June 24th, 2005 - To shave or not to shave, that is the question
An interesting commentary on shaving and the use of other personal care products (by my favorite columnist, Umbra at Grist Magazine) mentions the possibility of the Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring. The example is using it on your underarms. I’m not strong enough of heart to try this yet, but you never know. Sounds just like those old Nads commercials, only cheaper!
I stopped shaving my legs over 10 years ago. So that I wouldn’t have to worry about converters, I didn’t bring my electric shaver when I studied abroad in London. (I couldn’t use a razor because I cut the skin on my ankles and knees to pieces.) It was nice to not bother with it for 3 months. I did it once when I got back to MN and then realized what a stupid habit it was. I tried Nair a few times, but hated sitting around with it on for 30-45 minutes (took forever for me) and it was never a perfect job. So I quit. I don’t care if my legs are hairy, why should anyone else? It’s just a stupid American commercially-made desire.
As to makeup, I believe the last time I wore any was to my wedding. I used some lipstick and a little blush. Maybe some foundation. We’re talking pretty light stuff. I still have the three items. I was never, ever into makeup. I’ve work it to a few weddings, formal dances, and job interviews. I’m not sure why I hold on to what I have. When I go past them I always think I ought to keep them just in case. Just in case what???? I suddenly have the desire for lipstick? Like that will ever happen! Maybe I’d wear it for a job interview…but then again, I hate the hassle and it’s not ME so why would I bother? (I still remember a girl in high school in choir class who had put on such thick mascara it looked like she had caterpillers on her eyes. It was so icky. I always wondered why guys liked kissing girls when all they’d get is a lipful of pancake makeup and lipstick. It seemed so yucky.)
I do use hair gel. My slightly-curly hair that goes frizzy and/or straight during the day needs it to look semi-decent. But, as I found a couple weeks ago, I can make my own! woohoo! I’m owed a perm from one that didn’t work out but now I can’t have one–thinking about all those chemicals…I just can’t do it. I am looking forward to Angie giving my cornrows or boxbraids again, however!