You Can’t Wish Away Whiskers: An Olay Review and Giveaway

One of my earliest memories of traveling with my mother was a trip we took to California to visit my aunt. We went to Disneyland, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and on a tour of stars’ homes. We ate authentic tacos and sat in the audience for a game show. I had so much fun as I listened to my mom and aunt talk, sing, and laugh.

And, then something happened I will really never forget. I watched them bleach their mustaches. I had no idea that women did such things. I was a little girl, who found the entire act absolutely hysterical. In fact, I actually rolled on the floor and laughed.

For the longest time, I thought this was a crazy Lebanese secret that only we of middle-eastern descent needed to discuss. I was thankful for my dad’s genes that gave me light hair and green eyes and thought I would be spared the growth of hair on my upper lip.

Then I turned 35. Suddenly, hair started sprouting from places that I didn’t expect. My neck and chin grew short, course, gray hairs, while my cheeks took on a thicker peach fuzz. And, above my lip, the dreaded ‘stache.

Although my mom set the example, I was not about to put bleach on my face…well, mostly because you can still see the hair; it’s just lighter. I started to notice women with hairy faces and became thankful for winter when I could wrap a scarf around my neck.

My sister-in-law and I tried waxing, but we both ended up bleeding. If there is anything worse than a hairy lip, it’s a scabby one. Short of taking my husband’s shaving cream and razor to my face, there weren’t too many options. I have sensitive skin. I once had hives for months, for no discernible reason; I couldn’t use cream without burning myself.

This is why I jumped at the chance to try the New Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, a two-step system that includes a Skin Guarding Balm that goes between the Hair Removal Cream and your skin.

The instructions said to test the products on your forearm 48 hours before applying to your face. I did so and had no adverse reaction. I applied the balm to my face as directed then the cream. I left it on for six minutes, wiped it off with cotton balls, and then rinsed my face with warm water.

I had some minor skin irritation immediately following, with some visible redness, but within the time I dried my hair and got dressed, my skin looked fine and felt amazing. Truly, amazing. I don’t even know what to compare the softness to, because I haven’t felt skin that soft since my babies were born. And now, a day later, it is still soft and completely hair-free!

It was convenient and left me feeling much more feminine than my husband’s razor. Just sayin’.

Now BlogHer and Olay are offering you something to make you feel better!

Just tell me what part of your beauty routine makes you feel most feminine and best expresses your inner beauty, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card!

Rules: This sweepstakes runs from 1/3/2012 – 2/3/2012.
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

While we’re on the subject of looking good, you might want to check out the “Looking Your Best” posts in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com. There are some great tips and expert posts!

Comments

Mami2jcn

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:00

I think taking care of my skin and keeping it soft and smooth makes me feel the most feminine. If I’m happy and healthy, it shows in my skin.

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:03

tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/154245525254836225

Anna Marie

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:13

Applying my lotion at night makes me feel best. It just seems like one of those rituals that all women have done for centuries.

Rhea

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:29

I needed to read this today, thank you! I’ve been growing unwanted hair lately on my face, and I need a good product to try! I’ll check this out.

Jennifer in Spring, TX

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:41

I wear at least some makeup just about every day, and don’t think I would go to work totally bare-faced, BUT I feel the most feminine after I wash my face, use my facial scrub, and put on my lotion. I love that fresh, soft feeling. I feel fresh and natural. I also find of feel like it’s a special side of me that few see except for my husband and kids.

WebSavvyMom

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 12:55

–>I love applying a daily moisturizer. My skin always feels so soft.

Liz

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 13:02

Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize, my friend! I am a Oil of Olay fan from way back when (never mind just how far back) may have to try this stuff.

Amy

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 13:10

Whether I win or not, I’m totally buying this product yesterday. I… have a friend… who needs it. Yeah.

I can’t remember the last time I felt feminine. LOL. God that’s sad. I need an intervention.

XOXO

Elena

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 13:48

Removing body hair makes me feel feminine

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 13:49

http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/154273126073634816

Moonshadow

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 14:14

Darn, I was hoping you were giving away a sample of this product! I don’t have a full blown ‘stashe, just long, black or white, wild hairs here and there on my upper lip, chin and neck.

Feminine? I’ve always been more of a tomboy, roughing around, climbing trees. Nowadays it’s getting dirty turning the garden and building things. But every now and then is feels good to clean up, put my hair up in something shiny and put on something soft. 🙂

Kelly D

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 14:42

I like to wear perfume to feel feminine and express my inner beauty.

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 14:43

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/kellydsaver/status/154286624140828672

Sonya

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 16:15

Putting on my favorite scented lotion makes me feel feminine!

maggiemoo

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 16:17

Beauty routine? I think I left that at the hospital when I had my third kid….

https://twitter.com/#!/catholicfanatic/status/154310246905561088
Tweeted 🙂
Thank you!

Elizabeth

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 17:42

I’m a carpenter, so not much going on in my daily routine to make me feel feminine, but I did get dressed up for Christmas Eve; skirt, sweater, silk scarf, and a long wool coat. It felt fantastic! And made my husband happy, too! Also, lavender hand lotion.

courtney b

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 18:40

mascara always makes me look prettier and more feminine

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 18:41

http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/154346552612237312

cw

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 18:42

Moiturizing and putting on lipstick make me feel feminine (and smooth). It helps me express my inner beauty with a gorgeous smile

Amanda

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 19:41

I barely wear makeup anymore. Perfume is definitely my girly thing!

Aubreylaine

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 20:20

Moisturizer makes me feel great!
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

amy pugmire

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 20:42

I like to use natural looking products! hopefully that shows I am simple and sweet 🙂

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 20:44

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/154377166426091520

VC

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 22:03

I feel very feminine when I wear stylishly high heels. I work with a bunch of JLo’s-very stylish and up to the minute trendy. Looking at them encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and I choose shoes as the medium. Yes, there are only but so many steps in those shoes per day (I sneak a sit down whenever possible-haha). However they make me feel sexy so I wear them. Unfortunately, I’m at an age when I am really, really, really interested in the sponsored product. sigh

steff

Tuesday, 3 January, 2012 at 22:26

my mascara & eyelash curler make me feel most feminine – but probably not the most natural!

https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/154403199468568577

Ashley H.

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 9:11

Taking good care of my skin brings out my inner beauty.

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 9:12

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/hewella1/status/154565523756163072

Emily

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 10:42

Doing my hair.

eileen

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 12:04

alas, I have to admit that my face is indeed getting fuzzy. started with a few “coarse” ones on my chin, but now my chin and cheeks are all fuzzy, all the time, sigh. please pick me, i will buy this product with the card for sure! thanks and love your blog.

Laura H.

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 13:07

Putting on makeup and doing my hair for a night out makes me feel feminine.

beth

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 15:34

Taking a hot shower and shaving my legs every day makes me feel so much better!

Deb Anderson

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 19:25

Fresh dewy complexion is my goal and I achieve it with a mix of weekly microdermabrasion and monthly chemical peel.

Susan Smith

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 19:32

Taking a bath, putting on lotion and makeup makes me feel feminine

https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/154683669020282880

Rosa

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 19:54

https://twitter.com/#!/rosorior/status/154723628896886785

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 19:59

Moisturizing and using sun screen keeps my skin clear and smooth.

anna pry

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 22:57

wearing pink makes me feel feminine and i express inner beauty by smiling
thepryfamily@gmail.com

Wednesday, 4 January, 2012 at 22:58

https://twitter.com/#!/annatiffany2/status/154773608512757760
thepryfamily@gmail.com

Rachael

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 7:15

Getting a pedicure…. something I very rarely get to do anymore, since my son was born!!!!

tracey just another mom

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 8:25

Ok, I am going out to buy me some of that cream because do you know what I found the other day? In addition to the little short hairs I get on my chin (that I have been plucking for freaking YEARS, forget about turning 35), I found a long, black hair on my JAWLINE. Like, a beard. Like a one-haired, woman-beard. ON MY FACE. MY face.

Oh yeah, my favorite beauty routine is when I submerge myself completely in my bath tub so that I cannot hear the kids playing video games and using inappropriate phrases like “No freaking way!” and “Holy crap!” and “Jesus!”. I especially like it if the bath has Calgon in it.

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 8:29

http://twitter.com/#!/Justanothermom/status/154917124987568128

Tweedle-ee-deedle-ee-deet.

Paula @ Frosted Fingers

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 8:32

I feel pretty when I put in contacts instead of wearing my glasses. I feel like it opens my whole face.

I retweeted someone: https://twitter.com/#!/frostedfingers/status/154917124987568128

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 11:37

Perfume…I love to smell like roses!

Kelly Massman

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 11:42

I use moisturizer and a smile!

thanks for a chance to win!
And, have a GREAT day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Kathy in Michigan

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 14:38

I love pulling my hair back and wearing a simple face of moisturizer and lip balm.
Simple = Beautiful!

Eileen

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 15:22

Putting on blush makes me feel feminine because it gives me a girly glow
eileendovr@gmail.com

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 17:58

tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/eileenjennifer/status/154729261566140416

Karina Lee

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 18:39

i accent my smile with lipgloss

Amber

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 20:43

wearing perfume makes me feel girly

MommyTime

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 21:17

I am so happy to read this review! I’ve been reading about this product all over the place but wondering if it would really work or not (memories of the Nair of the early 80s probably left me skeptical). It’s nice to have someone I trust tell me it really does. I’m off to buy some tomorrow. Thanks, Momo!

(I suppose I might as well make this a comment that counts to enter sweepstakes, so my most feminine moment is putting on perfume, which I don’t do often enough.)

Amy Tong

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 23:43

My cleaning beauty routine makes me feel most feminine and best expresses your inner beauty, which is simplicity. A few simple steps and I’m all done. Works like a charm and I’m not overwhelm with it.

This sounds like a wonderful product and I gotta give it a try!

amy [at] utry [dot] it

Thursday, 5 January, 2012 at 23:44

I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/155147673513623553

anash

Friday, 6 January, 2012 at 6:53

putting on facial masks makes me feel more feminine! Thanks for a super giveaway!

Friday, 6 January, 2012 at 6:55

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/155255877530685441

Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

laura warner

Friday, 6 January, 2012 at 22:04

my new beauty routine is my daughter plucking my black chin hairs, her funny remarks really make me feel pretty !!

Craftwhack

Saturday, 7 January, 2012 at 20:41

Hands down, I feel most lovely when I use a facial scrub. They are the absolute best for making you feel clean and refreshed and lovely. I am so excited to try the Olay hair remover, however. Extremely tired of shaving like a bro. The end.

Marianne

Saturday, 7 January, 2012 at 22:47

Shaving my legs makes me feel the most feminine. As for hair removal, I’ve had laser treatments, and they are painful, although they did reduce some of the lip hair. This Olay product sounds great!

Christina

Monday, 9 January, 2012 at 1:29

My beauty routine makes me feel most feminine is a cleansed hair free skin with light makeup and best expresses my inner beauty is feeling peaceful.

ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

Monday, 9 January, 2012 at 1:32

I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/ctong2/status/156261841469849601

Jessie C.

Monday, 9 January, 2012 at 1:57

My beauty routine is quite simple. I avoid complicated process and am all for multi-purposed products. I like easy and simple. Less is more helps me express my inner beauty.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/156268274114502656

Kate Coveny Hood

Monday, 9 January, 2012 at 8:36

This is exactly what I need to try! Sadly – even after laser treatment, the chin hair keeps coming back…damn Italian gene pool. Anyway – I am definitely buying that. Maybe with the gift card I’m about to win? Fingers crossed…

Wehaf

Monday, 9 January, 2012 at 22:41

Drinking lots of water makes me feel good, and it makes my skin look good!

Jennie

Wednesday, 11 January, 2012 at 13:21

I am a true believer in moisturizing. I moisturize every morning and my skin looks and smells great. P.S. I know what you mean about the ‘stach. I hope I win this product – it sounds great!

Rondah

Wednesday, 11 January, 2012 at 14:12

I like how my skin feels after steaming and moisturizing

tanya

Thursday, 12 January, 2012 at 0:51

when my skin looks and feels healthy is when I feel most feminine.

https://twitter.com/#!/tmc480/status/157338864510447616

Ryana

Thursday, 12 January, 2012 at 12:40

I feel great when I take an evening to pamper my skin

Thursday, 12 January, 2012 at 12:41

https://twitter.com/#!/ryanac32/status/157517490434478080
tweet

Nancy

Thursday, 12 January, 2012 at 12:53

Flirting* makes me feel feminine.

*psst…Innocent flirting, but please don’t tell my husband.

Debra F

Sunday, 15 January, 2012 at 14:39

I try to let my inner beauty shine by not covering myself with too much makeup, and also simplifying my accessories. When I look more natural, I feel more like my true self.

Tina M

Sunday, 15 January, 2012 at 22:46

moisturizer every day makes my skin feel good

https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/158756559265087488

Melanie

Wednesday, 18 January, 2012 at 17:03

Taking care of my skin and making it soft and glowy is the best.

Ashley

Thursday, 19 January, 2012 at 13:42

Too bad you can’t wish them away! I’m heading out to buy this product RIGHT AWAY!

sy

Friday, 20 January, 2012 at 0:24

I like putting on lotion, feels like I’m pampering my self, and improves the look of my skin a lot. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail

tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/160231114638761984
songyueyu at gmail

Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen)

Friday, 20 January, 2012 at 21:26

I like painting my nails once in a while. It makes me feel pretty and as the paint chips away, I remember why my function as a dish-washer, dog-groomer, can-opener and more make painted nails a disaster.

Lisa

Friday, 20 January, 2012 at 21:32

I love getting my nails done to feel girly. I think because it’s one of the few things I can actually see on myself all day

Mary M.

Tuesday, 24 January, 2012 at 11:26

My routine is short and simple. I wash my face daily and that is it.

marybug2@yahoo.com

Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/161847273712664576
marybug2 @ yahoo . com

Janice Cooper

Thursday, 26 January, 2012 at 12:12

Keeping my skin cleansed daily and wearing makeup makes me feel more feminine

Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/162583658673348608

Kerry

Thursday, 26 January, 2012 at 21:25

A new lipstick always makes me feel more feminine and expresses my inner beauty.

Thursday, 26 January, 2012 at 21:26

tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/162722981762711553

Amanda Sakovitz

Saturday, 28 January, 2012 at 12:10

putting on my makeup makes me feel most feminine and expresses my inner beauty

https://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/163307964269199360

Leann Lindeman

Monday, 30 January, 2012 at 10:44

A nice lavender bubble bath and lots of body lotion and just a small amount of makeup makes me feel more feminine.

Joni

Monday, 30 January, 2012 at 12:36

Shaving my legs is a daily regimen that I don’t particularly like to do, but sure makes me feel feminine. Sliding into cool sheets with freshly shaven legs is also a bonus. Would love to try the Olay Facial Hair removal, even though my facial fuzz is blonde. That would really make me feel feminine!!

ANGEL JACKLYN

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 at 0:41

Lathering up with feminine scented lotion makes me feel most beautiful & expresses that beauty through the sense of smell from others! =)

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 at 0:42

2nd entry tweet https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/164221436939091968

Cori Westphal

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 at 13:46

I express my inner beauty with my hair! My hair style can usually tell you what kind of day I’m having or how I’m feeling inside. A big fun up-do is a fierce day. A low simple bun is a demure day. And my hair down and wild is a crazy-out-of-my-way day!

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 at 13:49

Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/164420049862529026

Jessica

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 at 21:37

I express my inner beauty by being as natural as possible! Just a little lip gloss and mascara!

Kathryn C.

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 10:12

Taking care of my skin is the most feminine part of my beauty routine. I have to have a simple routine because I rosacea so the simplicity in my routine brings out my inner beauty because that expresses who I am, simple.

katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 10:13

Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/katbirdfl/status/164727890401955840

MelissaO

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 13:43

A bit of mascara and some face powder (a brand new addition to my beauty routine) makes me feel feminine…so does daily exercise! When I feel confident and healthy, I present my best self to the world, and then my inner beauty comes through.

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

suburbancorrespondent

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 20:37

Doing my hair each morning and putting on a nice pair of shoes helps me feel feminine, even in jeans.

Sarah L

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 21:24

I express my inner beauty through swimming 3 times a week which energizes me and keeps me fit.
Thanks for the contest.

Wednesday, 1 February, 2012 at 21:26

blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/01/win-50-visa-from-blogher-olay.html

Charlotte

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 4:09

I use Olay moisturizer, mineral makeup, sunscreen, Fake Bake tanning spray (instead of tanning bed) eat lots of fruits & veggies, drink lots of water. It leaves a natural glow that I can add a little mascara & lip gloss (busy momma/wife) & feel good about myself! Also, I love adding a cute belt to basically any shirt I wear (quick & easy throw together) & I actually can be happy with myself! My hubby & daughter are my great supporters to let me know I don’t need any make up. They do tease me about my facial hair though-when we’re out somewhere. Which gets pretty embarassing! My daughter just told me tonight, “Mommy you need to get rid of your mustache!” WOW! Too many bad experiences to do so!

Julie L

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 11:40

with my hair-when it looks and feels great
thanks

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 11:51

when my hair feels and looks great thanks

Carmen

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 13:47

Unfortunately, I don’t really do anything that makes me feel feminine. Too little time with a baby in the house.

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 17:54

I love to smile-this expresses my inner beauty thanks
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Norma

Thursday, 2 February, 2012 at 23:59

Putting on my lipstick always makes me feel more feminine and my pleasure with that act expresses my inner beauty

LAMusing

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 0:00

Keeping my routine simple expresses my inner beauty. Moisturizing newly shaved legs makes me feel feminine 🙂

Lee

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 11:36

I show my inner beauty by an honest smile.

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 11:37

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/wizardhlee/status/165473966025216000

eunice b

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 12:11

I enjoy taking care of myself and looking my best…helps me to feel better about life, but God’s beauty is the most important thing that I want others to see through me! 🙂

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 12:12

https://twitter.com/#!/tigergal01/status/165482710037561345

angie lilly

Friday, 3 February, 2012 at 13:00

I don’t wear makeup and the only beauty routine I have is to wash and moisturize my face and wear lip balm! LOL So I am guessing just the scent of my wash/lotion/lip balm are what make me feel feminine!

I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/165494607059230720