When you move to a new place, first things first, you need to get your beauty peeps in order. I’m talking hair, nails, facials, waxing — you’ve got to do your own research and ask around to find the best of the best.

In doing my own exploring I discovered Beauty Care. Their lovely team is who I now trust to get my skin glowing, thanks to the most relaxing and invigorating facials, ultra-sound treatments and thorough cleaning. Beauty Care is also where I now go for waxing. (For the record — I don’t laser. I’ve already got enough beauty stuff going on, that I couldn’t deal with another time commitment.)

A few weeks ago I scheduled an appointment to get a bikini wax. After settling into the clean and zen space, I was asked in a sweet Swiss German accent, “Do you want wax or sugar?” I’d never tried sugaring before so I was quite hesitant at first. It was then explained to me how much better sugaring is for you. Here’s what I learned:

It’s natural. Sugaring is made from three ingredients: sugar, water and lemon juice.

It’s hurts a lot less. Unlike waxing, hair is pulled in the same direction as the hair follicle, which makes it gentler on your skin. The paste is also mixed with lukewarm water, so you never experience that initial burning that occurs often with wax.

It doesn’t leave a sticky mess. Sugaring is water-soluble so anything that is left behind can be washed off.

It doesn’t leave redness. Sugaring paste doesn’t adhere to the skin like waxing paste does, so it’s amazing for sensitive skin.

Now that you know the basics, here’s how it works in practice: Once the sugaring paste is mixed together, the aesthetician uses gloves to roll it into a ball form. It’s then massaged into the hair follicles in the direction of growth. It’s then quickly pulled away, leaving nothing behind. No strips necessary (although you can use strips too). While I can’t say that sugaring was completely painless, I will admit that it is definitely less agonizing and way more effective. There were absolutely no stray hairs left behind and the redness was minimal. The redness that did occur even went down by the end of the day.

Conclusion? I am into it! I also feel like the results lasted longer. You have to try it.