We get a lot of samples sent our way at the CollegeCandy office. In fact, as I write this, I’m looking at a table full of things that people have sent over. Like lube. And body wash. And a Halloween costume that has a penis in which you can store your beers.

Well, that one I requested.

Anyways, while we get all this stuff dropped off daily, it is truly rare that I find something new and awesome and totally worth writing about. Because I’m not gonna write about just anything the mailman drops on my desk while I’m out for my mid-morning brownie run. But I recently received a package that intrigued me and has since changed my life. And I not exaggerating.

I have a bikini line problem. It doesn’t matter if I maintain it myself or leave it to the waxing professionals, I get terrible in-grown hairs. I’ve used old razors, new razors, hard wax, soft wax, blue wax…you name it, I’ve tried it. And I’ve ended up with big, ugly bumps. Not really the look you’re going for when you spend $50 to beautify your nether regions.

I’m desperate to fix this and will give just about anything a try (well, anything that doesn’t cost $1,200 and use red, hot lasers on my va jay). So when I recieved a package from Hair Care Down There, I stuck that sucker in my messenger bag and took it home. Yeah, so it was only 2pm.  I just had to try it. Read More »

Talking sex with your doctor isn’t always easy. Whether you are afraid she will judge you,  you just don’t feel comfortable sharing the intimate details of your life between the sheets, or you can’t think straight with a speculum between your legs, many people get tight lipped in the doctor’s office. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have questions.

We thought we’d help and every Thursday our friend Dr. Lissa Rankin will be answering your questions. The ones you couldn’t ask your doctor in person. Just leave your questions in the comments, or send em over to us. (We’ll keep it all anonymous for you.) Dr. Lissa will answer anything – really, anything – about sex and other lady things. Don’t be shy; she’s waiting for ya!

Q: Whenever I shave my bikini line or get waxed I get MASSIVE bumps down there. We’re talking HUGE. They hurt a ton and are super gross looking. Oh, and sometimes they pop (like a zit) and I get nauseous just looking at them. I can’t NOT wax/shave, but I also can’t handle these things. What is the cause and how can I prevent them?

A: I hear you, sister!  Sounds like you’re suffering from what we call folliculitis, infected ingrown hairs that can be caused by shaving.  We’ve all been there: it’s a hot, sunny day, and the beach beckons. You don your pink polka-dot bikini, only to discover that your Fabulous Furburger is flowing over the bikini line.  Bathing suit still on, you grab the razor and maybe a little hand soap, and set to work scraping the pubes off your inner thighs. Problem solved, right? Maybe not.  Two hours later, you’re covered with fire-engine red bumps advertising your bikini shave to the universe. And you can’t even swim because you’re so raw that the salt water makes you want to rip out your whole genital region and sling it into outer space.

And even in non-emergencies, when you do it right- soak in the bathtub first, lather up your pubes with the best shaving cream, and use a fresh, sharp razor, shave against the grain of what pubic hair wants- razor burn, ingrown hairs, itching, and burning often follow. Read More »

So I realize it is mid-August, and that means that it’s taken me pretty much all summer to get my bikini shaving to a level of perfection. As someone with sensitive skin, I am often prone to razor burn and the dreaded ingrown hairs. If you have ever had an ingrown hair you know that they are painful, unattractive, and pretty tricky to get rid of. But even with these risks we ladies have to keep a clean-cut bikini line!

Luckily, I have (finally) figured out exactly which products will prevent these problems, and what to do if you do have to deal with evil ingrown hairs. Yes, ladies, there is a solution. Now, stay with me:

- You should always shave your bikini line last in the shower when skin is softest. And don’t lather on the same shaving gel you use on your legs; use this gel from BikiniZone instead. It moisturizes skin as it sits there and is clear so you can see what you’re doing. At only $4.99, this gel is a necessity and I have found it to be proven to prevent unwanted bumps.

- When it’s time to actually begin the shaving process, you want to switch up your razor, too. The Noxzema mini bikini razor is made just for this area – small and delicate – so it’s much better suited to the job than whatever you’re using on those legs. It also comes in a three-pack, which makes it much easier to grab a new one often. And you should! It is important to keep the razor sharp and prevent buildup; a dull, used blade will create more problems down there than a new one. Read More »