With the cost-of-living crisis making many of us streamline our beauty routines, there’s been a huge surge in search traffic for at-home alternatives, to save on salon bills.
One of the breakout topics is the ‘best at home waxing kit’, which has seen a +70% increase in Google searches in the UK. Step forward this High Street hero… Smooth Appeal, which could save you up to £350 per year if you wax your facial fuzz bi-monthly.
Hilary Hepburn, Beauty Expert explains the best way to remove unwanted facial hair:
“My top tip for ease, cost and comfort is wax. Waxing your face isn’t as scary as it might sound and is less painful than IPL or threading and is more effective than plucking or shaving. It’s a great option for those who want less maintenance in their routine and don’t have as much time to spend on their hair-removal routine. Waxing takes minutes to do, lasts for weeks and is highly recommended for facial hair removal.
I recommend Smooth Appeal as it can be used anywhere on the face from above your eyebrows, on your upper lip and chin, to your sideburns. The benefits include longer-lasting hair removal, getting the hair from the very root, so it stays smoother for longer.
I would advise for any first-time face waxing at home that you do a patch test on another part of the body first to get the technique down. Unlike waxing your legs, you want to use a smaller amount in a smaller area at a time.
As your face is freshly waxed, a bit of redness and sensitivity is normal as the skin is much thinner on this area. Try an after-waxing solution such as the Smooth Appeal After Wax Gel, £7.20, Amazon.
Avoid applying make-up and skincare including retinol or prescription skincare for at least 6 hours minimum or for 24 hours if able to, as it may trigger inflammation, redness and skin irritation.
Smooth Appeal Facial Hair Removal Wax- Microwavable, £5.49, Boots & Amazon. The Microwaveable formula facial wax is enriched with soothing Aloe Vera, calming Tea Tree, and nourishing Vitamin E, for silky smooth, soft, hair-free skin. The low temperature wax is ideal for sensitive skin. Simply apply to skin, allow it to set slightly and then peel off with your fingers. No strips are required. Hair is quickly and effectively removed, leaving no stubble, just soft, smooth skin for up to 6 weeks. New hair growth will appear finer and should visibly reduce with continued waxing. Gentle enough to use on all areas of the face including upper lip, chin and brow.
The Smooth Appeal Original Facial Hair Remover Wax – Boots, £5.95. The Original Formula Facial Wax is enriched with soothing Lavender Oil and nourishing Argan Oil, for silky smooth, soft, hair-free skin. The finest natural ingredients combine with soothing Lavender Oil and nourishing Argan Oil to create a gentle, low temperature wax. Simply apply to skin, allow it to set slightly and then peel off with your fingers. No strips are required.
Smooth Appeal Ingrown Hair Lotion, £8.40, Amazon. Smooth Appeal Ingrown Hair Lotion uses a professional formula to gently exfoliate and decongest pores to minimise and reduce ingrown hairs pre & post hair removal. The formula is enriched with Aloe Vera alongside active, natural extracts that are 100% vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free & cruelty-free. It offers mild exfoliation that decongests skin to minimise the appearance and discomfort of ingrown hairs, leaving you with the smoothest skin.
Smooth Appeal After Wax Gel, £7.20, Amazon. A professional gel moisturiser to nourish, calm and soothe skin after hair removal on your face, bikini line, underarms and more. Achieve professional results with Smooth Appeal After Wax Gel, a salon-strength moisturiser for after hair removal. Packed full of aloe vera to soothe and calm skin after hair removal.