(This post was very hard for me to write… it required that I reach way back in my past to a very painful time. These are the sort of memories that aren’t fun to dredge up. But they’re real. And they’re part of who I am. I ask for your kindness as you read it… I humbly admit the raw, scarred adolescent still lives inside me.)
I was 12. And a strange combination of skinny and early-developing. My hair was a permed wedge (all the rage at the time!) and I was mere weeks away from (finally!) getting contacts. I had braces. I was taller than all but one boy in my class. Adults frequently called me pretty but it would be years before my peers or I would see it at all.
Still, even with all the angst and tumult that goes along with the junior high years, I was okay. I had a nice group of friends and was content with the fact that I was always going to be one of those brainy girls.
Until Jay waltzed into French class that one day and said, “Hey Gigi (my French name– did you have those in your language classes??)– what’s up with the moustache?”
I am fair. Fair skin. Light brown hair. Blue eyes. I don’t fit the profile of the girl who’d have any issues with facial hair. And, I swear to you, I never thought I did have issues until that day. But Jay’s words were a life-altering game changer for me. I went from a typically awkward seventh grader to a mortified, devastated shell.
I was crushed. Humiliated. And convinced I was horribly and irreparably flawed. So embarrassed was I that weeks would go by before I would even confess what had happened to my mother.
I dealt with it. Really, it wasn’t too difficult, and I don’t want to paint the picture that I had some glossy black moustache curling across my upper lip. I did not. But I did have some hairs there that the charming Jay had noticed. I doubt he knew what a profound, crippling effect that one sentence would have on me for years.*
In reality, I don’t know if the hormone shift of having babies or the effects of a few years of waxing changed the pattern of growth, but I have less to deal with now than I did back in high school. But it’s still something I monitor and deal with. For the most part, I tweeze. It works. It’s low-tech. It’s cheap and portable. It’s also a tad painful. And occasionally time-consuming.
(I seriously love you all. I really do. There is simply no other explanation for my willingness to go WEEKS without touching a pair of tweezers and then DOCUMENTING it for you.)
Because of this, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to try out New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo. While, in truth, I probably would have been even MORE thrilled back when my self-confidence was ripped out from underneath me at the tender age of twelve, I was still happy to give it a try!
And here’s what I’ll tell you about it:
- This product does not have the strong, characteristic stench of most depilatories. Let’s face it; I was using it right under my nose. It wasn’t scent-free, but it wasn’t in any way overpowering. This made it less noticeable on my face, though the two-year-old definitely noticed it and, giggling, remarked, “Daddy cream?” Ah, well.
- On the topic of not noticing it much, I can honestly say the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo did not sting or hurt my face. I was given the formula for fine-medium hair (the correct one for my hair type) and, after applying the special protective Skin Guarding Balm, included, I spread on a generous layer of the cream. I couldn’t really feel it when it was on.
- There was no significant redness after using the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo. I am very fair, as I mentioned earlier, and my upper lip was slightly pink right after removing the cream. It had faded to normal within ten minutes, however, and was never uncomfortable.
- Finally, the process was simple. It took me less than a minute to apply the Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo and it was removed and done within ten minutes. During that time? I mixed up a batch of cookies. This is something I couldn’t accomplish while tweezing.
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!
My kids inspire me to be the best mom I can be. I show that by spending as much time as possible with them and enjoying every moment.
tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/154230751137771521
I just want to let you know I feel you. When I wrote this post (http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/2011/03/haunted-places-of-mind.html) it came with so many tears, sick stomachs, and deleting. And I know the person who was my bully has no idea what she did to me.
My husband helps make me feel like I have some inner and outer beauty. Remembering that the only meter that matters is God’s helps me too.
I think my faith and religion help me find my inner beauty…knowing that no matter what there is a Father in Heaven who loves me. My children make me want to show that inner beauty to set an example for them.
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/judywhatilive4/status/154257490144538624
Feeling confident and well rested help with my inner beauty.
I have the same “issue” and it was”discovered” by a young man when I was 15. He did about the same thing. Only it felt so loud. Loud enough for the whole study hall to hear. I was absolutely mortified and he continued to sit next to me daily. Something I will never forget. With or without winning the gift card, I am going to look into this product when I am out shopping this week, thanks!!
I gotta admit I have a bit of a moustache, too. I try to tweeze, but it hurts and leaves bumps. I might try out the Olay product.
As for inner beauty, I find that a genuine smile lights up my face AND shows kindness and friendliness!
My family inspires my inner beauty and I try to show that beauty by being a nice person.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/kellydsaver/status/154305964248543232
I just wanted to let you know, I totally understand! Kids are so cruel at that age!
My faith inspires my inner beauty and I try my best to let in shine through.
My daughter inspires my beauty because she sees beauty in everything. I express it by smiling to everyone (with big red lips)
my daughter inspires me everyday and I show that beauty by trying to be natural with makeup and using all vegan organic products
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/154364203560476672
by doing service to others. even if its something small like a nice note or a hello! If I feel good on the inside it shows on the outside.
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/154372648363765760
I try to do nice things for others.
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
nature inspires me and i use natural brauty products to express that!
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/154403845366222849
ok First I wish your 12 year old self could see the 22 year old Jay. Second..I see nothing in the weeks of no tweezing photo. Is there hair there?
First– thank you. I would love to somehow shield junior high aged kids from that kind of cruelty… to somehow assure them it WILL be better. Second, yes, there is hair. It’s light and fine, so not super noticeable, but (of course) I notice it.
Seeing natural beauty, beauty that only God could have created, makes me stop & realize how beautiful I am simply because I am His daughter!
My family inspires my inner beauty and I show it by smiling and being kind to others
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/154681054387634176
I feel that inner beauty comes from being at peace with yourself and the world. Being able to take things as they come and not worry so much helps me keep that inner peace.
https://twitter.com/#!/rosorior/status/154738195681132545
Inner beauty comes from being happy with yourself, and embracing others.
nature inspires my inner beauty and i show it by smiling!
thepryfamily@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/annatiffany2/status/154772593512165377
thepryfamily@gmail.com
I use moisturizer and a smile!
thanks for a chance to win!
And, have a GREAT day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I take care of my skin and try to eat healthy.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/hewella1/status/154976601870843904
i accent my smile with lipgloss
My two sons inspire my inner beauty because my 3 year old tells me I’m beautiful even when I’m in sweats and a stained t-shirt. I want to show that beauty by offering them smiles even when I don’t feel like it.
Simplicity inspires my inner beauty and my daily live really reflects that. With a busy schedule and 2 young kids, simplicity works for me the best.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/155158125756940289
This is such a wonderful product, I gotta try it out soon.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
having clear skin inspires my inner beauty and using the best facial cleansers help me express inner beauty! Thanks for a super giveaway! Thanks for a super giveaway!
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/155256795743522819
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Volunteering inspires my inner beauty and I show beauty by trying to be less rude and more motivated
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/155844270769704960
My inner beauty is inspired by being peaceful, I always feel happy and not worrying even difficulties come to me and I smile all the time that shows it to others.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ctong2/status/156253758509166592
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]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 helps me express my inner beauty.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/156267395890155520
I show my inner beauty with a smile. My boyfriend inspires me!
Vanity inspires me to try everything to keep myself looking healthy and youthful.
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.
My hubby inspires me. I want to look good and healthy!
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/158755502162059265
My baby inspires my inner beauty so I try to keep my skin looking good so I’ll look as happy as I feel.
I like a healthy natural look, so I try to eat healthy and put on a lot of lotion to make my skin look soft
Thanks for the review and giveaway!
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/159886501604372480
songyueyu at gmail