In 2021, an estimated 980 thousand women in the UK used hair removal products once a day or more (statista) - that is a lot of razor heads and wax strips! Are you aware of the most common mistakes we make when shaving or waxing? An expert told us...

Courtesy of Sparkle PR

Our trusted waxing expert and founder of Sugar Coated, Rosie Khandwala, reveals the 10 biggest mistakes women are making when it comes to DIY hair removal.

Shaving Mistakes

Ph. KoolShooters, Pexels

1. Not Storing Your Razors Properly
"Storing razors in the shower leads to corroding and weaker blades. You should clean and dry razors after each use and store them outside of the bathroom to avoid moisture and extend their shelf-life."

2. Not Prepping Your Skin With A Hot Towel
"Prepping your skin with a hot towel before you shave will soften the hairs allowing for a closer shave. Never prep your skin with cold water since this can make it more difficult for the shaving cream to fully penetrate the skin and be effective."

3. Neglecting To Exfoliate
"Exfoliating your skin before you wax, or shave will enable you to achieve smoother results. Exfoliating on a regular basis can also help to prevent ingrown hairs."

4. Not Shaving In The Direction Of Hair Growth
"You should always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and increase the chances of razor bumps."

5. Shaving In The Morning
"When you sleep your legs can swell which makes shaving in the morning less than optimal. Shaving at night will allow you to get a closer shave."

Waxing Mistakes

Ph. flaviasaad, Pixabay

Rosie says "Waxing is having a real viral moment right now due to the aftermath of the lockdowns."  You would be surprised but #Waxing has 9.6 Billion views on TikTok!

1. Waxing Right Before Or After Your Period
"If you’re extra sensitive to discomfort, avoid waxing right before, during or after your period. Hormonal fluctuations during these times can make waxing more painful. Instead, opt for a wax mid-cycle."

2. Exfoliating Right After You Wax
"You need to let the treated areas rest for at least 2 full days before it’s safe to exfoliate. Exfoliating prior to that can be very painful and result in redness and irritation."

Laser Hair Removal Mistakes

 Source: Sugar Coated

1. Expecting Permanent Results
"Despite often being marketed as providing permanent results, laser hair removal simply offers significant hair reduction and won’t get rid of hair forever. Occasional touch-ups will be needed in order to keep you smooth."

2. Not Shaving Before Treatment
"Shaving before treatment ensures that the hair follicle will be destroyed. Any residual hairs will prevent the laser’s heat from fully penetrating the hair shaft. It can also cause the treatment to be more painful."

3. Neglecting After Care
"Your skin will be extra sensitive and more susceptible to skin damage afterwards. Wear sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation. Avoid hot showers and steam rooms for at least two full days to let your skin heal."

Rosie says "choosing the correct hair removal method is so personal to the consumer, a lot of thought goes into it such as time, money, results. When creating Sugar Coated I set to make something that gave salon-worthy results, without breaking the bank, or taking too long to master."

"Sugar Coated sugar wax is 100% natural and the only UK manufactured wax that is vegan and cruelty-free. This means our formula of just pure sugar syrup and water is gentler on the skin, and more effective for hair removal as it sticks directly onto hair and pulls them straight out from the root - giving you smooth results each time."

You can find Sugar Coated Sugar Wax Full Body Kit available at Feel Unique (£12.99 for 250g). 

Are you making any of these mistakes? You are still in time to shave or wax correctly and get rid of unwanted body hair the right way and for longer.

The colder weather only means one thing for the skin; extra work… 

Ph. Sora Shimazaki, Pexels

Many people find they struggle with their skin more in the winter due to the cold weather drawing out moisture. This often results in a dash to the shops and nearly always, a hefty bill. 

Fashions Finest has put together a collection of tried and tested affordable skincare saviours bound to take precedence in your collection this winter. From tackling hair removal to treating yourself to a nourishing overnight mask, these skincare essentials will help you through the frosty months of winter.

Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentre (£13)

This winter, treat your skin to the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre. A cult-favourite, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre is enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins. This 5-in-1 lotion helps to not only restore harmony where there is imbalance but also nourish areas of dryness and protects your complexion from environmental aggressors. The lotion is light in texture and absorbs quickly leaving no residue and making it perfect for all skin types. Doubling as a multi-functional product that can also be used as a hydrating face mask, skin is left feeling plumped, soothed and hydrated. 

COSRX, Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask (£23)

Why not try the COSRX Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask formulated with propolis extract known for its healing properties. This luxurious and effective skincare treatment works as you sleep to nourish and hydrate which is perfect for anyone whose skin is more irritated during the winter months. Enriched with a potent blend of propolis extract and natural beeswax, the formula restores vital moisture to the complexion for a softening and brightening effect, as well as soothing any redness or irritation. It can also be used as a wash-off mask or simply as a cream to impart visible radiance and health to the skin. 

SOS Serum (from £5)

The answer to sensitive skin just became our answer to winter skin. SOS Serum is the perfect product for those whose skin is dry or irritated, as it works to heal and soothe skin that has been irritated by environmental aggressors. This face and body treatment is highly moisturising to dry skin and great for soothing sensitive skin. Doubling nicely as a miracle product, this serum is quick and effective for managing allergic flare-ups as well as treating and soothing cuts, bites, plant & insect stings and minor burns.

Freshly Cosmetics, Red Velvet Oil Serum (£35)

This powerful and innovative oil-serum uses 15 plant-derived oils to treat wrinkles, expression lines, scars, blemishes, redness, inflammation, irritation, and eczema. Its 100% natural, the oil-based formula makes it the perfect skincare swap this winter, as it treats blemishes and scars, without irritating or drying the skin.

Sugar Coated, Full Body Hair Removal Kit (£12.99)

Hair removal is not just for summer! The cruelty-free, vegan wax from Sugar Coated removes your hair easily and effectively. With results lasting longer the more often you wax, it is essential to keep up waxing in the winter months. The sugar wax is completely water-soluble as well as easy to use and mess-free. The kit comes complete with wax strips that can be washed and reused leaving you with a salon-quality sustainable treatment every time. Sugar Coated full body hair removal kit is instantly biodegradable and all packaging is fully recyclable. 

Tan-Luxe, Hydra Mousse Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse (£35)

For anyone who enjoys a bronzed glow all year round, Tan-Luxe hydrating fake-tan mousse will be your new favourite- especially in the colder months! The tan is scientifically formulated for super-fast absorption to deliver a believable, natural-looking tan while increasing skin’s moisture levels. Featuring skincare grade vitamins B5, C and E and raspberry seed oil, the light formula bestows an undetectable golden glow within 4-6 hours making you ready for any event throughout the winter. 

Can you believe November is already around the corner? The very start of this month is not like any other day, it is World Vegan Day. To celebrate the day and make the first step towards veganism, we have collected some of our vegan favourites beauty alternative

Ph. Polina Tankilevitch, Pexels

World Vegan Day falls every year on the 1st of November all around the globe and celebrates the benefits of veganism for both people and the environment. Even if you are not planning to switch to full veganism, making some changes in your everyday routine will make a big difference for the planet.

Your New Vegan Routine From Head To Toes

Here is a collection of tried & approved vegan products to embrace the meaning of World Vegan Day and inaugurate your conscious beauty journey.

Only Curls Curl Cleansing Shampoo Bar (£12)

We all agree on the fact that solid products cut wastage, hence are good for the planet. Only Curls shampoo bar is specifically for curly hair, and its balance of natural oils, emollients and gentle sulfate-free surfactant makes it moisturising and effectively cleansing at the same time. Available online.

SOS Cleanse (from £5)

SOS Serum is a guarantee particularly for sensitive skin, this is why you might have seen it many times on Fashions Finest.

SOS Cleanse is a gentle soothing face cleanser that clears the pores, dissolves makeup and gets rid of pollutants. It has a soft gel-like texture that is kind to the skin because free from alcohol and acidic ingredients.

Sugar Coated Full Body Hair Removal Kit (£14,99)

Hair removal can be sweeter with Sugar Coated, an ethical approach to total body and face waxing all year-round.

Sugar Coated Full Body Hair Removal Kit is 100% vegan and natural; it is simply made of water and sugar. Sugar! It explains the name. Waxing can be a sticky mess but Sugar Coated formula is water-soluble and biodegradable ensuring that it is easier to wash off from home surfaces. The kit comes completed with washable and reusable strips so that your waxing experience at home is fully sustainable.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (£13)

A brilliant multi-tasker, a 5-in-1 product that ave plenty of use in your skincare regime. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré turns into a moisturiser, a primer, a makeup remover and a face mask. Embryolisse's formula with fatty acids is made to restore skin balance. It nourishes dry areas and protects your skin from environmental stress for fresh, plumped and dewy skin every day. Available online.

SOS H2O Day Cream With SPF 30 (from 5£)

You can ensure you are protecting your delicate skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while caring about the environment with SOS H2O Day Cream with SPF 30. A lightweight and non-greasy cream with a sophisticated formula enriched with grape stem cells, white truffle and low-density hyaluronic acid. It protects your skin from sun rays, fights premature ageing and intensively hydrates the skin. As we love multi-purpose products, we cannot skip this face cream. It can be used overnight when you run out of your night treatments.

IKON Eau de Parfum (£60, The Fragrance Shop)

Aftershaves and perfumes are personal signatures but for a piece of luxury is not worth leaving a permanent mark on the planet. IKON, available at The Fragrance Shop, is built upon the idea of a scented holistic experience with sustainable packaging and ingredients. Simplicity and purity transpire from the numbered nomenclature and minimal glass bottle.
Take IKON 906, an intriguing and intoxicating Eau de parfum with warming nutmeg and pepper on the top of a heart of sensual ylang-ylang, vanilla and surprising tobacco.

Get ready to start your vegan journey on 1st November or earlier. Shop Fashions Finest's favourite and find more alternatives in our vegan beauty section.

The autumn and winter months are bearing down on us quickly but that does not mean that we should abandon looking after ourselves and keeping our bodies in tip-top condition especially when it comes to our waxing.

The 'Martini', the 'Brazilian', the 'Classic'... No, these are not the names of some fancy Summer cocktails but three popular bikini waxing styles. Waxing the bikini area can be quite challenging at first, but everyone can master it at home with pro tips, practice and the right product like Sugar Coated Bikini Hair Removal Kit.