Hovan’s Gold utilizes resorcinol, bromelain, vitamin A, and tea tree oil to soothe the skin, and encourage straight hair growth. It is also good to soothe skin irritated by shaving or waxing. I noticed a difference in my skin after just one use – of course, continued use is recommended. Unlike other, similar products, Hovan’s Gold is emollient, so it won’t cause dry or flaky skin, and a small amount goes a long way.

Hovan’s Gold is safe to use on all areas of the body: legs, face, bikini line, wherever.

I’ve never had threading done, but I’m game to give it a go. Normally, threading is the domain of estheticians and only available at salons. But now, SunMaita has developed a system for home use. The apparatus is specially angled to make threading easy, even for a newbie, the company promises. Replaceable threads are pre-cut and attached to tiny plastic nubs. The nubs allow the organic cotton-blend threads to snap into place. Two threads of different length essentially twist around each other. Squeezing the trigger on the threader causes the threads to twist back and forth, catching the hair and rolling it from the skin. This method is supposed to have the same benefits of waxing – slower regrowth, less chance of ingrown hairs – without the pain of waxing.

The SunMaita threader is not meant for eyebrows. I gave it a shot on my ankle, mainly because that was the easiest place for me to test it out. It does take multiple uses to get the hang of – finding the right angle, tension, speed, and pressure. Once I got it down, it was reasonably easy to remove hair. It is less painful than waxing, slower than shaving, and less precise than tweezing. Ultimately, I could see myself most often using the threader on ankles, knees, and underarms: small-ish areas that are too large to pluck and tough to shave.

SunMaita Threader Kit includes the threader, 40 organic cotton-blend replacement threads, pre- and post-threading lotions, and chalk to make the hairs more visible. Each kit costs $150 and can be purchased at SunMaita.com

Organic, high-quality, eco-aware products that cost less than typical drugstore products – yup, it’s a reality, and it is called EOS. Evolution of Smooth.

Currently the EOS line consists of only two products, but they have obviously put a lot of attention into each. The Ultra-Rich Shave Cream is loaded with aloe, shea butter, and vitamins to offer a moisturizing shave. The product applies more like a lotion than a typical shave cream, so don’t expect a thick coat of suds. But you get a close, easy shave. The company also promises that the shave cream can be used on dry skin as well as wet. Best of all, the shave cream comes in a recyclable, soft-touch plastic bottle with a one-touch pump top. It is easy to use and won’t rust out in the shower – the most important feature for me.

The 95% organic, 100% natural lip balm is loaded with vitamin E and shea butter, and gives long-lasting moisture and feels light on the lips. Don’t let the boy in your life use it: it’s non-colored, non-glossy coverage means you may never get it back. EOS comes in a half-dozen flavors, and two shapes: a traditional stick, and a bulbous sphere. I love the sphere because it is so different and applies easily. I also love that EOS balms don’t come in pots, so you don’t have to stick your grubby little fingers in. Both balm styles come in the same soft-touch packaging.

Shave cream retails for $4.99. Lip balms retail for $3.99. To purchase, visit the EOS store at Drugstore.com or Amazon.com

I’m sure you have seen the No! No! hair removal system at Sephora: the small handheld device that promises hair removal without the pain. But, like me, you have wondered if it is worth the hefty $250 price tag. I haven’t quite decided yet.

No! No! uses “revolutionary Thermicon technology” that utilizes both heat and light to remove hair and slow the growth process. You simply plug in the palm-sized device and sweep it slowly over your skin. Do this 2-3 times a week, and it will keep your legs smooth and lessen hair regrowth. Piece o’ cake.

Ok, it’s not quite as simple as all that. It takes some practice to get the right sweep speed (don’t worry, there is a light to guide you – solid green means good, flickering green or no light is not-so-good). Rounded areas such as knees and ankles take more practice. There are two attachments: one for stubble, and one for longer growth. If you have longer growth, you need to use that attachment first, then follow over with the stubble attachment. As you finish sections, buff the skin with the included pad.

The process is not entirely pain-free. If you hit a rounded area at a bad angle, or pause too long, there is a sharp little burning sensation. I felt this several times, but don’t see any marks or scars. I have whiter-than-white skin, and am extremely prone to razor burn. Despite the little burning sensations, I seem to be free of “razor” burn.

The other complaint I have is that it is not a quick process. It has taken me about an hour total (stubble only, from ankle to knee). The system promises that if you keep up with it, it will slow the growth of new hair eventually. Unfortunately I have only had time to do the process two or three times.

Like with everything, there are pros and cons. If you have the dedication and the time, then I recommend this product – it’s very effective with little to no “side effects.”