hair removal

Jenny McCarthy Reveals How She Battles PMS, Extra Pounds and Unwanted Hair

Written on March 11, 2013 at 3:16 pm , by Heather Muir

Spitfire hottie Jenny McCarthy wears a bunch of hats: mom, author, model, comedian, cover girl, environmental and autism activist and most recently, spokesperson for Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X ($449, triabeauty.com). Check out page 48 in our March issue for more info about the handheld device, which is the first FDA-cleared at-home laser to use the same diode laser derms do. But despite her many roles, the blonde bombshell is as candid as celebrities come. Immediately following her appearance on the Rachel Ray show, McCarthy and I chatted in the green room about how after 20 years in Hollywood, she looks better than ever. When the first words out of McCarthy’s mouth were, “Sorry, I’m PMS-ing,” I knew it would be a good interview.

How do you cope with PMS?
“Bikram Yoga! It makes me feel better, it helps me stay in shape and it’s an all natural way to keep my face firm. You know how when you get a facial and they steam your skin for 90 minutes? That’s how Bikram leaves my skin—it tightens it.” [Later, McCarthy proudly acknowledges that she’s been getting Botox injections for the past eight years.]

Are you wearing Spanx right now?
“No—Spanx would just push everything up. This dress is tight. My diet’s horrific right now—I’m up 14 pounds since moving to Chicago. I go up and down, so when I’m up, I pick a date [to lose the weight by] and I have ‘no fat Tuesdays.’ I talk about it on my blog splash.suntimes.com. I find losing weight in a group is better. I tell women to text a ‘chubby buddy’ what they eat so they’re held accountable. I just texted my friend that I had three potatoes.”

What’s your go-to healthy snack?
“Watermelon. It’s my little secret. It helps me with not retaining water and it balances my blood sugar levels.”

If you could splurge on any food, what would it be?
“Pizza, cheeseburgers, milkshakes and onion rings, all of which I’m allergic to.” [McCarthy is allergic to gluten and dairy.]

Is it harder to look hot now than it was during your Singled Out days?
“Back then, I played against it. I didn’t think about it. Now, being 40, I want to present myself in the best way.”

How do you stay in shape?
“I do Bikram a few times a week and light weights three times a week.”

What’s behind your partnership with Tria?
“I like doing stuff in the privacy of my own home. And I like that there are different levels [on the device] so you can use what’s comfortable. They’ve found a way to remove hair as good as they do in the doctor’s office in your own home. While I’m single and doing photo-shoots, it’s great for maintaining [a hair-free look]. 20 years ago, I did laser hair removal, but I stopped because I couldn’t stand the embarrassment, then I waxed and shaved. You don’t want to look like Fred Flintstone’s beard down there!”

What are some of your other favorite beauty products?
“I put these eye masks on when I fly. I stopped getting acrylic nails because I don’t have time so now I use Kiss press on nails —they’re convenient and inexpensive. When I do TV, I always wear fake lashes. I don’t wear perfume because I’m sensitive to it. I get spray tans once a week at Brown Buns in L.A. [McCarthy’s sister’s company]. I always feel slimmer; it gives the illusion I’m leaner and it hides stretch marks.”

How has your beauty routine changed since becoming a mom?
“I do everything that I can at home—facials, hair removal, spray tanning, Insanity DVDs, weights, treadmill.”

What’s your favorite music to workout to?
“I’m a Pandora Pink Radio kind of girl.”

Favorite Find Friday: EOS Moisturizing Shaving Cream

Written on January 25, 2013 at 3:08 pm , by Molly Ritterbeck

Shaving cream isn’t really something I put much thought into. I usually just use whatever I have in the shower, even if that means using hair conditioner or even soap (don’t tell!). But when I recently used EOS Moisturizing Shaving Cream ($4, store.evolutionofsmooth.com) I was instantly hooked. The formula comes out rich and creamy and creates a whipped-like lather. It was so hydrating, I didn’t even need to use a body lotion afterwards—my legs felt so smooth and silky, even my boyfriend noticed the difference!

Favorite Find Friday: Schick Hydro Silk for Women Razor

Written on November 2, 2012 at 10:00 am , by Molly Ritterbeck

Shaving can sometimes be a pain, especially after a workout in the cramped shower stall of the locker room. Plus, I don’t want to weigh my gym bag down with a can of shaving cream so instead, I keep a Schick Hydro Silk for Women Razor ($10, drugstore.com) on hand. Its five (yes, five!) blades are surrounded by tiny beads that are jam packed with a water-activated moisturizing serum that’s so hydrating, you don’t even need to use a shaving cream. It’s perfect year-round since it gives me the closest shave, but especially during the chilly winter months that tend to dry out my legs.