Olay Smooth Finish Saves Me From A Life Of Shame (And A Giveaway!)
I share a lot of personal stuff online. My kidney stones. The state of my uterus. Birth stories. One time, I wrote a post here on my blog about how I am really sweaty. That was pretty embarrassing. I thought at the time it was probably the most embarrassing thing I was ever going to write about online.
I was wrong.
Today, I am going to tell you my deepest, darkest, personal secret, one I don’t even think my husband knows because I am so ashamed.
I shave my moustache. Yep. Shave. With a razor. I could have participated in Movember and probably done better than a good percentage of dudes.
I started shaving it in college after I went to the salon for an eyebrow wax. The waxer said, “Obviously you’ll want your lip done too.”
I was like, “Um, NO, that WASN’T obvious to me until just now, so thanks for that. I’ll be over here in the corner weeping and wondering how many of my friends are silently hoping I’m going to do something about my HORRIBLE LIP HAIR.”
I let her wax it, a mistake I never made again because my pain tolerance is not that high. I tried a hair removal cream, but it burned and smelled terrible, and I was too poor to afford it regularly. So in desperation, I used my cheap disposable razor. POOR CHOICE. The hair is blond, but it grows fast and thick so now I have to do it every couple of days or I get stubble. STUBBLE. On my face.
So when BlogHer asked if I would review New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, I couldn’t say yes fast enough, even though I knew it meant writing about my moustache on the internet. I was that desperate to find a better solution.
The New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo box comes with two things: a Skin Guarding Balm to protect your skin before you remove the hair and the Hair Removal Cream, which does the actual work.
The balm goes on like a lip gloss, complete with a lip-gloss-like applicator. It didn’t have any smell and was slightly waxy but not at all unpleasant. I was a little worried it might make my skin break out, but I haven’t had any problems in the days since I’ve used it.
When I smoothed the hair removal cream over the balm I didn’t feel a tingle or burn. I didn’t even notice a smell until the 8 minutes were up, and I wiped it off right under my nose. Then it smelled like typical hair removal cream. The hair was definitely gone, and I didn’t have any redness or soreness or lingering effects, unless you count feeling prettier and less self-conscious as a lingering effect.
Overall, it only took a few minutes longer than my old method, and the results have lasted much longer. I like that I can do it in the morning and not worry about redness even if I have somewhere to be or errands to run. And I REALLY like that I don’t feel like some kind of crazy weirdo who’s going to end up on a talk show called “My Shameful Secret Habit” with the lady who eats table sugar with a spoon and the guy who bites his toenails.
For more information on the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover Duo, check out their website!
And for a chance to win a $50 gift card from BlogHer and Olay, leave a comment on this post!
I’d love to know how you express your inner beauty or what inspires it!
Rules:
The sweepstakes runs from 1/3/2012 – 2/3/2012.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about the promotional products and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
While we’re on the subject of looking good, you might want to check out the “Looking Your Best” posts in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com. There are some great tips and expert posts!
Tags: beauty, blogher reviews, embarrassing, giveaways, hair, olay, overshare, secrets
I’m inspired to be the best mom I can be. My kids inspire me.
Does it work on the random chin hairs that pop up after having a baby? Because OMG it is horrible. I may occasionally hide in the bathroom with tweezers. Umm… Never mind…..
tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/154226591730368512
I find that my inner beauty shines best when my outer beauty doesn’t suck. Thank GOD for all of the lovely, inspirational bloggers who share their tips and tricks!
At least yours is blonde (lucky!). Now you’re not the only one embarrassed on the internet!
My kid inspires my inner beauty…i try to be a better person so she has a good example.
And thanks for sharing…it’s only a matter of time before i need to do something about my lip hair…darn you pregnancy and your hormonal changes!
um, I have eaten table sugar with a spoon…
I looked around on their site and didn’t see the answer to this question and thought since you actually used the actual product it might say it on the box/label/instructions:
Is this just for lips, or for chins as well? Does this work on really coarse hair? I could basically grow a goatee if I stopped shaving, but most chemical depilatories, even those for facial hair, 1) don’t remove the hair 2) cause chemical burns. A first layer for skin protection sounds like a step in the right direction.
I don’t really wear makeup because I have OMGWTFSENSITIVE SKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN, but I do wear Chanel no. 5 for ~~foncy~~ occasions. It makes me feel like a movie star princess sophisticate and I forget allll about the fact that I’m about five minutes away from dropping food down my cleavage. Aw yiss. Inner beauty. That’s me.
It is a facial hair remover, so I don’t see why it COULDN’T work on your chin. It just refers to the “area” on the instructions. I used it on my upper lip and just above the dent in my chin (does that thing have a name? it’s not a cleft, just the regular dent) yesterday and it worked great. My hair is medium coarse blond and it took it all off. It really was painless and didn’t make my face red, but you might want to check the ingredients on the skin protection balm to make sure there isn’t anything in them that would irritate your skin.
Sally Hansen sells (sold?) upper-lip-only removers and general facial hair removers that were a bit stronger but still didn’t work on my hairs which are apparently made of adamantium or something IDEK. I’ll check this product out, thanks.
My family inspires my inner beauty because I always try to be a better person, & to enhance my inner beauty I like to wear light makeup and perfume.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/kellydsaver/status/154309811255775232
My girl brings out my inner beauty (well, not all the time… meltdowns. ;D).
I am inspired by the great outdoors. When I go on a great hike or spend a couple of hours cross country skiing, I feel more at peace with myself and more beautiful inside and out.
First of all I’m going to be as honest as you and say that I could have pretty much written the exact same blog post word for word! (And I thought I was the only one with this secret!) Same exact comment made while getting my eyebrows waxed and same shower shaving routine! Thank you so much for letting me know I’m not alone!!! I can’t wait to try this stuff!!!
As for my inspiration, I get that from the beautiful women who I train at Stroller Strides classes! At the risk of sounding cliche, seeing them work hard and over come obstacles really and truly inspires me every single day! It makes me feel like I can really make a difference in someone’s life, and that is an AMAZING feeling!
I turn my inner beauty into outer beauty every single day when I spackle on some under eye concealer. Who am I kidding? I consider brushing my hair an accomplishment…
my daughter inspires my inner beauty because she sees beauty in everything. i express it by smiling
I express my inner beauty by being creative and kind to others.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/hewella1/status/154365076269318144
my daughter inspires my inner beauty and makes me want to be a better person
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/154366675595165696
my kids inspire me! I love to try to do service to others as much as possiblea! even if its’ something simple.a
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/154368619202084868
I am most inspired to express my inner beauty when I’ve had time to take a shower. :)
Does this seriously work? I hate getting my lip waxed — it hurts! So I avoid it until I start looking like a man and would love to avoid having to tolerate the ripping off of my face. The things women do to look nice…sheesh.
It really worked, I promise!
nature inspires my inner beauty!
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/154407485451669504
I express my inner beauty by being trying to be kind to everyone I meet.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I posted this contest on my blog. Here is the link:
http://carolsbloggys.blogspot.com/p/who-wants-to-win-50-gift-card-blogher.html
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
******************* BLOG NAME CHANGE **********************
This link is no longer correct. You will find the blog here:
http://mscarolsue.blogspot.com/p/inner-beauty-sweepstakes.html
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Seeing how beautiful and innocent my daughter is inspires my inner beauty.
Oh, and I’m jealous that your moustache is blonde ;) I’m a hairy, hairy person and man, the upkeep is rough!
I love a dewy complexion and try to achieve it by using microdermabrasion and chemical peel.
I express my inner beauty by being nice and smiling.
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/154726700708675586
https://twitter.com/#!/rosorior/status/154743832444014592
I tried to be kind to others and smile at lot, keeping my inner beauty afloat.
to express my inner beauty, i usually like to tackle from inside outside with skin, hair and nails and use beauty products such as olays to tackle from the outside in. Thanks for a super giveaway!
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/154896495060070400
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I will definitely be checking that out! :) My inner beauty shines when I am doing things for others- caring for my husband, kiddos, and other friends and family definitely help bring it out!
I use moisturizer and a smile!
thanks for a chance to win!
And, have a GREAT day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Thank you for sharing so openly. I too have the same problem with hair.
I had my eyebrows done once and the lady said, “I do lip.” I said, “no that’s ok, I’ll take care of it.” She said, “I do lip!” So I let her “do lip!” She proudly said when she handed me the mirror afterward, “See no more man, now pretty lady!”
Oh could I use some of that cream!
OMG. I get the “I do lip” all the time when I get my eyebrows done – even if I have JUST removed the hair – so I think it’s just a scheme to shame me into spend the extra $8.
I express my inner beauty by being the best mom I can be. Now that I write that, it makes me sound like my life revolves around my daughter. It doesn’t and I am my own person, but I love being a mom and I love expressing myself with her.
my boyfriend inspires my inner beauty. he makes me never want to bring out the worst in me ever again.
eileendovr@gmail.com
I try to look my best.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/eileenjennifer/status/154729261566140416
i accent my smile with lipgloss
I am inspired to also do something about my lip hair that doesn’t involve something smelly, or hot that will ultimately be painful!
Great to know it works wonderfully. I’m gonna have to try this product!
Simplicity inspires my inner beauty. I try to keep my beauty routine to very basic steps and it works well. I don’t feel overwhelm and I’m able to keep them consistence.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/155142502595297281
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I’m expressing my inner beauty FOR A FRIEND by entering this contest and practicing self-care at home after my least favorite breakup ever.
I was really excited to read about your guinea pig experience with this product because I’ve had my eye on it for a while, but didn’t dare to pull the trigger. Hair removal creams and I have a rocky relationship. Thanks for easing my fears!
my daughters inspire me to stay beautiful through exercise and healthy eating
thepryfamily@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/annatiffany2/status/156252585634959361
thepryfamily@gmail.com
My beauty routine is quite simple. I avoid complicated process and am all for multi-purposed products. I like easy and simple. Less is more inspires my inner beauty.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/156271130217414656
To express my inner beauty, I keep my beauty routine to simple and basic steps by cleansing my skin well, no facial hair, apply moisturizer day and night, also be happy and friendly to others.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ctong2/status/156300094721896448
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I express my inner beauty with a smile!
I express mine through my wonderful job working with developmentally disabled people. It is so rewarding!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/tracylr233/status/157762028566609921
thanks!
I try to let my inner beauty shine by not covering myself with too much makeup, and also simplifying my accessories. When I look more natural, I feel more like my true self.
I express my inner beauty by nice to others.
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/158759307700211712
I express my inner beauty by smiling as much as I can!
I have a simple beauty routine tha inspires my inner beauty – soap, moisturizer, yes nair dipilatory, simple makeup. Less is better, allows me the time to be be
https://twitter.com/#!/VIVASOLAR/status/161635525864849409
tweet
I love helping people out at home and at work. That makes me smile.
marybug2@yahoo.com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/161857604715429889
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
I have a new love and it’s Neutrogena after shower oil. Best thing ever.
I’ve used Olay lotion for years…wouldn’t change that bit of routine!
I express my inner beauty with my smile, being nice to others and positivity.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/162572460712140800
My daughters inspire me to show my inner beauty. They show me theirs every day!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/162727490715004928
my family and boyfriend inspire my inner beauty
https://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/163310252056514560
I express my inner beauty by setting a good example for my grandchildren.
My inner beauty is expressed via my confidence & daily mood!
2nd entry tweet https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/164218537207013376
What inspires my inner beauty is helping others. By volunteering, it makes your inside beautiful.
https://twitter.com/#!/tannawings/status/164219608939769856
tweet
I express my inner beauty with my hair! My hair style can usually tell you what kind of day I’m having or how I’m feeling inside. A big fun up-do is a fierce day. A low simple bun is a demure day. And my hair down and wild is a crazy-out-of-my-way day!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/164424308901412864
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Fresh-faced celebs inspire me. I express my inner beauty by being as natural as possible! Just a little lip gloss and mascara!
My grandmother inspired my inner beauty. She always told me what matters the most is what is on the inside. I have held that since the day she told me that. She was an awesome woman.
katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/katbirdfl/status/164732645815750656
katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com
I try to make sure that my very, very simple beauty routine enhances my best features rather than covering up the things I don’t like. And knowing that the more open you are, the more wonderful experiences you will have inspires me to make sure my inner beauty is apparent.
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
I express my inner beauty through swimming 3 times a week which energizes me and keeps me fit.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/01/win-50-visa-from-blogher-olay.html
Sounds like a great give-away. Thanks for your honesty on this topic.
I want to look healthy so I put a lot of lotion on to make my skin look healthy. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/165009186760032256
songyueyu at gmail
What inspires my inner beauty is my hubby & little girl. They let me know that I don’t have to wear makeup to be pretty. They love me for who I am even if I wake up with drool on my face & eyebrows growing out of my eyeballs lol jk! They do tease me about my mustache though, which gets embarassing when we’re out somewhere! I like using Olay moisturizer, sunscreen, Fake Bake tan spray (instead of tanning bed), eat lots of fruits/veggies, & drink lots of water. Leaves my skin with a natural glow that I like to add a little mascara & lip gloss too! I love wearing a cute belt with my shirts, makes any shirt look great! This gives me the confidence that I’m very comfortable with, especially being a busy mommy/wife! That’s why I’m glad I have great supporters behind me, afterall their opinions are the only ones that matter to me! This is my inner beauty inspired by my world!
I think my smile is what expresses my beauty-especially when its returned by another thanks
My daughter inspires me to look my best.
My mother inspires my inner beauty, I try to be like her with a ready smile and a listening ear!
I express my inner beauty through writing! I love writing. :) thanks a ton.
I express my inner beauty by doing all sorts of things. Singing & writing are my favorites. & I try to be a listening ear to whomever needs to vent at the moment (which is usually my grandma, lol). :)
Good luck to everyone who entered!
I show my inner beauty by an honest smile.
https://twitter.com/#!/wizardhlee/status/165476886296805376
I enjoy taking care of myself and looking my best…helps me to feel better about life, but God’s beauty is the most important thing that I want others to see through me! :-)
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
https://twitter.com/#!/tigergal01/status/165485549958864896
tweet
~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
I express my inner beauty thru my poetry, photography, and how I treat others around me! Nature is my inspiration for everything!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/165496930791723008
I like to express my inner beauty by using lots of moisturizer.
https://twitter.com/#!/wizardewu/status/165527239016984576
Trying to be a better person inspires me, and I express it through being kind to others, as well as to myself and my body. A lesson that’s taken me a lifetime to learn.
my grandmother inspires it when I see pictures of her at 75 yo still as beautiful as she was at 45 and as ageless and all she used was the original olay products
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/165559577717379072
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com