And hearts, diamonds, and four leaf clovers? My God is this a bikini wax or a box of Lucky Charms?

Here are some general guidelines…and remember, there will always be variations of waxing styles depending on the practitioner and/or salon, but these should cover the broad idea.

Basic bikini: Removes the hair just outside a modest panty line.

When to choose: If you are want only a simple clean up and some definition.

Full bikini: Takes the sides and tops of the bikini line deeper than a regular bikini wax (right up to the middle). Also includes top and inner thighs.

When to choose: If you want a more liberal bikini line, or more defined look than a basic bikini.

French bikini: Takes all hair off the bikini area, inner thigh, and the middle but leaves a small strip or triangle in the front – no backside.

When to choose: You want a smooth, clean look in the front and middle but don’t want to be completely bare.

Brazilian bikini: All gone! All hair is removed from the bikini area, inner thigh, the middle and backside.

When to choose: The perfect option if you wear a thong, or want to be completely hairless in front and back.

Now if you want to get REALLY creative, ask for one of these delightful shapes! Who knew? For me, it’s a toss-up between the Captain Obvious and The Dark Side. Which shape suits you?

Fall is also the time for a LOT of birthdays. Today my son turned two. In November, I will have aged another year, so will have my husband, his sister, my mother, and several of our friends. Don’t get me started on December. Apparently a LOT of people were gettin’ bizz-ay  in February and March. Anyway, being that there are SO many birthdays, one can’t help but dwell on the fact that we are getting older. Every. Single. Day. Is that another laugh line? My god, I need to stop being so happy! Well, don’t do that. In fact, do more of it, laugh lines be damned! Studies show that happy people live up to 35% longer than grouchy-pants. It’s true!

Of course it is my business to help people look and consequently feel their best. And I am honored to be a part of that beauty ritual. From bikini waxing to eyebrow tweezing, I take great pleasure in causing great pain for great skin. Wait. That came out wrong. Anyway my point is this: I’m not going get depressed if I look older than I did yesterday. I won’t fight aging. BUT I will keep up the effort to grow WITH it gracefully. I will enjoy the process and I won’t sweat a wrinkle. Ok I confess, I am inspired by my son today (did I mention it is his birthday?!) so I’m a bit on the bubbly side. He is so young. He is so new. He is amazed by every sight, sound, and breath. He makes me smile all the time. Well, most of the time, let’s be honest. He makes me laugh so hard that I should be the one wearing the Huggies…and I would gladly take all the laugh lines in the world for just one of those giggles. Perspective. But like I said, it’s my son’s birthday and I’m inspired. Tomorrow I’ll start complaining about my graying hair.

But that is tomorrow, Scarlett, tomorrow!