I’m no stranger to at-home beauty treatments. I love a color-depositing gloss to touch up my hair between appointments, and I skip the nail salon by using press-ons.
With summer on the horizon (and prices rising), I knew it was time for my next DIY adventure: at-home waxing. I’ve been a pretty consistent shaver of my legs and underarms for as long as I can remember, but it feels like I always have a bit of stubble left behind, and my hair grows so quickly that I have to shave again within a few days.
I’d gotten my legs and underarms waxed once before, for a wedding I was a bridesmaid in a few years ago. I loved the experience, but between the cost and finding time for appointments, it becomes more of a hassle than it’s worth.
About a month ago, I was introduced to the Sliick At-Home Wax Kit. There’s a larger version with a pro-grade wax warmer, but I was attracted to the smaller set with the microwaveable cup because it seemed beginner-friendly — I was right.
Sliick At-Home Waxing Kit
- Beginner-friendly
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Silicone cup gets hot
How I tried the Sliick At-Home Waxing Kit
I opted to start by waxing my underarms since, based on my previous experience, I knew that was a relatively pain-free area for me. But, according to the brand, you can also use this on your face, bikini area, legs, arms and stomach!
The kit comes with everything you need to get started: a silicone cup, a silicone-coated applicator and a small container of acai berry-scented wax beads.
The instructions are simple: pour the desired amount of wax beads into the cup (I filled the cup about halfway for one underarm), pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds, stir with the application stick to loosen up the wax, rinse and repeat until the wax has reached a thick, caramel-like consistency.
The brand recommends testing the temperature of the wax by applying a small dot to the inside of your wrist to make sure it’s comfortable. Once it’s at a good temperature and consistency, use the application stick to apply a thick layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth. Let it set for 1-2 minutes so the wax can harden (which will give you something to hold on to and help it come off easily). Do your best to rip it all out at once, but if you’re like me, you may need to do it in a few mini-pulls.
I prefer to do it after I shower so that my skin is clear and free of any sweat or deodorant residue to help ensure there's nothing that'll keep the wax from gripping onto the hair.
The first time I did this at home, my fiancé was the one who actually applied the wax and ripped it off (mostly because he was curious), so I was able to hold the skin taut to make the ripping process easier.
The second time, I did the wax myself. It definitely has more of a learning curve when you’re doing it on your own, but it’s still doable! The trickiest part for me was figuring out how to apply the wax to myself without needing to corral a bunch of stringy bits at the ends. I think this has more to do with figuring out the right consistency, though, so I’m sure the more I do it, the more adept I’ll become.
Why I like the Sliick At-Home Waxing Kit
It's beginner-friendly
Despite being intimidated by the process at first, both my fiancé and I found the instructions included to be very clear and easy to follow. And if you’re really lost, there’s even an instruction video on the site.
I found that I only needed to do two solid strips to remove all of the hair from my underarms. If there were any stray hairs left behind, I did a smaller “clean up” strip just to target those areas.
My hair took longer to grow back and was thinner
I hadn't shaved for about two weeks, and there was a decent length of hair on my underarms (estimated about an inch long). After just the first wax, it took three weeks for the hair to grow back to the same length, and it was much sparser than when I was shaving
My skin is smoother than ever
I don't remember the last time my underarms were this smooth after shaving (in fact, I don't think they ever were). I even notice a difference in how smoothly my deodorant glides on!
I have some hyperpigmentation in the underarm area, and I feel more comfortable using products to tackle it now that my skin is so smooth there.
Clean up is a breeze
My fiancé was jaw-droppingly shocked at how easy it was to clean at the end! Since the applicator and cup are both covered in silicone, all you need to do is wait for the remaining wax to harden, and then you can pull it right off.
What to consider
With this particular set, you'll need a bit of patience, a smidge of muscle and a kitchen towel.
Since you're only supposed to heat the wax in 45-second increments, you'll need to put in a little work to stir when half of the wax beads are melted and half are not. You'll hear little popping sounds while stirring that indicate the beads are starting to melt down and come together into the desired consistency.
Since the entire cup is made out of silicone, it gets a little too hot to handle after two or three rounds in the microwave. I used a kitchen towel to handle it until it was cool enough to hold by the handle.
More at-home wax products editors love
Completely Bare Soothe and Subdue Nourishing Hair and Skin Oil
- Helps calm irritation
- Good for sensitive skin
- Multi-use for hair and skin
- Mixed reviews on use for hair
Size: 1 fl oz | Key ingredients: Sweet almond, sunflower seed, grapeseed, shea, lavender and coconut oils, rosemary leaf extract and squalane
I use this oil to calm irritation post-wax. It leaves my skin feeling super smooth, and the lavender scent reminds me of a spa, so it's extra relaxing.
According to the brand, this oil can also be used on your hair for moisture and to enhance curls.
Sliick Post Wax and Shave Oil
- Helps to calm irritation
- Doesn't feel greasy
- Glass bottle can be slippery
Size: 4 fl oz | Key ingredients: Grapeseed, jojoba, lavender and tea tree oils, squalane, vitamins B and E
I love that you can use this oil after waxing or shaving. I use it after waxing my underarms and after shaving my legs (since I'm not brave enough to wax those again ... yet). It calms my irritated skin and leaves it feeling moisturized. Plus, it smells good!
Bliss Poetic Waxing At-Home Wax Kit
- Easy to use
- Reviews say it's "pain-free"
- May not be for sensitive skin
Kit includes: Wax warming cup, applicator sticks, hard wax beads, pre- and post-wax shave oils
"Bliss is an OG. It's been around forever and people love it," says editorial director Adrianna Brach. "I used it a lot during the pandemic and continue to use it at home because salon prices have gotten so out of control. It’s surprisingly easy to use, and the wax doesn’t need to be that hot. I also like the blue color, so you can see exactly where you’re applying it. 10/10 recommend!!!"
European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum
- Gentle and soothing
- Pleasant smell
- pH-balanced
- Use consistently for results
Size: 1.7 fl oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin, glycolic acid, acai extract, coffee extract, lavender oil, tea tree leaf oil
Several Shop TODAY editors are fans of this serum from European Wax Center.
Associate social media editor Daniella Musacchio even calls it her "skin care hero." She experiences ingrown hairs, bumps and breakouts after hair removal, and says this serum has worked the best out of everything she's tried. She uses it on her armpits and bikini line, saying it "has worked wonders."
Crybaby Wax Ride or Cry AHA Exfoliating Splash
- A little goes a long way
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Glass bottle is heavy
Size: 3.38 fl oz | Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera leaf juice, lavender flower water, orange peel extract, tea tree leaf oil, glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid
"I’m super prone to ingrown hairs, and this exfoliating splash is one of the few products I’ve tried that actually helps keep bumps at bay," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "The AHA blend gently exfoliates, and I’ve found that it’s been especially effective on the bikini line. Love all of the products from this brand, which was founded by a woman with PCOS who’s been battling facial and body hair since she was 16 and sought out to create better products than what was out there."
Blitzwax Waxing Kit
- Compact
- Warmer heats quickly
- Slight learning curve at first
Kit includes: Wax warmer, four bags of lavender wax beads, pre- and post-wax oils, 10 large wax sticks, 10 small wax sticks, user manual
"Talk about a product that has saved me money," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "Years ago, I started waxing at home ahead of my wedding and honeymoon to save on expensive waxing sessions while avoiding shaving. It takes a bit of practice, but now I can confidently wax my underarms and bikini line. The warmer reminds me of a little slow cooker. It heats up in about ten to fifteen minutes, and then you’re ready to go."
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there in beauty and beyond. We keep track of the latest launches and use our own personal experiences with products like lip balms and brands like Glossier to make shopping easier for our readers.
Kamari Stewart is an associate editor with several years' experience in beauty, home, gifting and more.
