Best distraction during a bikini wax
Of course, no one in her right mind looks forward to having hot wax rip the hair from such a delicate region, but with Barbara Smith of Total Skin Care manning the sticky vats, we've long found the procedure surprisingly tolerable. The Brookline salon owner nearly bubbles over with enthusiasm, humor, and enough funny - and occasionally downright snarky - anecdotes about her neighbors, friends, and family to keep us entertained long after the final hair's been yanked.

Total Skin Care, 270 Babcock Street, Brookline, (617) 783-0565.