I debated writing this post for maybe 45 seconds, but I really have no shame on the subject.
Like most girls, [especially those of the Italian, dark-haired variety] I have the oh-so-lovely upper lip hair that totally skeeves me out.
Personally, I opt to remove it + I wanted to share with you the products I use to do so. 🙂
But first! A quick backstory.
I figured out that I basically had a mustache in the 7th grade when a boy that I liked pointed it out in front of a group of people. It was something I had never even noticed before, but his discovery + announcement was a borderline traumatizing experience. I immediately sought out products to make it go away.
Since then, I’ve completely gotten over it + came to realize that the majority of girls have the same stubborn problem.
Over the years, I’ve used bleaches, creams, wax strips – you name it, before finding the best product for me: hard wax.
STEP 1: Prep your face! If your skin is too dry, the wax could rip it right off – ouch. If it’s too oily, the wax won’t stick. So what I like to do is wipe any makeup off of the area using a towel or tissue. I then apply a really thin layer of lotion to my upper lip, let it sink in, then gently wipe it off. For me, this hydrates the area just enough!
STEP 2: Place the jar of wax on a paper plate or paper towel + then microwave for about 1 minute. Increase time by 30 second intervals until wax begins to bubble. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that it does not overflow. I promise you, it will make a complete mess in your microwave. I’ve made this mess many times…including the day I took these pictures lol.
STEP 3: Once wax is melted + skin is prepped, stir with the wooden stick. If you do not have a stick with a heat indicator, test a small bit of wax on another sensitive area like the inside of your wrist or between your thumb + index finger. It should be hot, but not scorching! Once it’s ready, gently spread it over your upper lip.
STEP 4: Once wax pieces have cooled, rip them off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. For weirdos like me who *need* to see a wax/pore strip after it’s been pulled, here you are.
I usually repeat the process 2-3 times to get all of the hair off, but do not over-do it! You could eventually begin ripping off thin layers of your skin which would result in scabbing. And THAT is 10x worse than a barely-there mustache! Once finished, apply the soothing aloe lotion.
STEP 5: I usually trim + pluck my eyebrows at the same time I wax my lip, so once everything is done, my face is pretty irritated. To calm it down, I’ll throw on a quick mask!
Wash it off, moisturize, + enjoy your new hair-free face! 🙂
As women, we obviously don’t celebrate “Movember” in the same manner that men do. However, the cause behind it is worthy of our attention. Be sure to take a moment to read up on the Movember movement + support mens health by making a small donation if you can! Of course we have organizations we all passionately support, myself included, but I like to give a little here + there to other causes whenever I can!
Do you guys remove your own facial hair? What products do you use?
Do you have a husband, boyfriend, or friend who’s celebrating Movember?
XOXO
I have the same dark haired Italian upper hair lip problem girl! It sucks 🙈
Ughhh. The struggle!! It does suck, thank goodness it’s an easy fix 🙂
It is a struggle! Xo
The pictures are hilarious! 🙂 my husband is definitely celebrating and he should be looking like a caveman in no time! Lol.
Xo!!
Haha, thank you, beautiful! 🙂 Figured I might as well share the good the bad + the ugly. These scruffy men are too funny. I love the guys who try to participate, but can’t grow decent facial hair lol.
Your pictures always put a smile on my face!! You are so funny girl!! My brothers both celebrate Movember and it cracks me up! They always look like little boys once they shave it off! Great guide love and I have the same problem haha. I usually use a little electric razor,. but sometimes I wax too!
Your comments ALWAYS make my day. 🙂 So funny about your bros! My Dad has had a mustache my whole life, but you never see guys young with them nowadays – they all look so bizarre when then grow them out. My brother + cousins usually participate, I get such a kick out of it every year. 🙂
Haha I love it!! Guys are so silly lol!!
I love all the photos! Thank you for making what some would think embarrassing into a totally normal thing and providing great products to take care of it! I have never been brave enough to do this on my own, but seems simple enough!
Aw, thanks, girlie! It is slightlyyyy embarrassing, but it’s something that the majority of girls deal with. It’s so quick + easy to take care of, you could definitely manage to DIY. 🙂
haha hilarious. and that woman is identical to the OC mom!!
Jamie
http://www.jamieeverafter.com
Isn’t she!?!?! LOL
And this is why your blog is such a success. You get it all out there. 😉 Love the pics. 🙂
Haha aw, thanks, Angie! Hey, ya gotta throw it all out there sometimes. No shame. 😉
These pictures made me chuckle hehe! I like to thread my upper lip!! Really gets every hair!
Ahhh, you’re so brave! I did that ONE time! I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but it was a little too uncomfortable for me. The brows weren’t bad, but the lip killled! It really is the best method though. Does it get easier the more you do it?
It definitely does hurt the first time but trust me it becomes painless after 3 or 4 times 🙂 also the hairs get noticeably thinner 😊
Awesome tips! I don’t have a CVS where I live, I’ll have to start the search for this product. I’ve only tried a home waxing on my legs once and it KILLED!! Check out my blog https://makeupwithak.wordpress.com XOX
Aww! This really does not hurt at all! CVS just duped a Sally Hansen wax kit – I get this one because it’s the exact same, just cheaper! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, I’ll definitely check out your blog! XO
Had no idea CVS had its own wax! I have chin hairs that pop out like weeds omg the struggle IS real haha! 🙂 Awesome post.
There’s so much maintenance in being a woman! LOL Yes, the wax is a dupe of the Sally Hansen kit – same product, just cheaper! 🙂
LOL that’s great to know thank you 🙂 is it in the beauty aisle? I’ve never seen it (but heck I didn’t think to look for it either)!!! 🙂 awesome
I want to say it’s in the razor/shaving cream aisle! It’s near the Nair + all of that kind of stuff 🙂
Thank you! I will browse next time I’m in there 🙂
Loving this post!! No one likes the pesky upper lip hairs!! The struggle is real and this post made me laugh and not so embarrassed!!
Hahaha, I’m glad that you enjoyed it! Literally nothing to be embarrassed about 🙂
Thank you for sharing! I definitely know the struggle 😛 And the title you chose cracked me up haha!
xo Laura
http://xoxolaurabelle.wordpress.com
Lol…loved this! I don’t grow an awful lot of hair despite Italian roots…what I do have on my top lip I shave… I can practically feel people recoiling in horror at that! Hahahaha! I only have to do it once a month though. I’ve tried plucking but it makes me cry… 🙁
Aww! Hey, whatever works for you!! A lot of people go that route! Once a month isn’t bad at ALL! 🙂