It’s swimsuit season, which means it may be time to pay a bit more attention to what’s going on “down under.” Though it’s typically the subject of hush-hush conversations with only your closest friends (or a bunch of strangers on internet message boards), there’s no denying the importance of properly grooming your lady garden. Here are the best of the best grooming products, from at-home waxes to trimmers to washes, that will keep you confident throughout the season.
For a Brazillian-Like Wax at Home…Without the Wax…or the Pain:
I consider Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle ($13.99) an essential. It has quickly grown to become one of my favorite products of all time—and if you sneak a peek at my beauty stash, you’ll know that’s really saying something. One side features a typical four-blade razor, which I like but am not especially partial to. The real superstar is the battery-operated bikini trimmer on the other end. Using this is, in my experience, the easiest way to achieve a near Brazilian wax in the comfort of your own home—minus the ouch factor. It’s perfect whether you’re working with full growth or simply maintaining the area.
If You Really DO Want to Wax at Home:
You don’t need to look far to find the sad story of the woman who attempted to perform her own Brazilian wax at home. It’s so easy for a DIY job to go awry—just ask anyone who’s frantically tried to remove wax from the most unfortunate, hard-to-reach spots. Yep, that’s definitely a job best left to the pros. That said, a bikini wax can be a success story if you use the right product. I love Completely Bare Hypo-Allergenic Wax Strips for Face, Bikini, and Body ($12.99). This stuff works like a charm, even on sensitive skin. They’re much gentler on sensitive skin than other brands, and leave behind unbelievably smooth skin with rare, if any, strays. It’s helpful to have at least 10 days’ worth of growth. Also included: gentle wax-removing towelettes, which soothe skin on contact.
Best Ingrown Hair Eliminator:
Unfortunately, bumps and ingrown hairs are not uncommon. Nip them in the bud with a product like Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads ($38), which contain glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate and smooth skin. The beauty of these pads is in their versatility; I love using them in between hair-removal treatments to keep my skin smooth and primed for the next treatment. Your man can use them on beard stubble and bumps, too!
To Soothe and Protect, Post Shave or Wax:
It’s normal to experience irritation, itchiness, redness, or all of the above after you shave or wax. That’s why it’s so important to nourish the skin with a healing, anti-inflammatory product. In a pinch, I’ve found that coconut oil is one of the best, most cost-effective methods of soothing the skin. It works like a charm, and its antibacterial properties make it especially appealing for keeping the skin healthy and soft. Another wonderful option is Stark Soothing Oil ($32), which includes antiseptic lavender and gentle apricot seed oil. Your skin will thank you for the extra TLC!
More Grooming Tips:
