Smooth Away: Does it Work?
Saturday, March 7, 2009 by RockstarMama
Oh for crap’s sake. I’ve been suckered.
As a chick, there is a never-ending, arduous battle to be smooth and hair-free in most places. American society has determined that the high-priority targets are:
- Legs
- Underarms
- Bikini line
A number of options exist for your hair removal needs. Traditional choices include:
- Shave it
- Wax it
- Zap it
- Burn it off with chemicals
- Pluck it
- F*ck it
These, of course, range from annoying (shaving) to soul-suckingly agonizing (waxing). Nonetheless, we’re expected to keep doing it… for no real reason except “cuz the other kids do it” (damn peer pressure). And so, like suckers, we repeatedly torment ourselves for at best a several-day hiatus of non-neanderthal smoothness. Unless of course if you happen to come across, say, a cool breeze… ever gotten out of the shower after 20 minutes of meticulous and lathery hair removal–foot lodged in the soap dish, bending and squatting at inexplicable angles–and it just happens to be cold in the bathroom? Oh yeah. Goosebumps for two seconds and all that shit pops back like you have cha-cha-cha chia legs.
Enter the Smooth Away.
No razor. No hot gooey wax to rip from your skin. No pointy, pokey tweezers. No flesh-searing chemicals.
Commercial lady, fresh from the shower in one of those impossibly plush spa robes beams euphorically as she gently brushes the little pink and gray pad along her legs, revealing a silky hairless glow. Easy! Safe! Painless! Random chick on the street, with a simple stroke of the pad, reveals a broad, smooth hairless area on her lower arm. It looks… so easy! So fast! And you’re telling me I don’t have to shave?? I must have it!!
Smooth Away can conveniently be found at your local Walgreens or similar establishment. I think I actually startled a little old lady buying milk and walnuts proclaiming “THEY HAVE THE SMOOTH AWAY!!!” as I flung it over my head, waving it victory flag-style like an ass.
And for about $10, it was mine. Muhahahaha! Goodbye, stupid razors!
Back in the privacy of my own bathroom, I giggled like a pothead as I caressed my new purchase.
Inside the box, a weird plastic green pouch was found. I flipped open the pouch to find stuff that looked familiar–the pink thingies and the gray thingies from TV, and a giant warning sign, which basically said to make sure your skin doesn’t have any lotion on it prior to use. What it should have said was: “Please step away from the Smooth Away. Close the weird plastic green pouch. Chuck it directly into the garbage and go buy some razors.” THAT would have been a good warning.
Not deterred, I eagerly applied the gray sticker thing to the pink plastic thing and prepared to be amazed. Huh. So, it’s basically like a really fine piece of sandpaper. You’d think that would have stopped me. Nope. Towelled up like the lady on the commercial, I began to gently rub the Smooth Away on my left underarm. Yeah, it didn’t just look like sandpaper, it felt like sandpaper. Abrasive. Irritating. Sort of like scrubbing your armpit with a Brillo pad.
Well it hurts like f*ck, it must be working, right? Wrong. I peered cautiously onto the affected area, to only find it red and looking a bit like rugburn. The hairs? Still there. Crap.
Pour glass of wine.
Try again.
Here’s something else they don’t tell you. Since it doesn’t work right away, you actually have to buff the hell out of even the smallest patch of hair for a LONG TIME before any of the hairs start to disappear. Oh… oh the friction. So, after a valiant attempt, my poor pit was left red and raw, with patchy bits of hair in places. The worst part? Now I actually still had to shave, and I was now shaving an area the Smooth Away had “exfoliated” (read: scraped the skin off) I slathered my abused underarm in thick lotion and finished the wine.
Determined not to be outdone by the Smooth Away, I made a secondary attempt on my lower leg with the larger pink pad. Dudes. It’s as if I am completely incapable of learning my lesson.
WTH?! This is a tragedy on many levels.
As if it’s not hard enough to have to shave, pluck and wax; now we are encouraged to rub something on our skin that is meant to even out wood. Somewhere, some Smooth Away exec is rich and laughing at us. While this product may come in handy in a torture situation in the kit next to the bamboo shoots and hot pokers, it should never be used on a human woman. Or man.
Save your money. Buy stock in Nair.
Check out my review of the ShamWow!
NEW post: YOUTHOLOGY, does it work?
NEW review of Crayola 3D chalk!
Read my review of the Leg Magic!
Got something else you’d like me to review? Submit your suggestions here.
123 Responses to “Smooth Away: Does it Work?”
-
[...] made me feel a lot better was reading this review of Smooth Away – not just because it’s very, very funny but because I”m not the only hairy, lazy idiot [...]
-
[...] end up with the most darling little fuzz on her calves, I would be like a bramble within an hour. THIS brings it all back, and it made me laugh so hard I thought I was going to fall down. [...]
-
[...] Berkley presents Worst product ever created posted at RockstarMama: the blog? Rockstar Mama the blog, saying, “$10 right down the toilet, [...]
-
[...] since I accidentally and inadvertently tortured myself with the Smooth Away and Leg Magic for your literary enjoyment, I’ve received numerous requests to review (read: [...]
-
[...] Berkley presents Worst product ever created posted at RockstarMama: the blog Rockstar Mama the blog, saying, “$10 right down the toilet, [...]
-
[...] No razor. No hot gooey wax to rip from your skin. No pointy, pokey tweezers. No flesh-searing chemicals.Commercial lady, fresh from the shower in one of those impossibly plush spa robes beams euphorically as she gently brushes the little pink and gray pad along her legs, revealing a silky hairless glow. Easy! Safe! Painless! Random chick on the street, with a simple stroke of the pad, reveals a broad, smooth hairless area on her lower arm. It looks… so easy! So fast! And you’re telling me I don’t have to shave?? I must have it!! Read the rest of her story Here! [...]
That if just flippin funny. Thanks for saving me $14.99.
Oh dude. You are so welcome. My pits are still recovering… save yourself!!
LOL…that was the funniest article I have read in a long time! I was trying so hard not to laugh-out-loud at work. Thank you for sharing your horror story, I was actually going to purchase it today, but I wanted to see if any reviews existed first. I hope you recover soon! *wince*
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I thought (read Shawshank Redemption) “salvation lies within” when I saw that package! Thank god I only carry enough cash for my planned purchases (can we say “Rachel has trouble reining in her plastic mustang”?) or else I’d have bought it. ‘Preciate the review, it was hilarious. PEACE, LOVE AND CRABS FOR MY EX!
haha…..i have one and it works only if you rub really hard and really fast. but then it gets all red, sooo….
Oh man… I was just in Walgreen’s buying two things I don’t need, and sitting near the checkout, just glaring at me from it’s stupid little stand, was the EVIL SMOOTH AWAY!! GAAAAAA!! I glared at it. It knows I’m on to it.
Loved the comments, guys! Happy to entertain on a sucky Monday. Check back soon for more adventures.
Also, because I’m a sucker (or possibly I need a hobby), please let me know if there are other products you’d like me to try & review. I’ll be your personal guinea pig!
I totally agree with you. I myself wasted 9.99+tax at walgreens and I’m returning it in a few hours when they open. It’s really funny how they say “not available in stores” and here its at walmart, walgreens, cvs, etc. I know waxing kills in some places but its the only way to prevent hair from coming back like shaving does so I’m just gonna stick with that. Nobody said beauty is painless right? I hope people can learn from these reviews and not get suckered into this crap.
WOOHOO! Good for you, baby! Give us a shout when you return victoriously.
Thank you!!! I was about to buy that thing. Thanks for the entertainment and information!
It worked good for me… I didn’t have a problem! And it only took me about 5 minutes to do both my legs. They’re super smooth now. I don’t know why it didn’t work for you!
I don’t have a severe “stache” like people you point at and go “oh my heavens is that a man or a lady!” However, I have enough of one to make me self-concious.
So, I bought these things thinking.. tweezing hurts like a bitch and waxing seems like a bad plan. I used them and they worked.. but now my skin feels like it grew 2394823 extra layers on top? and it’s rough. I think I’m more uncomfortable than I was in the first place.
This review made me LOL explosively.
Speaking of explosions, when I read the “oh my heavens, is that a man or a lady!” comment above, I actually spit a little puddle of orange juice out into my hand. Fortunately not the one operating the mouse. LOL!
Sure, the one time I try to give my body something healthy like actual fruit juice. Probably won’t happen again at least until April. Oh well. It was funny but now I’m sticky.
Hey, I’m glad it worked for somebody! I was starting to lose faith in the As-Seen-on-TV industry. And there are so many more products left to explore!
Sure wish i found this site before i bought that silly thing. After trying to do one leg lol i read allllllllll the warnings and it says if you are a diabetic don’t use. Why I did not understand till reading some of these messages. If it breaks your skin out and causes rash then yea i should not use it. What a waste of my money geeee and to think i was looking for a quick way to rid hair. Oh well back to the razor
so, i bought it, and it totally works. i dont know what you’re talking about. the only thing that i found out is that you barely put any pressure on the pad at all.
i swear by it!
WOOHOO! We made someone else’s blog–damn, just so badass… I’m so proud. If the link above looks funny on your browser, click here: http://www.myhusbandbetty.com/2009/03/11/smooth-away/
Doll, I have got an enjoi in a drawer that you can have. This is an electric tweezer that makes it easy to be smooth. Especially if you start out smooth. Face it, we are screwed, and not in a good way.
And I was one click away from the BIN…..Glad I found your post on the smooth away before I hit the button…..If only you would have gave a post on kissing toads. Thanks for the laugh….
signed: Miss Frog (cinderella is still looking for prince charming seems all I find are the talking toads)
Ha! Yes, I really only prefer to get screwed in a good way.
Amphibians scare me. Anything that can lick something else from two feet away is just not natural.
Yay! Rockstar Mama SAAAAAAAAAVED me! I’m so glad I found this.
I saved my money. Went to my tool box and tried a piece of actual sandpaper (extra fine). Worked just as well.
Very innovative! Next we’ll probably see some chick on TV buffin’ it up with a belt sander. Way to not be suckered, peeps!
Thanks for the laugh and for saving me $$$. You are a riot. You should start reviewing things and set up a complete website. I bet you could get them to send you the stuff for free. Now we want to see your review on the ShamWow and that chopper thingy like the one you can get from Pampered Chef. Watching and waiting for more.
Ooh, a challenge! Muahahahaha! Ok. ShamWow and chopper dealie. I will start making a list. Anything that doesn’t rip the crap out of my armpits is warmly welcomed. I am currently reviewing the Leg Magic… check back soon!
Smooth, hairless skin is a requirement if you live in sunny So-Cal. I saw this item on TV and saved their toll free # in my cell phone for a “later date” to purchase it. I totally wanted a pain free hair removal system to replace my razor, and I wanted to believe the “Smooth Away” ad on TV. I received an email advertisement from their site today and got EXCITED about it all over again. BUT! I thought about investigating some reviews on the product first before whipping out my Visa. I am sooooooo glad I found your review and quickly shoved my Visa card back into my wallet. Thanks for saving me the hassel and $$ RockstarMama!
Thanks for the help, I was going to buy it, but thanks to your review I wont. I knew something was wrong. Funny
Glad to save you guys the cash and the skin-scratching agony!
I’m a guy who shaves his body (a tad femenine, eh?) and I saw this on TV. Looked so easy!
Guess I was wrong. Thanks for taking one for the team, sweetheart.
Anytime, baby. Let me know what else I can review for you!
WOOHOO! Someone else likes us. Here’s the link to the above article… http://firecatclub.wordpress.com/2009/03/13/hilarity-which-i-think-we-need-sometimes/
hah that was great
for some reason i still kinda wanna go to walgreens and buy it
gah, i’m so defiaaant. d:
This is the funniest thing I ever read, I have tears in my eyes. Thank you so much, I was just going to go to Walgreens and purchase this because earlier in the week I saw it, thank goodness I had too many things in my hand to pick it up. I’m a Cosmetologist so I think I will print this out to show my wax customers…thanks for keeping us in business!
Anytime! Damn, after this hell of an experience I could use a good waxing. You’re not in Vegas are you? LOL…
This has gotten such mixed reviews that I think I’ll stick with my current regiment- Veet all the way, baby. It works everywhere for me, and completely painless (unlike wax). I do have cheap disposable razors for the two-second OMG FIX MY PITS days as well.
Hilarious “OMG FIT MY PITS” note, man, don’t we all have those days?!? I’ll have to give Veet a whirl. You’d think that after a while the hair would know we just don’t want it and to stop growing back!!
Just wondering if I can post this to my facebook, profile….I have been emailing this thing all over the place and everyone loves it…you have made a lot of people’s day and if you are on FB, would love to be your friend or fan if that is the case….if not, well that’s ok too….thanks….barbieky from NJ
WOOHOO!! Of COURSE you can post this on your Facebook, and thanks for sharing it!
There should be a little button underneath the article that says “share on facebook”. If you have any trouble w/it, just let me know. If you could also add a link back over here, that would rule.
I AM on Facebook, although I just set it up literally days ago and haven’t publicized it at all so there’s not anything really on there yet. Too much time spent torturing myself with bad products; not enough time for fun stuff! I’m not sure I know what my page address is. Such a newbie. Try searching for Kaiton Berkley, and if you can tell me how to find my own page I might mail you my old Smooth Away, lol.
omfg my friend and i went to CVS and saw it and we were like ‘i wanna try it cause its only ten bucks.’ god we are so lucky
thanx for the detailed description – funny & informative!! u just saved me $9.99 + tax. i’ll with the hatchett for my “tree-trunks” & pray for ur pits!!
I, too, purchased this product thinking I could give up my razors. I wound up with what looked like 2nd degree rug burns on my legs. They were so very dry. Even after a month I still have a few red, dry spots on my legs. Total waste of money. I have been discouraging everyone I know not to buy it and they can try mine if they want to be tortured.
Thank you for that review… this is one i acutally got through all the way
I have been eyeballing smooth away for a long while now since my 11 yr old (who has black hairy, oh so hairy legs) is going to start shaving and thought this will be perfect. she can be so clutsy a shaver and her scares me. last night i even checked walgreens for one but could not find it.. now i am happy i didn’t! well i am still searching alternatives for my 11 yr old but if it helps you.. your pain saved an 11 yr olds 1st time shaving from pain..lol
Thanks bunches! I am sick to death of these products that not only don’t work, but practically kill us in the process
. Although I do love my Ped Egg…
BTW, do you have a dog? I was wondering if you’ve tried the Pet-icure or whatever it’s called for the poochie’s toenails?
Wow that was so funny and thanks i was about to go to Walgreen’s and buy it on my way home from work.. i think living vicariously through you tortuous experience is enough for me… i think I’ll stick to shaving
I know this is kind of like a blonde question and i kno u just explained it but does it only work 4 certain people or for no one at all period
So I have seen this on tv numerous times and am always intrigued by it. Then today I found it online for $7 and I went to get my credit card. I thought “is this too good to be true?” and decided to look for some reviews. Not only was yours hilarious, it also saved me my money, albeit only $7, but most importantly my skin. THANKS!
So glad I can help save my fellow peeps from wasting moola (who has any extra now anyway?!), and scraping the hell out of your skin (particularly the young kiddos!)
Ashley–I can’t speak for everybody, just wanted to share my experience. I was so excited about the product and so horrified by the results… and obviously I’m a little outspoken so I thought a play-by-play of how it really works would help other gals/dudes make a more informed decision before plunking down the $10.
Great to hear all these comments! Keep ‘em coming!
Josie–I don’t have a dog, but don’t think I wouldn’t consider conning one of my pooch-having buds into giving that a whirl in the name of a good review, ha! Stay tuned…
I had the same experience but on my UPPER LIP!!!! I had to rub (OUCH) make up and concealer on, and still look like I had a red moustache for three weeks…embarrassing! I am a college prof, but I was, felt and looked pretty stupid.
I was floored when I saw the low-budget ad for this touting it as “new” breakthrough. Ancient Egyptian women used to use pumice stones in exactly the same manner — this sanding off of the hair is as old as time. Women have used emory boards, too — which are really just glorified sandpaper. There’s a REASON why so many other hair removal products have been developed since Cleopatra’s time — because this one completely sucks! Razors are by far the fastest, cheapest, most dependable method for the average jane. Waxing has it’s uses, lasers are super expensive and not without issues, and depilatory creams stink, burn and cause visible irritation and are really just the chemical equivalent of using a razor.
Cathy–UGH! How awful! Man, being a chick sucks. We’re expected to look hot (or, at a minimum, not TOO hairy, lol) but we have to go through hell in the process.
Nina–You got it, sister!! You would think evolution would take care of this for us eventually. And baffling that we can create and inhabit an international freakin’ space station but nobody can figure out a good way to one-up the razor. Sigh.
I just purchased Smooth Away an hour ago. Then I went online to read reviews. Oh, my some like it…some don’t. Since I already purchased the “torture kit” I will give it a try. Even if it works for quick fixes or inbetween shaves it may be well worth it. If I don’t come back on to write my review, someone call 911.
L;-)
LOL! Good luck!
This was hilarious! Thanks for posting this. I was very close to giving this a try. I was reading this in the bedroom next to hubby, who was trying to read his book, but my fits of laughter kept interrupting him and I had to read the article to him. LOL. You have a gift.
That’s awesome. And now he knows what NOT to get you for Christmas. Really, gift receipt of any type of hair-removal product would probably not be flattering.
Yep, thanks for taking one for the team. Was tempted by this, but said to myself, “That seems like sandpaper!” and didn’t buy it.
Would you PLEASE review ShamWow so you can save my marriage?
My husband is dying to purchase it and I refuse. I’ve read other reviews of it and know that you’ll have a ‘great’ review of it – which I’ll shove in his face and laugh evilly.
Thanks!
Stupid sandpaper, lol.
Hey, that’s the second request for a ShamWow review–just told the hubby he’s in charge of buying one today. Stay tuned!
Other requests have included the chopper thing from the Pampered Chef and Pet-icure nail clipper thing for dogs (can I use that on my husband?)… Any other suggestions?
omg.
thank you so much for writing this review
i was just pulling out my credit card to buy it and then i thought..lemme just check really quick if anyone has said anything about it.
Thanks again !
Wow, I was about to buy this, I knew it was too good to be true
I have really sensitive skin so I am desperate to find something less abrasive to shaving (I can’t shave my pits more than once every 3 days without getting razor burn, even with lots of soap, rinse, sensitive skin shaving cream, fresh razor… nothing) and less expensive than waxing. Besides, I don’t want to let the hair get long enough for waxing. Gross. The pain, I can stand. But my wallet has a lower pain tolerance than I do 
Anyone know of something that actually WORKS?
Oh why didn’t I see this BEFORE I brought the peace of crap. To be fair, the woman at Bed Bath and Beyond said I could return it. But yeah, it worked on my lip but left it red as hell thus letting it be more obvious what I had done and what was previously there. Quite embarrasing .As for my legs? It didn’t do jack shit and my hands are sore from trying. What a load of crap. I’m going to stick to Nair and plucking.
RockstarMama, you are a Queen
A Queen? WOOHOO!! I shall fashion a crown out of the used smooth away pads and weird green pouch they came in.
Sucks that everyone’s having the same experiences… but more evidence that this thing’s CRAP!
and to think i was going to use it on “sensitive areas”…
thanx for the heads up.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Thanks a ton for saving me some dough. You should get paid to write such hilarious story-telling/infomercial style reviews! You rock! I usually stick with the razor but i can associate to some of you, i am hairy lazy chick, so I tried Sally Hansen’s Spa microwaveable waxing kit($hit) and it is such a waste of money. I got a stubble within 2 days and a full grown set of hair within a week of usage ( i’m whining because the box says lasts upto 8 weeks). Also, does “exfoliating your skin” means peeling it off and leaving dark red spots all over. Maybe you can write a better review, but I’m sucking it all and sticking to Venus Embrace ( well, it’s still better than the 6 for $3 stuff). Keep it up!!
I sell this shit at a kiosk in the mall and it sucks!!! I feel so bad selling this crap of a product to poor innocent women who are so excited about buying it.it nearly beaks my heart seeing them so anxious to go home right away to try it. I am on the verge of quitting!!
I really really wish I would have found this BEFORE I bought this stuff yesterday! I was so excited for smooth legs and pits. I took a shower to make sure all lotion was off of me, towelled up, amd after about 1/2 hour of working on one leg with almost zero results, gave up.
Sigh.
Thanks for the review, but alas! too late for me.
I ignored the instructions that says not for use by diabetics.
Now I have a bad rash on my ankle and calf of one leg and on the ankle of my other leg.
Wasn’t smart enough to stop with one leg, huh?
I first tried it on my arm (like in the commercial).
I should have gotten the “heads-up” when it didn’t work on my arm.
So, I let down the Master today and now must find some painful, appropriate way in which to punish myself. I was just going to bang a pot against my head as usual, but now I think I’ll try Smooth Away. Thanks for the variety!
I purchased this piece of crap too. What gets me is Whoopie Goldberg mentioned that she loves this product on the view. So I bought it. She’s got to be kidding right? Piece of CRAPOLA!!
I’ve read reviews, both positive and negative and hadn’t made up my mind about the purchase until reading this. I’m a sucker for “as seen on tv” shit and this about takes the cake. Thanks!
Oh and in response to Patsy, Whoopie Goldberg doesn’t even have eyebrows, why would anyone believe her about leg hair?
HILARIOUS!!! My mom googled this product and found your site and fowarded it to a ton of people! THIS IS HILARIOUS!!!
OMG, thank you!!! I wanted this so bad, untill I started thinking that it seemed like a nail buffer I have, so I used one on my arm, and some (verry little) hair got removed, my skin feels soft in some areas, cracked in others, overall not worth it, so I had to see if the reveiws online matched to what my buffer did. lol, I didn’t rub as hard as you did I guess ^^, but it seems to be the same thing. thankx for saving me money =D…
oh, and if you don’t ming testing a brand of sunless tanning lotion, I’d love to see what results alba sunless tanner gives. I know alot of those sunless tanners make you look orange instead of brown, so I’d love to here a real ladies reveiw, not a bitch getting paid to talk trash to her own kind (us females).
here’s the wedsite:
http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=73&pid=143
you can find it in natural food store, drug stores, and maybe even walmart (the one where I live sells it).
Funny! But…It actually worked for me. I bought it after reading about it in Allure (one of those weird people who doesn’t own a TV.) I used it on my forearms, which I’ve been wanting to shave ever since I noticed all the gray hair I don’t have on my head is on my arms instead (go figure!) It worked. My arms look amazing.
thanks for the review! this saved me money coz am about to ask the husband to buy it! good thing i got to see your very informative review. thanks rockstarmama!
This is a message for JosielnGA. I have had dogs forever and I got a dremel for doing their nails. There is a little sandpaper circle thing that goes on the end of the dremel. It is wonderful and works like a charm. My sister even got one for her dog too.
danieljenkins–I would not advise using it anywhere that could later get MORE friction. Yowza.
Taals–Thanks, and also, LOL!!!! “Waxing kit ($hit)” That made me laugh. I might have to try it as obviously I’m a sucker for torture.
Anonymous kiosk seller–I was dying when I read your comment and I read it to my husband. Stupid Smooth Away.
Me, Patsy & Constance–Oh the agony!! We should take our Smooth Away kits and have a ceremonial burning. Although plastic, on fire? Could be toxic.
Shawn–You are disturbed. I still love your blog.
Jess & aproudwifeandmom–Happy to help! Save yourself!
Jen–That rocks! Spread the word… we will not be tortured!
mimi–HAHAHAHA! And, I will happily be your sunless tanner guinea pig. I am a sad shade of winter white. It’s no good. Check back soon!
hairless–Congrats! Perhaps you got the one good batch and the rest of us got the crappy ones. Kind of like how they do medical tests with placebos. Actually it’s not at all like that. God I suck at arguments. Pshh. Never mind. Still, thanks for reading!
Janet Guidry–I’m trying to bribe one of my friends who has a dog into testing some dog products and reviewing them for the site. Great advice!
LOL. Thanks. I was considering. But definitely have a change of thought now.
This was quite entertaining and informative. I came across a coupon for Smooth Away then looked at the website and thought, “This is too good to be to true.”
Thanks for confirming my suspicions. Back to the razor for me. I have yet to brave waxing anything other than my eyebrows.
Wow… I was “this close” to buying that thing. I saw it in Walgreens, and like you, was immensely excited about not having to pay outrageous S&H. I even carried it around with me for a bit before deciding to put it back until I went home and read some reviews. Man, oh man, am I ever glad I did!
Also, thanks for what may be the funniest review I’ve ever read of a product!
My younger sister had my mom buy this for her to try out and I was very skeptical. She tried it out and it didn’t work at all, but I decided to try it on my upper lip since I hate waxing. Surprisingly, it worked, but only after I’d rubbed it around for a while. Even though it took so long I prefer it to waxing. Later I tried it on my leg, and I must’ve rubbed too much because my skin feels irritated but none of the hair went away. All it did was exfoliate my leg. So I recommend it for upper lip, but not for legs.
great blog! super informative and entertaining! like the rest of the women here thanks for saving me $14!!!!
At least I got a good laugh researching this product. You are too funny! I bought my Smooth Away at Walgreen’s and had the same problem. Just tried them today & they just don’t work. And I don’t have a lot of hair to remove. I found it only rubbed my skin off, without taking any hair with it. I will be returning the product to Walgreen’s to get a refund! Thanks for the funny review!
Please review the ‘Flirty girl fitness’ DVDs (and stripper pole if you feel so inclined.) It looks interesting, but me being incredibly poor, want someone who is REAL to review it.
Yeah so about 5 years ago or so before smooth away they made this thing that was basically an electric smooth away. The “sand paper” came on this big disc looking things that you attached to this other thing that did the spinning for you. It even came with an instructional dvd. You gently buff over the skin and the hair is gone…. umm yeah if it only really worked. Cost me like $30 to figure out this thing didn’t work, at least you got out cheap.
I actually really liked this product. It did take longer than I expected , but I am still very happy with the results.
Also, to the person who stated that the commercial says its not available in stores….uhm if you understood english they mean that the particular “offer” is not in stores.
That is how ALL TV offers go…
Thanks for the review. I was going to buy it for my daughter who is twelve so that she wouldn’t shave.
Pretty accurate assessment. Unlike you, no pain. Like you, no hair removed. None. Zip. Nadda. The review on the Yahoo web site seems to have been visited repeatedly by the whole Smooth Away, no, Throw Your Money Away, team. Good thing they haven’t inundated your site with their crap.
Well, like all of you, I’ve been searching for that “miracle” hair removal…this looked SOOO good (then again,I purchased the Magic Bullet, which is now an $80 garlic chopper) and after reading this review-and all the comments-and laughing so hard that I pee’d myself, I decided against it.
Thanks Mama!!!!
What do strippers-I mean EXOTIC DANCERS- do??? I believe THEY would have an answer!!!
Until we find out, looks like more painful and expensive waxing!! SUCKS to be us, I guess!!
Prakashni & Kimmie: Save yourself!! And your money.
Adrienne: Effing coupon tricks. Don’t even take it if someone pays YOU! Well, you could take it, and the money, but don’t use it, lol.
Loralie, Neeia & Irene: Happy to entertain. Thanks for reading!
Vicki: And definitely not the bikini area.
Anon5: I’m on it. Sounds like the husband will enjoy that as well.
Heather: Sounds like a belt sander!!
Lady20: Freakin’ Made-for-TV world tricking us into stealing our shipping and handling money…
Just Me: Lied to by DA MAN! Rudeness. “Throw your money away team”, lol.
Shell: $80 garlic chopper, ha! Sorry about the peeing. Hey, that’s a good idea, I’ll bet exotic dancers would know. If any are reading this blog, we would appreciate your expertise. Please help us become hairless.
So.
After using the smooth away…with friggin’ red face,legs and arms…still with hair… and a cat that insists on helping me to type…this made my night..hysterical.
I wish I had come here before buying the damnable product.
Nothing works. Damn!! Why can’t I find a nice hippy commune to live in and be my hairy self!!!
My mom just spent $60 on three of these at a home show, one for each of the girls in my family. I was really skeptical, but she said she had tried it before she bought it. I read the directions carefully and used it in “circular motions with slight pressure, repeating until all hairs have been removed”. That left me with nothing but ashy, still hairy legs. A few minutes later I noticed a peculiar burning sensation on my legs. My looked and felt like an awful sunburn. I can see how it might seem as though it is working, it does make your skin soft at first, but it certainly does not remove hair. And I have really fine hair too! Don’t buy this.
if you want a way to remove hair thats absolutely fabulous you should try and find a salon that offers body sugaring. i find it less painful than waxing and the hair literally starts growing in finer the very first time and also takes a few weeks before it even comes back. I am not sure what all states have gotten into the body sugaring but I do know its pretty big in parts of Texas, I am from Kansas and theres only one city here thats really caught onto it sadly! anyway just thought I would throw that idea out there for anyone interested!
Thanks for making me laugh AND saving me a trip to the store and $$$ that could be spent better on something else! I was going to go out earler to Bed Bath and Beyond to get this stuff. But looking out the window, it seemed about ready to storm so I just said to myself “Oh, just be a little hairy for one more day and go get it tomorrow!” And then I found your blog! Perfect timing!
I usually use Veet or Nair so I guess I’ll be sticking with that.
BTW-your blogs should come with a warning from now on: “Do Not Eat or Drink While Reading!” I just shot Pepsi through my nose!! Now THAT burns worse than sandpapering your legs! LOL
I love this!!!! You are such a great humorous writer and you definitely cracked me up. I knew from the start that they were using sandpaper for this product because Sally Hansen also made these buffers a while ago for facial hair and I used them for over a year…worked great at first then got really painful. I stopped and tried nair, worked great at first, then burned my skin, now im threading it (OUCH OUCH OUCH!!)Anyways thanks for your review!!
OMG You are so effing hilarious! This is the greatest thing I’ve ever read both for comical relief and most importantly the fact that you just saved me from buying this piece of crap. I was so excited to make the trip to CVS today and test this bad boy out and did something that I never usually do – check it out first. I actually was on another site and someone recommended reading this link to deter others from making the same mistake of sandpapering yourself. Kudos to you and hope your burn went away! Thank you thank you 100x!!
This is hilarious! I got it to work for me though. It’s requires a little bit of technique. You have to prep the skin(clean it really well to remove lotions and natural oils and also rough the hair up chemically) and then you just do the circular motions. You dont’ have to apply a ton of pressure. That was my first mistake too. Just a light tough will do it then just circles and the skin is way smooth after. For the record, I’m a dude and I was doing my chest. I imagine the legs would be easier. It does take a bit of time but shaving is a pain and waxing HURTS!
For those of you reading this far down, looking for more reviews of this product, I just wanted to add that I bought and used the Smooth Away today.
I am Italian and French, and have dark hair, pretty coarse I guess you could say.
I came home and used this product right away. I haven’t shaved in about 5-7 days or so. I’ve been letting it grow so I could try this product.
I sat on the couch and pulled up my capri’s.
I slapped the sticky pads on the plastic hand miitt things and away I went. Like the rest of you, I buffed in circles, light pressure, 3-5 times each direction.
I was so surprised at how good it worked, my 11 year old son wanted to try.
Lazy Mother that I am, I let him!
In just a couple of minutes both “gross and picky” legs as my son said, were soft and smooth and hairless!
I did my upper lip in the kitchen hall mirror (French and Italian remember, I do have a little ’stache going)And that was done in seconds.
So far so good. I think this was a great purchase for me, I WAY prefer this over shaving. I feel bad for those who it didn’t work this well for.
Tonight after my shower I’m going to try the bikini area. I’ll add my findings later!
I laughed until I cried. Hope springs eternal! Thank you for saving me $10 – there was a sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I was going to get one, but Google it first. Great review!
Sure wished I’d read this before I bought this. I like begged my daddy for it, used it on my upper lip. Came out with like. A rug burn type rash that hurt for like. a week. And the big pads didn’t even make the hair go away on my arms or legs.
This is like. a major rip off and a waste of 14 dollars
Yeah, I got suckered in to that thing too. I saw on TV and thought it would be the end to all the problems. I had all these wonderful thoughts of Smooth-Awaying all my leg hair and what have you. The sad thing is, after reading your review and all the other similar ones around, I USED IT ANYWAY. You think I would have taken a hint…? I don’t know. That thing hurt.
Yup.. same senerio.. altho in all my excitement and perhaps boredom late one night I seen the commercial, with my laptop only sitting inches away.. as soon as the SMOOTHAWAY.COM address popped up my wallet was my next victim after ofcourse visiting the site.. well needless to say I ordered it, waited eagerly for three whole weeks, finally when it arrived opened it in a somewhat similiar case as yours only to find it didnt work.. now it currently resides on the top shelf, shoved all teh way to the back of my towel closet.. well… not only does it not work.. it cost about 30$ with the rush shipping, additional deals and two months later Im having a monthly charge of 14.99 taken out of my account bc I attempted to be the cheap buyer and apply for the rebate. Note… big scam.. buyer sedge(google it). When I called for an explanation I was told that it was because of a rebate I applied for and with that I was now a member…… yay.. couldnt help but wonder.. if it wasnt too much where’s that 10 dollar rebate… and if the 14.99 was suppose to substitute… Anyhow just to add to it.. The day after I recieved my package my husband ran out to walmart to pick up some odds and ends.. and so lovingly sent me a new picture mail showing a great big shelf full of the stuff I just had to have.. and only 9.99 a box…(message read: good thing you got it direct) uh..Thanks hunny….
sigh.. LOL we all have our moments.. especially when it comes to the woo’s of being a woman.
never again…
…well..haha til the next NEED TO have..
as for reviewing try those strap perfect things just got a box.. of them sure they somewhat do what they need… but I found it quite difficult to position them properly or even adjust and move..and a lil bit irritating after wearing all day…hmm luckily this time, saved the trouble and purchased at walmart
PB&J–cats are so helpful, aren’t they? And you’re right! Damnable!
Black hair white skin–HAHA!! Hippy commune. So awesome.
Too late!–Seriously, what’s with the burning? It’s so wrong. Keep it away from any SENSITIVE areas!
Stephanie–body sugaring–not only does it sound fun (and makes me want a cookie) but you get to go to the spa TOO!? I’m going to look that up in Vegas tonight. Any excuse to go to the spa…
Dessie–the weather works in mysterious and magical ways. Sorry about the Pepsi incident!
Nat–thank you! Yeah, freakin’ sandpaper. I was tricked.
Amy–you rock! Thanks for the kudos. Save yourself! It’s like rubbing a porcupine on a sunburn.
Brad–congrats on your success! Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to test it out on my chest. Actually, it’s fortunate. A furry front would not be attractive on a chick.
Donna–how did the bikini experiment go?
Gigi–there there, dry your eyes. Here, use my ShamWow.
Alora–agreed! I hope you feel better…
Sofia–sometimes you just hafta try stuff on your own. That’s what I did!
Chick–WHAT A RIP OFF!! A “member”? A member of what?? Oh, your husband is so sweet and loving… and thanks for the other ideas! I’m collecting a list of other things to try on the “your personal guinea pig” post. I’ll add these–I have wondered about the strap perfect thing. Although that’s just what I need, freaking pictures of me in a bra all over the web, lol. Perhaps an illustration would suffice in that case.
LOL Ooooo did I forget to mention that I was temporarily a proud member of some online market group.. that helps buyers get deals buying direct.. (oviously nothing to do with my rebate)who woulda thought
thats just what I needed..I’ve been workin my way threw many of your halirious and helpful blogs..haha
LOL! That was hilarious – I can picture the whole thing so clearly in my mind. I just told my hubbt I wanted one and now I will be sure to let him know it’s definately OFF the Mother’s Day list! Thanks!
Well, heck, I tried it and it worked great, with no irritation.
i hate this little pink crap that is supposed to rub your hair off. more like rubbing sandpaper across your lip. i would not recommend it to anyone
Chick–You rock! New stuff coming son.
Melissa–Yeah, I would definitely upgrade your gift request to something that WORKS, lol.
Mike–It seems, from feedback, that it works a little better on guys. Lucky dudes!
Austin–HA! Yes, very true.
AGH! They use the classic scam body product tactic on the Smooth Away website: it says the thing is popular in Europe. I live in Europe and let me tell you, this place is not a bastion of hair removal.
And as for Smooth Away being the “Fastest selling, Most popular Women’s Product” on this continent, I’m sure it can’t hold a candle to weight loss lotion or “thinning creams.” Why is it the ads for those never claim they’re popular in America?
man dude, i didn’t read this until after i got the stupid smooth away. I tried doing my arms for hmm lets see, 20 mins, and I got maybe 3 specks of hair off. I threw it out immediately, thanks for the sandpaper, but wheres the smooth away?
OMG I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes! I am going to scroll up and read other reviews now, because I need a good giggle, and your fricken brilliant! I ALMOST bought this yesterday too at Walgreens, I felt like I would wait just a few more days, till payday of course, and then buy it. So glad I didn’t! LOLOLOL
I wish I would have seen this blog post sooner. I, too, was suckered by these terrible sanding pads and I’m not sure if my legs ever really recovered. It’s a shame that I’m so hypnotized by anything that can be purchased for 9.95 with promise of a free gift (with or without s&h!) … the only one i’ve been satisfied with so far is flirty girl fitness.
Yeah, I just bought it and it doesn’t work at all. At least I didn’t keep trying until my skin fell off. Wish I’d read this earlier!
Somehow your review made me laugh (sorry)
Yeah, I was skeptical to begin, so I don’t think I’m gonna go down that road
Nicole: Hilarious!!! What products ARE popular over there, that I could review?
Smoothaway sucker: Exactly my experience! Effing sandpaper. Probably be cheaper to buy it at the wood store. (Wood store? Lumber yard, whatever. Somewhere Home Depot-ish where you could also pick up some nails and a belt sander)
Angie: Sweetness! Glad I could entertain. Walgreens seems to be a Mecca for all things made-for-tv. There must be SOMETHING there that works.
Jessica: Damn, and I didn’t even get a free gift. Well unless you could the rugburn.
e: Glad you could save your skin. It might scare people if you lost your skin. Although you might get some money from a lawsuit!
Valerie: Yeah, I would pass on it. In retrospect, it’s funnier now than when I was all scraped up and hairy.
OH my GOd, I just bought this yesterday, Ill try to go return it now that i read your horror story! Holy crap, I should have researched this product before i spent the 13 bucks!!
Thanks alot for the heads up!
i have had the “swine flue” and not laughed much, or anything else for the last six days. but to quote one of the other comments, this is just flippen funny, cough laugh, cough laugh laugh
i heard lots of people having a hard time w/ this product…but i bought it & it works really well for me…your supposed to rub gently & slow in different circular directions so that you don’t get raw red irritated skin…the only thing that bugs me is how it takes HOURS to shave w/ it…but besides that i actually like the product & it’s results
Smooth Away worked fantastic for me .. but only if I was completetly dry.
I tried using once, right after my shower and never have I been in so much pain – ouch. I tried using it right before a shower too – also ouch
It didn’t take a lot of rubbing, since I just did the bits of hair around my upper lip, and my arms.
So , I feel mixed about the Smooth Away. Works great, if you’re planning to stay away from the shower for a few hours.
It’s full of crap…too good 2B true! WASTE OF MONEY!