http://www.care2.com/greenliving/ancient-egyptian-body-sugaring.html
Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring
By Annie B. Bond, executive producer of Care2's Green Living.
Body sugaring is a method for removing body hair that is a cheap, homemade alternative to waxing (or shaving). The theory behind body sugaring is that the hair is removed by the root, and when it grows back there will be less of it, and it will be softer and not stubbly as it is if a razor had been used.
Body sugaring is done by making a paste of sugar, water, and lemon juice that has been heated to the softball candy stage.
After you have let the paste cool enough so that it won’t burn, you spread it on your skin, cover it with cotton strips of cloth, and then rip the cloth off like one does a bandage. Most find sugaring less painful than waxing.
Due to many requests from readers for this recipe, I have looked hard for what I have finally found and give you here, what I think is the best formula:
INGREDIENTS
2 cups sugar
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup water
Equipment: Candy thermometer
Combine the ingredients in a heavy saucepan, and heat on low using a candy thermometer. Watch the mixture very carefully so that it doesn’t boil over. Heat the mixture to 250 F on the candy thermometer; this is the hardball candy stage.
Remove from the heat and let cool enough to pour into a jar without breaking or melting the jar. (Note that this jar will be reheated in the future. Make sure it is safe for whatever form of reheating you plan to do—in the microwave, or in a pan of water.
Rip clean cotton fabric in 1-inch strips. Make sure the cotton isn’t too coarsely woven.
This next step is very critical: Let the mixture cool enough so that it won’t burn your skin. The first time I did this I didn’t let the blend cool enough and I burned myself! Test the mixture on the palm of your hand, knowing that is much tougher than the sensitive skin under your arms.
Using a dull knife or Popsicle stick, spread the cooled sugar onto your skin. Cover with the cloth strips, let set for a few minutes, and then rip off quickly as you would a bandage.
In the future you can reheat the mixture to a warm and not hot temperature (see above), and reuse. Note that reheating will thicken the paste.
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add your comment »Okay so I bought a candy thermometer and it took me one try, following the instructions above to a tee, and it was a success. I used a cut up cotton pillowcase and some cornstarch to wick away moisture from my leg, it was amazing!
Definitely buy the thermometer(I bought mine at Target)
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I have tried this recipe, and a variation of this recipe about 8 times. The first time it was too sticky, and then 7 times after that I wasn't sure if I cooked it too long, or if I didn't cook it enough.(I used low heat, and it cooked for about 20 min. until bubbling brown, I also used 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 cup sugar, and cornsyrup for different variations)I am going to Target to look for a candy thermometer today to try again, but I was wondering is there a specific time limit, or anything I should be looking for to signify the mixture is ready?
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I tried this procedure about 6 months ago and it continues to be my primary source of hair removal. I've tried heating it up both with and without the thermometer and found it more effective with the thermometer. I guess for me it's just more exact (can't really make mistakes..) as for the cloth, i just got my husbands old tank top (100% cotton) and cut it up into strips, this works really good for me. Some reasons why sometimes it doesn't get all the hair and leaves about 25% behind is probably because the skin is sweaty or slippery. Try cleaning the area a little bit and making sure it's really dry, then start again. hope this helps!
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Should the mix brown during cooking? This is harder than I imagined! I am scared I will end up with caramel or something.
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i have a good friend who pays an arm and a leg to be sugared about once every 6 weeks - i can't wait to pass this recipe along to her!
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haven't tried this yet, but am definitely willing to
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you don't have to use the cloth, if reheat the paste and it is thick enough. see this youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S96NPPitfk
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Yes, the fabric and the direction in which you pull seems to be key. Nothing too stretchy like t-shirt material- go for something stiffer like linen, some gingham or quilting material or perhaps an old pillowcase.
And don't pull up, pull parallel to the skin, in the opposite direction of the nap of the hair. So if I'm doing my leg, I'd pull at the end closest to my ankle and pull towards my knee, not up towards the ceiling.
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I have used used this technique several times. You may also try using an equal amount of sugar and liquid (i use raw sugar as it contains more minerals as it is not processed which your skin will love)Also, i use unbleached callico for the fabric which also does an excellent job. I have been making my own cosmetics for about 9 years now and am excited at the fact the Egyptians and Cleopatra VII herself used this method of hair removal every month.
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I've been attempting this for a week or two now. I've discovered that the hair must be fairly long. By that, I mean at least a week's growth. I have had the best luck with this mixture when it was fairly cool, that is, when it is thick and lumpy. It should hold its shape when you pick it up and not just be liquid.
You do NOT need a candy thermometer. Try using this old-fashioned test instead (I got it from the 12 ed Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.) The hard ball stage is 250-266F. Spoon a few drop from the hot candy mixture into a cup of very cold but not icy water. Using your fingers, form the drops into a ball. Remove from water. At the hard ball stage, the ball can be deformed by pressure but doesn't flatten until pressed. Keep cooking if it flattens and runs over your finger or doesn't hold its shape. Use fresh water and a clean spoon each time. You've gone too far if the candy separates into hard threads when dropped in water. Hope this helps!
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