To Pluck or Not to Pluck?

Somewhere along the line women became extremely high maintenance. Think about all the things women pay other people to do to look nice.

Hair color, waxing, threading, microderming, facials, pedis, manis, laser hair removal, you get the picture. Now, before you think I am promoting the Nana Rosie look, hairy mole, pits and all, think again. I am all for upkeep or as my mom calls it, "The Overhaul". This is when she devotes an entire morning or evening to hair removal and primping; all in the privacy of her own bathroom. Really, no one needs to see that, right?

There are women reading this blog who are probably accustomed to pampering themselves on a regular basis in a salon or spa. I am not one of those gals as I can't afford it nor do I pretend to afford it by charging services like this. Also, the last time I had a pedicure (3 years ago when I was 80 weeks pregnant), the pedicurist talked so much about her family problems it really sucked all the relaxation out of the experience for me. It was supposed to be my last hurrah for myself and it stunk, big time. Of course, this is not a generalization of all pedi/mani experiences. It just wasn't worth it for me.

We have so many products available to do it ourselves and yet we pay other people 20 times more in a salon. If you are feeling the pinch and are afraid to do it yourself....
Fear not little ladies!

I spend next to nothing maintaining myself in the comfort of my own home. I do splurge on massages from time to time as I suffer chronic pain and this is my treat to myself for my health and well-being. I get regular hair cuts, about every 7-8 weeks. And that's where my primping ends. The rest is up to me.

So you wonder....just how does she remove all the unwanted hair? Well, I use this thing called a tweezers. It's metal. Some folks use it to remove splinters. I use it to pluck my eyebrows. Seriously, shaping your brows is not rocket science. And who likes having hot wax ripped off their head? I know, you can do the threading technique. But that, too, costs money.

As far as my Italian moustache. I use Sally Hanson creme remover. It costs about $6 and lasts me about 6 months. I can apply the cream to my upper lip, or a goatee if it's really out of control. The cream sits for 10 minutes and after it's removed, voila....hair be gone! And the looks my kids give me are priceless. They think Bozo the Clown has moved in.

I do have some gray hair (on my head). Luckily, not that much but enough to make me want to color it. For this I use Garnier Nutrisse Brown Sugar #63 and my mom colors it for me in my kitchen. I know I am saving at least $60 by doing it at home and the bonding time with my mother is priceless! Every so often, I use the highlighting kit, also by Garnier. Same price, great results.

I sell Mary Kay skin care and cosmetics on the side (which means I get all the products at cost). To keep my skin looking alive, I use Mary Kay's Microdermabrasion kit. It retails for $55. My cost is half that and one kit will last at least 6 months. ONE salon microderm treatment will cost $100. You can buy your own kit and pay several dollars per treatment. And you can find many good products over the counter. Start looking!

Instead of having my legs or other parts waxed. I use this other insanely inventive tool called a razor.

To keep my feet soft (they are a nightmare in the winter!), I use Mary Kay's pedicure set, complete with foot file, soaking tablets, etc. No backtalk from the manicurist allowed.

I don't paint my nails, so no manicures for me. Some girls really like to have their nails done regularly. However, if you are struggling financially, the manis probably aren't as important as feeding the family. Just my opinion.

So there you have it. Home remedies for keeping up your appearance on next to nothing. If you are worried you will no longer have your alone time away from the hubby and kids, just lock yourself in the bathroom and give yourself The Overhaul.

P.S. Please share your home beauty treatments here. I am sure I missed a body part or two.