The brazilian-style bikini wax – that fabled form of hair removal that makes certain body parts look creepily prepubescent – is a must for those who hit the dunes just this side of naked. But some of us who’ll never ever wear a G-string north of the Equator are still up for trying the peel-and-squeal part. Each of the salons below is offering New York women one Brazilian waxing for $20 between now and Labor Day. (Mention this page; tip at least $5.) As for precisely how bare you dare to go, that’s not our business.
Advanced SkinCare, a full-service European-style spa, applies gentle, green Azulene wax without the usual fabric strips, inflicting less pain than the regular stuff. But know that this kind of wax can require several applications. 532 Madison Ave., at 54th St., third floor (758-8867).
Away Spa Gym, a full-service midtown spa, does a modest Brazilian with tough honey wax, but insists on leaving a narrow strip of hair (just fine with us). W Hotel, 541 Lexington Ave., at 49th St., fourth floor (407-2970).
Dorit Baxter’s old-fashioned, unpretentious salon offers an authentic bare-everything Brazilian (with gentle organic wax). Don’t fret: You can ask for mercy. 47 W. 57th St., third floor (371-4542).
Ling Skin Care’s three tiny salons, known for soothing facials and a coveted product line, use honey wax for everyone. If your skin reacts, Ling has a magic potion to calm it. 128 Thompson St. (982-8833); 12 E. 16th St. (989-8833); 105 W. 77th St. (877-2883).
Oasis Day Spa uses Azulene or honey wax, depending on the client. They’re willing to take off as much as you can handle. Good news for screamers: Treatment rooms are soundproofed. 108 E. 16th St., second floor (254-7722).
Oscar Blandi is best known for coiffing and coloring beauty editors and glitzy Plaza guests. But the experienced waxers also draw raves for keeping pain tolerable. Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave., mezzanine (593-7930).
Picks of the Week
Beth Bowley’s embroidered silk dresses sell at stores like Bendel’s. At the sale, they’re more than half off: skirts are $15-$75; dresses are $20-$100; silk sweaters are $15-$45. Sizes 2-10. 611 Broadway, near Houston St., Suite 828 (674-2664); cash only; Fri. noon-8, Sat. 11-6; 6/25-6/26.
Floris of London is taking at least half off a stash of bath and body products – very nice gifts: a box of six small toilet soaps ($21); floral toilet-water splash ($17); Rose Blend room spray ($5.25). 703 Madison Ave., near 63rd St. (935-9100); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Thurs. till 7; 6/21-7/24.
Country Road is taking half off all current stock. On the first day of the summer sale, New York readers can stop in at 10 a.m., two hours before opening, for first dibs on men’s and women’s suit separates (from $89), casual wear (from $19), and accessories (from $39). Call 800-666-6677 for store locations and hours; A.E., M.C., V.; Sun. 10-5; 6/27.
Spotless Venetian Blind Laundry will take the grunge off any kind of window shades, blinds, and curtains for 30 percent off, with free pickup throughout the city (except Staten Island) and delivery. Pleated shades are $21, Venetian blinds are $8 (prices quoted are for shades 48-by-60 inches and smaller). 852 West Broadway, Woodmere, N.Y. (516-593-3000); checks accepted; Mon.-Fri. 8-5; 6/21-7/21.
Thé à la Menthe’s Moroccan furniture and accessories end up in shops like Felissimo. Here, it’s all 50 to 70 percent off: Glass lanterns are from $12, leather poufs are $190, carved chests are $99-$500, and tile tables are $180- $1,800. 236 W. 26th St. (675-4651); checks accepted; Mon.-Fri. noon-7 (Fri. 6/25, 11-3); 6/21-6/30.
Colette Malouf’s hair accessories are perfect for dressing up beach-blown hair, and have been seen on style setters from Amber Valetta to Julia Roberts. At the sale, they’re at least half off: Jeweled pins are $10, leather head straps are $25, and crystal-beaded headbands are $45. 594 Broadway, near Prince St., Suite 1216 (941-9588); M.C., V.; Wed. 3-7, Thurs. 5-7, Fri. 4-6; 6/23-6/25.
Robin’s Nest’s baby and kids’ clothes by designers like Cacharel, Kenzo, Naf Naf, and Jean Bourget are now half-price: Tops are $9-$26, dresses are $14-$48, swimsuits are $18-$33, and infant clothes are $12-$60. 1168 Lexington Ave., near 80th St. (737-2004); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 11-6; 6/21-7/15.
Maria Turgeon and Rebecca Selva’s joint sale features Turgeon’s summery handbags and duffels and Selva’s funky silver and semi-precious jewelry. Prices are all at least half off: Jewelry is $60-$350; bags are $30-$125. 153 W. 27th St., Suite 400 (229-0077); cash only; Wed.-Thurs. 10-7; 6/23-6/24.
ALWAYS A DEAL
Uproar’s Downstairs
Starting to think about buying more than an ugly futon to furnish your shack on the beach? Check out the basement at Uproar Home, where floor samples and old stock are about 30 to 40 percent off. Styles range from repro-Victorian to American-country, and there’s everything from candles to throw pillows to armoires. The best deals are on furniture, though: A recent visit uncovered Jacobean pillows for $65, pine cabinets for $795, and farm-style kitchen tables for $995. 121 Greene Street (614-8580).