Cosmetics Contemplations: My Vaniqa experiment

Part of me thinks I should really stop hanging out on discussion fora. While they can be bastions of great friendship, humour, knowledge and generosity, I've also experienced the other side of it: narrow-mindedness, nastiness, arguments worse than any in real life, and people turning on you at the drop of a hat. Sometimes it feels as if I'm too old, and beyond the immature individuals that can frequent these places.

However, it seems that I just can't keep away, and my current favourite forum is that of the MoneySavingExpert website, which covers all subjects from how to save old style to which diet works best. It was while I was on the Health and Beauty bit of the forum that a conversation started about unwanted excess facial hair in women. It's one of society's remaining taboos: nobody in real life ever talks about this, so as I suffer with this myself, I joined in the discussion keenly, waiting with bated breath to see if solutions would be offered that I had not already tried (or dismissed as impractical).

I first suffered the demon facial fur when I was about 15. I don't remember how I first started trying to combat it (but as I wasn't waxing the rest of my body then, I suspect it involved a razor), or exactly when I began trying to remove it (although it was probably when I realised it was noticeable, when girls at school added this to the long list of things that they already made fun of me for). Quickly realising the limitations of shaving, I turned to my mother, who was sympathetic, and suggested wax. This didn't hurt too much and she seemed to be suggesting that I would only need to do this once a month. So as we stood over the gas stovetop waiting for the wax to melt, I remember thinking, "Yeah, once a month...I can handle this."

Sadly, the hair grew back again too quickly, and so I resorted to the razor again for more regular maintenance. Of course the vicious cycle with excess facial hair is that you have to let it grow in order to wax it, but that you don't want to let it grow in case it becomes too visible (and with my hair being dark brown against my pale skin, I have it pretty bad). Once I started waxing the rest of my body hair, I went for a combination of shaving and tweezing, knowing that removing the hairs at the root would (...eventually...) reduce the growth. In more recent years, I have resorted to hermitdom for the first five days of each school holiday, letting the hair grow long enough for it to be waxed, which does seem to improve the situation. The hermitdom and constant scarf-wearing at this time are less of a perk, however.

All of these ideas naturally came up on the MSE thread, with others being added, including threading (which carries the same problems as waxing) and depilatory creams (which unfortunately don't slow regrowth). But then a solution was suggested that I'd never heard of before: a prescription-only cream called Vaniqa*, which is said to reduce hair growth over time thanks to twice-daily use. I didn't know how it worked, but I was intrigued, and got myself some. The side-effects didn't worry me. The most common one is chin acne, which I again suffer from anyway, so I figured that I wouldn't be losing out much even if it didn't work.

All of this was at the end of August, or beginning of September this year. I naturally did my research before embarking on my trial of the product (which was carried out, by the way, entirely at my own expense), finding that while information about Vaniqa itself is readily available, finding tales of people's actual experiences is much more difficult. Perhaps it's that taboo subject thing. One excellent, very detailed account can be found here, written by Vickie in the early 2000s. Although people's experiences can of course vary, her report really helped me to make my mind up on whether or not to proceed (but I certainly didn't agonise over it in the same way that I considered whether or not to proceed with a course of Roaccutane).

So - to the product itself. I don't like the name Vaniqa, by the way, as it seems to suggest that excess hair is purely a cosmetic issue. Until society changes the way it sees beauty (yeah...good luck with that one...) it will always be much more than that, with sufferers often feeling and/or being socially stigmatised as a result of it. The cream itself, though, is easy to apply, is absorbed quickly into the skin, and doesn't sting at all. It's also not too heavy, so shouldn't clog pores - it's more comparable to a gel-cream than to, say, a heavier night cream. Apply twice a day after moisturiser, and wash your hands afterwards. Not difficult really.

The accompanying information in the Vaniqa leaflet clearly states that it may take up to 8 weeks to see a difference, and this is what I have found to be the case: having started the course at the beginning of September, I have noticed a huge reduction in hair growth between then and now (end of October). Even though the manufacturers say that you will need to keep using Vaniqa for the effects to be sustained (i.e. the hair may grow back if you stop), the increase in confidence that I've experienced makes the prospect of applying an extra dab of cream to my face each morning and night seem only of infinitesimal concern.

I'm really just amazed that GPs either don't seem to know about this product or don't want to prescribe it - this was never suggested once to me as a remedy when we did seek help at the doctor's surgery for my PCOS and talked to the doctor about the excess hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome can have such severe and long-lasting effects (as mentioned, I was 15 when the excess hair kicked in, and I'm now 26) that it almost seems criminal to not prescribe something that could potentially improve a sufferer's life so much. This also makes me question what other treatments could be lurking to assuage other PCOS symptoms (which include rapid weight gain, difficulty in shifting weight, acne, infertility, and more besides) and makes me wonder why doctors I've seen have had such a laissez-faire attitude towards the condition, rather than adopting a more proactive or combative approach.

The good news is that I still have stacks of cream left in the one tube that I've acquired. I probably use a pea-sized amount each day (not each application - each DAY) to cover my chin area, which just goes to show how far the cream spreads. Depending on your needs, you could make one £40 tube last at least six months, which compares favourably to the cost of several big-brand anti-ageing concoctions. This suggests that even when my tube runs out, I will be replacing it. And all thanks to those 'immature individuals' on MSE! Overall, the experiment appears to have been a success - and I would truly urge other sufferers to look into it too.

*Also available on the internet at around £40 a tube from various suppliers...but you go down that road at your own risk.

The Bluebeard's Revenge Luxury Shaving Cream

RRP: £14.50
available from: The Shaving Shack, Safetyrazors.co.uk, Elm House Products Ltd

--What does the promo say?--
"Designed by a real life Blue Beard who was bored to death with being a Desperate Dan look-alike, The Bluebeards Revenge™ is a paraben free, premium quality shaving cream with added ingredients to specifically combat tough stubble. It has been formulated to our unique specification in one of the UK's premier male cosmetics laboratories who are renowned experts in the field of shaving cream."

 --Packaging--
The shiny blue box combines a white skull and crossbones with a somehow still classy-looking jar that comes with a silver-effect screw top lid. A shaving brush is also included, and the whole ensemble is easy to use. The Bluebeard's Revenge reports that girls have been making up an ever-increasing percentage of their customer base, so the female contingent may wish to skip the use of the brush, but the male tester on this side says that the brush is easy to use and is even a bit of a novelty in an age where most men don't reach for the shaving brush automatically.

--Application--
An almond-sized blob should cover your whole face (for gents), so an even smaller amount is required for ladies who are looking to get rid of persistent unwanted facial, underarm and bikini line hair. Shave off as normal with hot water and a decent razor.

--Appearance--
A pearlescent white, thick luxurious cream that should appeal to everyone. It's quite stiff, too, implying that it is a bit more heavy-duty, going beyond the airy-fairyness of your average shaving foam or face cream. No visible residue is left on the skin after use.

--Scent--
Quite masculine, staying true to The Bluebeard's Revenge's word that it conjures images of a traditional barbershop with a modern twist. I suspect some vetiver in there, although the ingredients list gives nothing away save the inclusion of aloe vera. Possibly too masculine to truly appeal to girls - if I were working at The Bluebeard's Revenge, I would seriously consider putting out a version of the cream that uses the same technology but has a different smell - perhaps something more neutral or something that uses essential oils such as lavender or lemon that may appeal more to the XX market.

--Texture--
As previously mentioned, it's very stiff, but you get a good lather with no effort at all and it washes off easily too, leaving skin feeling insanely smooth and soft after use.

--Effects on the skin--
The most notable immediate effect, baby-softness aside, is the fact that this cream delivers an incredibly close shave, which will alone keep the unwanted hairs at bay for longer even if the stubble-busting technology itself were a load of old cobblers. Him indoors did unfortunately find that he experienced greater sensitivity after using this compared to his usual shaving cream (which, for the record, costs exactly the same), but that to the contrary this lessens if you use the cream having not shaved for a couple of days (as opposed to shaving every day). From my experience, I found no sensitivity occurred while using this product, even when tackling a few unwanted hairs on my own face, so it quite clearly depends on the person. It's also difficult for us to know if the product really reduces stubble, as I am normally a waxer (plucking out hairs that grow on my face), and him indoors has only used this new cream once a week. I'll be passing it onto my dad, whose stubble also regrows quickly, for further tests.

--Value for money--
For a totally vegetarian, paraben-free product that also works well and contributes to charity with every pot purchased (money is donated to Help For Heroes for every unit sold), you're getting a good deal here on a unique product that poses a credible challenge to the domination of the hair removal market by Gillette. Don't hesitate to go out and buy it for the man in your life this Christmas - or even as a Christmas present to yourself.

perfect partners
The Bluebeard's Revenge Scimitar Double Edge Razor, £29.99
The Bluebeard's Revenge Doubloon Bristle Shaving Brush, £6.99
The Bluebeard's Revenge Shaving Cream, Brush, and Mach3 Razor Gift Set with Free Balm, £49.99
The Bluebeard's Revenge Post Shave Balm, £9.99

King of Shaves Woman Azure

RRP: £4.99 for razor and three cartridges

--What does the promo say?--
"Enjoy the “Queen of Shaves” with King of Shaves the UK’s second biggest shaving software brand. Its first ever ‘hybrid synergy’ system razor for women, the Azure is available nationwide in Sainsbury’s stores for just £4.99 (handle plus three cartridges). Combining shaving comfort and performance with elegance and style, the Azure delivers the Queen of Shaves, without the expense of many of its competitors.

The debut of the Azure follows hot on the heels of the continuing success of King of Shaves’ multiple award winning men’s razor, the Azor, which is now available from most major UK retailers. Launching in striking ‘on-trend’ black and gold, the Azure Aura combines shaving comfort and performance via an internationally patented TST (Touch Skin Technology) elastomer skin bumper and pivot system. This allows the Endurium coated, super long-lasting blades to shave at optimum pressure against the skin whilst a larger soft rubber ‘bumper’ helps reduce risk of unwanted nicks and lifts hairs for a smoother shave.

The Azure’s uniquely patented wishbone-shaped head design provides greater visibility when shaving and the ergonomically designed, lightweight handle allows for a superbly comfortable shave which effortlessly follows every contour and curve of the skin.

As with its male counterpart, the Azure demonstrates King of Shaves commitment to the environment. ‘Ecoptimised’ in all stages of manufacture, the handle for the Azure is made in the UK with all packaging minimised and either already recycled or 100% recyclable."

--Packaging--
An unusual departure from the usual angularly-shaped razors, without being as large as the ubiquitous Gillette Venus razors. Very feminine and elegantly shaped. It also comes in a useful lightweight box made of thin plastic that houses the little box of razor blades too, although sadly it's not really intended as a travel case as it isn't designed to close once you've opened it the first time.

--Usage--
Lather up the area to be shaved using a shaving foam and then drag the blades against the growth of the hairs before rinsing the razor blades under a stream of water and repeating as necessary.

--Razor-cut potential--
No problems at all - the blades have plenty of grip without being irritating to the skin and the handle makes the razor easily controllable too.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
As stated, there is no irritation at all.

--How does your skin look afterwards?--
Pretty good - smooth, clean, no red marks, no cuts.

--Does it de-fuzz adequately?--
Yes. The flexibility of the blade joint means that this even applies to trickier areas such as heels, bikini line and underarms.

--Longevity--
I've been using this daily now for at least three weeks and there are still no signs that the blade needs to be changed. I would therefore expect it to last for at least as long as blades usually do, perhaps even slightly longer, so a change will probably required every 6 weeks.

--Value for money--
It's a full three quid cheaper than some of the fancier Gillette razors, and for this it's lightweight, recyclable and effective. Replacement blades are also cheaper than the leading market competitor. It's a very real encouragement to consumers to look beyond the most immediately available option, and with very good reason.

perfect partners
King of Shaves Woman Azure 4 Pack Replacement Blade Cartridges, £4.99
King of Shaves Woman Shaving Gel, £3.99

*available from Sainsbury's and from www.kmishop.com

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

RRP: £14.50 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A customer favourite. Transforms into a lavish, softening foam -- original and unique in texture -- that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume. Keep handy in bath or shower as an extra-pampering alternative to Shea Butter Soap and our fragrance soaps."

--Packaging--
Looks simple and timeless. Clear plastic bottle, chunky text on a minimalist label, keeping a colour scheme designed to evoke Provence with its olive green and brown. There's also a fake metal screw-cap style lid, which in fact doesn't screw off at all: it's just there for effect, and you just push down the plastic disc at the top in order to dispense the oil. Dispensing the oil is a pretty controlled process - it doesn't spill out everywhere, allowing its use to be effective and economical. Bottle itself seems fairly robust and the label doesn't peel off in the shower either, making it constantly look as if you have only just bought it.

--Application--
Squeeze out a 50p-sized amount of the oil, and rub onto your body, avoiding genitals and face. Leave on skin during your shower and then rinse off.

--Scent--
Sweet and sort of doughy - smells exactly like when almonds are fried with sugar (delicious - I recommend doing this if you haven't tried it! Also works well with salt.).

--Texture/consistency--
Perfect: not runny, lumpy, sticky or viscous. Just the right 'thickness' and it glides well over the body.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow oil, which leaves no residue on the skin.

--Sensation--
Warms up slightly when rubbed between the hands.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
The product's two main claims are soft skin, and the fact that this can also be used as an effective lubricant before shaving. The latter is certainly true: I shave daily, and have experienced no irritation whilst using this. The former I cannot advise so confidently on, as I do not really suffer from dry skin. However, the fact that my skin has not become dried out while using this suggests that those with dry skin would experience softer, smoother skin.

--Value for money--
This is excellent - superior to 'higher' brands such as philosophy without capitalising on it in terms of price. I always respect companies who keep their prices honest, and who are more concerned about keeping their old customers than attracting new ones. It's a luxurious product to use in the shower and also has useful qualities, which is always nice. Champion.

perfect partners
Almond Milk Concentrate, £32 for 200ml
Almond Delicious Paste, £24 for 200ml

Gillette Venus Breeze Razor

RRP: £7.99 (includes razor and 4 blades)

--What does the promo say?--
"Venus Breeze is the only razor with built-in shave gel bars! Just wet and shave. Theres no need for separate shave cream or soap. With Venus Breeze you'll love the senationally smooth shave that you have come to expect from Venus. Shaving is now a breeze."

--Packaging--
Purple, swirly and luxurious (all made of course from genuine plastic). The razor comes with its own little platform to rest on, which not only fixes to your shower wall or to the inside of your bathroom cabinet but also opens up for a convenient place to keep your blades. The blades are also conveniently packaged, meaning they are easy to change; and to remove an old blade, just press a button on the razor near the blade for it to go pinging straight into the bin.

--Usage--
Just wet the razor, and shave. Pretty simple.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Lather--
Not very much lather is generated, but it's more than adequate.

--Razor-cut potential--
I found the gel bars attached to the blades somewhat slippery, and I seemed to cut myself much more than usual while using this.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Itchy. Be prepared to get your moisturiser out.

--How does your skin look afterwards?--
The only visible signs of your battle with the razor blade on your legs are any cuts you might have sustained. If, like me, you have PCOS/hirsutism and occasionally have to use the razor on places other than your legs and underarms, you may find (as I did) that this razor doesn't really fulfil its moisturising potential. Along with the itchiness, I found that incidences of dry patches increased, which I wasn't too happy with.

--Does it de-fuzz adequately?--
Yes - and if you manage to not cut yourself, smooth sexy legs can indeed be yours (helped along, of course, with a post-shave moisturising session).

--Longevity--
These blades don't seem to provide any closer a shave than normal razors. However, the blades themselves last a long time before they need changing - going by when the gel bars run out provides a good indication of when you should chuck that blade out and clip a new one on.

--Value for money--
I cannot understand for the life of me why you would fork out an extra £1 for 4 blades when for £1 less you can not only have the four blades but also a brand new razor and platform. So as well as this slightly dodgy marketing strategy, we also have an overpackaged product that if it doesn't cut you to oblivion will certainly have you reaching for the moisturiser after shaving. It is vaguely convenient, I'll grant you, and I would consider using these for travel (I'm guessing the £7.99 pack of razor + platform + blades would see anyone through their summer holiday), but as for everyday use? No way. I'm just not prepared to put up with that itchiness.

perfect partner
Gillette Venus Breeze Blades 4-pack, £8.99