ideally be performed only as between-appointment touch-ups or on easily accessible areas like the upper legs. “We’ve seen people do disastrous things when they try to wax at home,” Audra says. Here are her top secrets to a successful (and pain-free) DIY waxing:
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure 24 hours before and after waxing. If you’re sensitive, you can try a numbing agent like LMX-4 (www.skinstore.com) or Solarcaine (www.drugstore.com). Alternatively, take an Ibuprofen one hour before treatment.
• Prep the area by cleaning with an astringent like Sea Breeze (www.drugstore.com), then dust with baby powder so that wax adheres more easily.
• Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth, covering one small area at a time. Try Bliss Cosmetic Poetic Waxing Kit (www.sephora.com) or Parissa Warm Wax (www.parissa.com).
• After applying wax-removal strips, hold skin taut and pull against the direction of hair growth, at a perpendicular angle.

• Follow with a gentle moisturizer or calming agent. A good one to try is Comfort Zone Vital Leg Cream-Gel

(www.carriel.ca), which contains soothing mint extract and helps reduce swelling in hot weather.

• To prevent ingrown hairs, wait at least 24 hours, then apply an exfoliating agent. Look for products containing salicylic acid or those that use a gentle scrub, like LaLicious Sugar Souffl é Scrub (www.lalicious.com), which contains pure cane sugar and comes in delectable scents like Passionfruit Lime and Coconut Cream. Just don’t use both methods. “Over-exfoliating can have the reverse effect and cause calloused, leathery skin,” Audra cautions.

If you opt for a salon treatment, Audra suggests: “Make sure you choose someone who’s experienced with waxing. If they seem uncomfortable or afraid to touch you, leave—they aren’t experienced enough to do the job properly.”

One of the great perks of waxing is that hair often grows in fi ner and sparser over time. In the meantime, you can try to stretch out the intervals between treatments by using a hair growth inhibitor like Phytocéane Océpil Regrowth Inhibitor Gel (www.phytoceaneusa.com).

Razor’s edge

Die-hard shaving devotees should be sure to use a clean, sharp razor every time. It’s also a good idea to use a moisturizing shaving cream or lotion to cut down on nicks and irritation. An excellent choice: Earth Therapeutics Shea Butter Moisture Shave (www.earththerapeutics.com).