Upper Lip Hair: Causes, Removal & Makeup Coverage

Question
QUESTION: I am 37 and for the last year have noticed my upper lip hair getting darker and when I pluck or wax with Sally Hanson wax strips I get like bruising on my upper lip I try to cover it with make up but it does not work. I am waiting to get laser in a month or two but until then what kind of make up is there to cover it?

ANSWER: Hi Lisa!

ADDED COMMENT TO EARLIER RESPONSE:

Lisa, I reread your question here and I concentrated on the subjectline and noticed that you wrote that you bruised on your upper lip.
Is it a bruise or is it scabbed now?
Could you please let me know?


Elaine :)




As we get older, some women's hair may worsen/or get darker. It can be caused by smoking, alchohol consumption, hormones, stress or birth control.
Do any of these symptoms apply to you?  

I understand this sensitive issue. I'm also a woman with facial hair and it isn't easy! I have to wax my upper lip every week! I've been waxing for years so it isn't as dark or thick :)

Sorry to read that the Sally Hanson didn't work for you. How long have you been using the strips?
It is a bit tough to cover upper lip hair and sorry to suggest this but would you be willing to wax once a week until your laser procedure? You could go to a spa or salon. Most places charge about $10 and it's a hot wax ( don't worry, it doesn't burn you )
Threading is another option. It's a cotton string used in a twisting motion to remove hair. It's actually preferred better than waxing!

Another option you could try is:  
- Max Factor's pan stick number 11 (it's theatrical makeup)
It may take awhile to get it to cover right but it works the best that I know of.

Please know that you aren't alone on this subject.
Remember that most people are looking at your beautiful smile anyway!!

I look forward to your reply as I am concerned what you want to do next.
I'm here to help!

Warmly,
Elaine :)




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: After I wax the hair or just pluck it my skin is darker like it is bruising I just feel like no matter what after I wax and pluck you can still see a bad shadow on my upper lip. Thanks for your advice.

Answer
Hi Lisa :)

I definately want to get to the reason why you are experiencing the bruising on your upper lip area.
There could be a few reasons why and have to ask the following questions please

- Do you bruise easily?
- Are you using enough wax on your upper lip? If there is the right amount of thickness of wax on the hair, otherwise extra force may cause the bruising
- do you have any skin conditions? are you taking any medications?
- how long does the bruising last?
- are you tanning?
- are you using antibiotics?

Sometimes, even laser procedures can cause minimal bruising so if you are sensitive I'd like to know if you'll be ok and you should know what to expect.

In the meantime, please use aloe vera gel on that area. This is the safest to use until I can understand what is happening to your skin.

If you could attach a picture of that area, that could also help further.

Look forward to your reply

Warmly,
Elaine :)