Taking the Shine Off

I know that Fiance wants to look his best in our wedding pics (doesn't everybody?) but it would never occur to him to do any beauty prep before the wedding and even the mention of any type of makeup the day off would have him running for the door. The problem is Fiance can get pretty oily skin and he has a large forehead so in a lot of pictures of himself he often has some major shine going on.
So unbeknownst to him I picked up some of the below Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens for him.

These woven linen sheets are 100% natural and all you have to do is rub them on your face and they absorb any excess oil. They come 100 per pack and they come in great scents like Rose , Orange, Lilac, and Peppermint. I got fiance the "fresh" scent since it came in a more masculine looking box and doesn't imply anything girly like Lilac does. What I like about these is that they don't have any powder (Fiance would consider powder as "make-up" and would never use it).

I wasn't sure how they'd work, but the other day Fiance was complaining about how oily his skin was before we left for an event so I said "well why don't you try those oil sheets I got you?" So he did and I was really amazed how well it worked! So was he! He had to use two sheets but it really did cut down on the shine. He went from major oil to natural good glow.

These (or any other brand) would make a great little gift for your groom or yourself (supposedly they don't disturb make-up). I have pretty dry skin normally but I might steal one or two before the photos just to make sure.

Becoming Hairless Part II

Next on my list was getting rid of unwanted eyebrow and facial hair. The place I go for this is called Threads (no website) . I've been getting my eyebrows threaded for almost a decade thanks to some of my South Asian friends from college. If you don't know what threading is you can read up on it here.

People debate whether or not threading is less painful then waxing (for me it is) but who cares? It's a LOT more accurate and precise then waxing and unlike waxing it doesn't rip off the top layer of skin. I have extremely sensitive skin and having red wax burns from facial waxing is not my idea of fun. Since threading doesn't rip off the top layer of skin like waxing it is safe even if you are using anti-acne medicines like Retin-A.

This "new" trend is becoming very popular in the U.S. even though people in South Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe have been doing it thousands of years. You can go to a fancy salon to get it done but I prefer Threads. It's just two South Asian women in a little room and the only thing they do there is threading. Don't go expecting to get pampered...just walk in, take a seat if there is a line or go to the first open woman if there isn't. Tell em what hair on your face you want removed and they'll do it quickly. If it's your first time let them know and they will walk you through it. It's a pretty popular place but you don't need an appointment. Every time I go it's like a mini-U.N. of people....African American, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and white girls all lined up.

Threads is located at 1424 L St NW (between N 15th St & N Vermont Ave)Washington, DC 20005, (202) 737-7710. It's near the McPherson Sq. metro stop. It's between a Booeymonger and a pub. Look for the door with the Fortune Teller and push number 4 on the buzzer to be buzzed up to Threads. It's on the second floor. They have a location near U St. as well but I haven't been there.

The only down side...if you live some place like Chicago, NY, or Atlanta you can get your eyebrows threaded for about $5 because there is so much competition. There isn't a lot of competition in D.C. so the cost is $15. If you are looking for a more pampering experience I also recommend Nusta Spa...but eyebrow threading will set you back $25.

Becoming Hairless - Part I

Before I went to Atlanta this last weekend for my friend's wedding I had a lot of grooming to take care of. First on the list was getting rid of my winter coat on my legs and bikini area. I've been getting leg waxes and Brazilian bikini waxes for years now and I've done it everywhere from the Four Seasons to the backroom of a South American hair salon. I've also had waxing so well done I hardly felt a thing to waxing so poorly done that I've bled, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert in the area.

I had heard good things about Ibiza Day Spa near the Foggy Bottom metro stop so I decided to check it out. The reason I had heard good things was because of the great prices. Brazilian Bikini waxes are only $45...this is at least $20 less then you will find any place else in the area. Full leg is only $60. Plus first time customers get 10% off with this print-0ut.

Overall I give the experience a thumbs up. I was in and out in about 30 mins which was excellent and could be done during your lunch hour. The pain factor was about average...I've had better and I've had much much worse. If you are looking for a relaxing/soothing spa experience with nature music and dim lighting you should probably pay more to go to a fancier spa but if you're looking to just get down to business and be on your way then this is an excellent choice.

Anita is their hair removal expert...she's very nice and easy to talk to and has led a very interesting life. At these prices I'll definitely be returning...now I'm just worried that so many people catch on to this great place that they will raise their prices! Also don't forget to check out their packages - a half hour facial, half hour massage, manicure and pedicure for $135?? Yes Please!