How many of you started reading this post thinking its going to be a rave on some miracle product? Well let me stop you in your tracks and hold up the flashing Caution sign now!!! Let me explain. These strips come in a pack of 12 sets of two strips for a total of 24 strips. Made of a soft woven paper, the strips are coated with an approximate two in long by 1/2 inch tall rectangle of the Nad's natural wax formula, and two strips are fused together with the wax in between. In theory I thought these would be the simplest and most fabulous product to use for removal of hair on my upper lip, and in that respect I must credit Nad's because the use really was fool-proof. I followed my directions down to the very last dot to be sure and have the most flawless application I could possibly achieve. The pamphlet advised for the skin to be clean, dry, and free of oils or moisturizers so I made sure to wash my face and allow it to completely dry before application. The first time I did this I used one of the TWO desensitizing Kava wipes included in the pack which is supposed to help ease irritation resulting from waxing. I suppose it may have worked somewhat, but for the most part I thought the wipes seemed useless (not to mention that the pack is intended for at least 12 applications, yet they only include two wipes?). I am assuming they only want customers to be desensitized for the first two uses and the remaining ten are all up to chance. Anyways, I digress, back to the use...
To use the strips you simply rub a set between your palms really quickly for a few seconds to warm the wax using the friction from your hands, then slowly peel the two strips apart and apply to the area you wish to wax. Firmly press down in the direction of hair growth 3-4 times and then, with one hand pulling the skin taught, quickly remove the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth. Sounds easy enough, and like I said it was. Now for the bad news... I am no stranger to waxing and don't particularly find the process all that painful anymore; however, this was a pain I hoped never to endure again. I felt like someone had taken a torch to my face and then poured acid in my wounds. At first glance the skin seemed to be fine, just a little red which is normal after waxing, but it was a few hours, then days later that the real problems came to light. The strips ripped off little patches of the top layer of my skin leaving it dry, itching, irritated, and flaking. Following this scabbing occurred in small areas as well leaving my skin broken out, sensitive, and clearly not flawless. My skin seemed to be smoother BEFORE I waxed. I thought maybe I had just done it wrong and I would allow my skin to heal and try again another time. After using half the box with the same result every time, (even when using right after a shower when my pores would be more open and waxing should be easier) I decided to give up and move on and chalk this one up to a poor product.
I really was disappointed in this product because the concept is brilliant. Allowing us to wax at home without the mess is a fantastic marketing strategy, but unless you want to end up with your face peeling and scabbed over I would stay far far away from the Nad's Facial Wax Strips.
