I usually don't do anything too exciting for New Year's, but this year I happen to be going to The Big Easy to ring in 2009 (yahoo!!).  So I've been thinking about the warm temps down South and a possible beach trip and... oh, jeez, who has the time (or cash!) to visit the salon during the incredibly hectic holiday season??  Soooo...I found an alternative that I had to tell you about!!  My fave hair removal salon in NYC, Shobha, has this great kit that I think would make a fabulous gift for the budget-conscious beauty junkie in your life (which might be yourself, of course:)!!

The Shobha Sugaring Kit ($30) is an all-in-one, completely natural, and totally convenient hair removal system that makes waxing seem, well, almost sweet :)  I love how easy it is to use!:  first, you coat the area to be waxed with the talc-free powder (I never knew marshmallow root had soothing powers??).  Then, warm the sugaring gel (note: "sugar and lemon juice" apparently is more than just lemonade--it's a hair-removal dynamic duo!), and apply to skin.  The kit comes fully equipped with denim strips (washable and reusable!) and spatulas to make the removal a cinch. 

Seriously, I never thought I'd be able to handle this (incredibly dreaded) process so well, and I think it was natural ingredients that did it.  I had my eyebrows waxed once with this honey-lemon mixture, and it wasn't at all painful--no redness or soreness! 

If you're not into DIY-home beauty, though, you might want to check out Shobha's all-natural salons in NYC.  They're having a sale for the New Year for 2-for-1 bikini treatments when you bring a friend!!  Check out other deals here :)