Making your own home recipe for liquid wax
Look no further than your refrigerator to concoct a homemade version of liquid wax: In a large pan, stir 1 kilogram of sugar into 100 ml of water. Heat over high flame while stirring well for about five minutes or until all the sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low and add five tablespoons of honey and the juice of five lemons.
The mixture can be kept in the fridge for up to three weeks, and only needs to be warmed for five minutes on low heat or until it is melted when you wish to use it.
Prewaxing:
* Alcohol should be wiped over the area that is to be waxed to clear the skin of dirt and dead cells. "This will also aid in avoiding skin irritation, such as redness, and prevent bruising in people who have sensitive skin." * Next rub a natural, unscented talcum powder into the skin. The talcum powder facilitates an easy removal of both the cotton strip and the hair. "It also shows up the hair on the skin and I can judge the amount I have to remove."
Hair removal:
* All liquid wax is imported, and Kartini said it was important to use a good brand for optimal results. Carlton from England is used at Le Spa. * Wax should be heated for five minutes on low heat and kept warm before you apply it. Be sure to heat only until the wax is warm in order to avoid any burns. * When applying the wax, Kartini advised that it should be spread with the spatula going in the direction of hair growth, with the amount you use depending on the thickness of your hair. As a guideline, a half millimeter thickness is required for fine hair, while 1 mm is needed for thick hair. * Do not cover the whole area with liquid hot wax. Apply only enough for one strip at a time, or about 6 centimeters (cm) to 20 cm. * Put a cotton strip over the wax and press down firmly. Either count to three, or when you feel brave enough pull the strip off in one complete action toward your body, which is opposite the direction of your hair growth. "It's not necessary to wait," Kartini said. * Gently press your hand over your skin to reduce any sudden discomfort. * After the entire area is waxed, smooth on an unscented, natural moisturizer or baby oil. If these are not available, plain running water is a good substitute. -- Maria Kegel