Soprano XL Laser Hair Removal at Courthouse Clinics

For years, my friends and I have discussed the idea of getting laser hair removal. The dreamy look of every woman when contemplating a beautiful world in which she would never have to shave, Veet or wax again cannot be underestimated. I had gone so far as to buy a few of the coupon site deals screaming promises of money off – only to find laser sessions could only be redeemed in Barnet, and only on a Thursday at 11am. Anyone unable to commit to shaving their own legs due to inconvenience was never going to travel the length of London on a work day to have that problem sorted out for them.

The thing that really propelled me towards laser is the impending reality that one day, far in the future; I may have to live with a boy. How I will get around my weekly full body tan whilst retaining some semblance of mysterious allure is difficult enough, but add in the expectation of eternally hairless limbs and I’m screwed. Or dumped. Now forget all this feminist chat, I’m as pro-equal pay and opportunities as the next girl but I do like to be well-maintained – and if that means I’m more attractive to the opposite sex, well that’s great too. I don’t just de-fuzz because there is a boy on the scene.

I asked around my beauty journo friends for the best laser place in town and was swiftly given the number for Courthouse Clinics. They use a Soprano XL laser there – which they reckon is more effective than the standard IPL. It works on all skin tones – a new development in the world of laser where previously only pale skin and dark hair could be treated. I bought a course of treatments and although it doesn’t come cheap, the hassle it will get rid of is priceless. The first area I wanted to de-fuzz was “down below” – a fairly daunting prospect although I was assured the Soprano XL was practically pain free. After a skin test session, I started my treatments. Typically, sessions will last between 15 minutes and half an hour – I was amazed by how fast it was over with. Cool gel is applied to the area before the laser gun is placed on the skin. The therapist then rubs the gun over the skin repeatedly. This warms the skin up – on a few occasions I felt it became a little too hot and “prickly”, in which case they are happy to turn it down a few notches. You’ll be placed in all the same hideously embarrassing poses you have to pull at the waxists, so be prepared – it is invasive. Hair takes up to two weeks to fall out after the sessions so don’t be expecting instant miracle results!

I completed my second session a few weeks ago, and my results are amazing so far. I was sceptical about how quickly hair growth would slow down or stop but even after my first session there was noticeably less regrowth. Following my second, there is practically nothing left. My only gripe is the fact that after such a quick outcome, I have paid for an 8 session course!

I’ll keep you updated when my course is finished – but until then, I urge you, get lasering!

New Year, New Nails!

I have a split personality when it comes to nail polish. I’m very much an all or nothing girl – it’s either a black cherry, a velvety claret or I go completely bare. I love the look of a dark polish on a shorter nail – it creates some sort of strange elongating effect on my stubby fingers and adds a touch of cool to an otherwise safe outfit. Having said that, I’m not one for upkeep. Finding the time to take the messy layers of polish off then having stained fingers isn’t my thing.

I read about the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover on a beauty website – the author called it life changing – a tad overzealous but I decided to give it a go. It comes in a pink pot filled with a nail polish remover soaked sponge. Dip your finger in the hole in the centre, twist a couple of times (the blurb says 1 second – it doesn’t quite do the job in that time, but almost) and remove. Every trace of varnish, even black and deep staining shades, is gone! If you are wearing a glitter polish you may have to go in for a few dips to make sure there are no remnants. The scent left on your nails is fruity and added almond oil nourishes the nail bed – although I always recommend washing your hands after using any chemical containing protect. This beauty must-have is a steal at £4.99 – although even the most dexterous of us would face a challenge manoeuvring our toes into the pot – I suggest you tackle the pedicure with an old-fashioned cotton wool and liquid formula!

This cold weather has left my nails very dry and flaky, meaning even when I do go for a coloured polish; bits chip off within a day or two. I read that having a layer of polish on protects nails from the environment and seals in that all-important moisture so I have been experimenting with clear polishes. The first I tried was Alessandro Pro White at £7.85 which leaves a subtle shine. This pigment in this counteracts the yellow tone on nails and makes tips look whiter. In strong daylight, the pink part of the nail has a lilac hue which creates an overall manicure effect – although the purple tint can be so strong there is a tendency to look slightly hypothermic! I also gave the Ultraviolet Top Coat by Guerlain (£18) a go. The formula itself has translucent purple tint and the boudoir style bottle is irresistible. This created a stronger manicure effect, making my nails glossy and the tips stark white against the nail bed. If you happen to be in a dark club you are also in for a treat – the UV pigment means you will glow! I’m a sucker for a nice bottle, so the Guerlain wins over the medical looking Pro White for me – although the actual outcome of both on the nails was much the same.

Happy polishing!