Waxing Alternative: Sugaring
1 c sugar
1/3 cup honey
juice from 1/2 a lemon
craft stick or tongue depressor
Strips of Cotton cloth or washcloths
Measure all ingredients into a saucepan, over med/high heat until it reaches 240 F, stirring constantly.
The “Wax” will turn an amber color. (You must bring it to 240F or it will Not work, no matter how many times you “warm” it up.)
Pour it into a small wide-mouth jar, add 2 tsp glycerin, stirring well.
*Hints: When it is completely cooled you should be able to indent your finger into the mix and not have anything on your finger (like a sticky mess).
Step by Step Directions For Use:
Bring the sugar wax to about 115F (using a candy thermometer) either microwave it or boil some water and let the jar sit in the hot water for about 5 min.
** Be sure to test the temperature PRIOR to applying to your skin!**
1. Lightly dust your legs with cornstarch (very lightly): this is to remove any oils from the surface of your skin.
* Note: You can blow your legs of with a hair dryer after to be sure they are only “Dusted”.
2. Apply the “wax” with a Flat craft stick (looks like a tongue depressor), or similar item. (I’ve used a rubber spatula before, don’t tell my husband, lol).
3. Dip the stick into your “wax” and apply a thin coat, (apply in the direction of your hair growth). You’ll find that the mix spreads better when it is warm.
4. Apply a fabric strip and press very firmly. Holding your skin taught, pull the strip (quickly) AGAINST the direction of the hair growth.
*Liss Note: Be sure your fabric is smooth. If you have left wrinkles in it, you will have patches of hair.
** Note: If you don’t hold the skin taught, you’ll remove less than 1/2 the hair & will have to repeat. Also, remember to pull back against the hair growth, not Up. You can actually use Washcloths folded into sections to do your legs. I’ve found they are much easier than fabric strips.
FAQ About Sugaring
1. Does it Hurt?
Sugaring hurts far less than waxing your legs. The first time it feels like ripping off a band-aid. It’s much easier after the first time.
2. How long does the hair have to be?
The hair must be at least 1/8 inch long, otherwise it doesn’t seem to work well.
3. Will I be red or bumpy afterwards?
Yes, for the first few hours (sometimes a full 24hrs) your legs may be red. This usually occurs the first 1-3 times you sugar them. Remember, you are removing hair at the follicle. The redness fades completely within a day. If you used glycerin in your mix, it will fade much sooner.
If your hair was very fine to begin with, you probably won’t have any redness.
4. Do I need to refrigerate the leftover “wax” ?
If you have added glycerin to your mix, you do not need to refrigerate. I have kept the “wax” in the bathroom cupboard for as long as 2 months without refrigerating it. (It was covered & contained glycerin).
