Buying guide for Best facial wax strips
Managing unwanted facial hair can get expensive with regular trips to the salon. You can save time and money by waxing in the comfort of your own home.
Waxing is truly an art form, and you can master it. Facial wax strips come in several varieties, from area-specific kits to organic wax blends for sensitive skin. If you’re short on space or pressed for time, an express kit may be the right choice. No matter what your concerns or sensitivities are, there’s a facial wax strip kit that can accommodate you.
Key considerations
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to think twice about facial waxing. For those prone to breakouts and redness, waxing can exacerbate it. It can leave you with bumps or a burning sensation, which can take a couple days to calm down.
With that said, there are plenty of kits and wax blends suitable for sensitive skin, such as those made with organic or non-chemical ingredients. To find the best facial wax strip kit that won’t irritate your skin, you may need to experiment with different brands and formulas.
Pre-wax treatment
It’s smart to prep the area you’re about to wax with a pre-wax treatment. Some kits come with a formula that enhances the connection between wax and hair. This formula is usually applied with a clean cotton ball.
If you’d like to give yourself the full spa treatment, gently exfoliate the day before waxing. This helps remove excess skin that could diminish the effectiveness of the wax. Before and after treatment, wash and rinse your face with a gentle facial soap or cleanser. Harsh soaps, especially those with acne-fighting ingredients, could cause serious irritation.
Types of facial wax strips
Wax and strips
Some kits consist of a tub of wax, individual strips, and a spatula-like application tool. The strips are usually made of soft cloth or muslin. This type of kit may seem familiar to you, as it’s the type most often used by salons.
Pros: You’re less likely to get burned because you can heat the wax to your desired temperature. Often, these kits come with pre- and post-wax treatments to calm skin.
Cons: It’s possible to run out of strips before wax (and vice versa). If you haven’t mastered the assembly line of wax application and strip removal, it can get pretty messy, and you might find yourself having to remove wax from towels or clothing.
All-in-one wax strips
All-in-one wax strips condense waxing into two steps: applying the strip and removing it. Most all-in-one kits require modest warming between your palms to soften or activate the wax.
Pros: Mess-free all-in-one strips are ideal for travel. They don’t require the tempering of wax tubs, so it’s unlikely you’d sustain a serious irritation or heat rash. Some strips are pre-cut for specific areas, such as the brows or upper lip.
Cons: You might need to wax or pluck individual areas for total hair removal. The wax on these strips dries out over time, so if you have an older box, they might not work as well.
Hard wax kits
Hard wax kits don’t require strips. You simply heat the wax and apply it with a stick or spatula. Once it hardens, it peels off as a single piece.
Pros: You can heat wax to your desired temperature. A little goes a long way, so you get more bang for your buck. Because you’re not fussing with separate strips, mess is minimal.
Cons: Even though you control the temperature of the wax, there’s still the concern of burning or irritation. These kits only come with a few sticks, so after the first couple uses, you’ll need to buy them separately. Although you control wax temperature, the possibility of skin irritation still exists.
Features
Wax ingredients
Wax formulas vary, though most contain rosin, glycerin, or beeswax. Many also contain essential oil, fragrance, or skin-calming ingredients like honey or shea butter. It’s difficult to find wax with few synthetic ingredients, but there are some made with organic honey, maple syrup, and other natural components.
Wax guides
Some facial wax strip kits come with guides that help you position the wax precisely on your face. These tools prevent overspill to ensure even application. Some consumers swear by wax guides, especially for the brows. Others say the guides are a nuisance.
Strips
Some strips are laser-cut to fit specific areas of the face, such as the chin or upper lip. Other kits contain strips that can be cut to size.
Facial wax strip prices
Inexpensive: Small facial wax strip kits that last several applications cost $10 and below. All formulas can be found in this price range. If you’re experimenting with at-home waxing and don’t want to spend a lot, start looking here.
Mid-range: Kits that last for closer to a dozen applications cost $10 to $25. Expect to spend closer to $25 for kits with advanced or organic wax formulas and additional application tools.
Expensive: If you’re looking for a deluxe facial wax strip kit with a warming device, expect to spend closer to $40. You can also use the warming device for body and bikini waxing.
Tips
Wax clean skin only. To minimize irritation and blemishes, make sure your face is clean. All makeup and skincare products should be removed prior to waxing.
Take your time. Never rush waxing, as a forced job can result in burns and breakouts. To ensure even, irritation-free application, allow at least 30 minutes for your session.
Read the ingredients list. If you have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients, make sure your formula doesn’t include them.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a wax kit designed for other parts of the body, like the arms or bikini, on my face?
A. No. Facial wax strip kits are specially formulated for the delicate skin on the face. Body wax strips have different ingredients that are too harsh and abrasive for the face. Using the wrong formula could lead to a nasty breakout.
Q. My facial wax strips always seem to miss a few random hairs. What can be done?
A. It’s common, even in a salon with a professional waxer, to end up with a few strays. If it’s only a few hairs, you could simply tweeze them. If you’re missing patches on a regular basis, you may need to refine your waxing technique.
Q. Is it really cheaper to wax at home than to visit a salon?
A. Yes, especially if you wax more than one facial area. (At some salons, you could spend $60 per month to wax multiple areas of the face.) At-home facial wax strips cost an average of $10 per kit, which breaks down to less than a few dollars per wax.
