As an office of mostly women, and somewhat opinionated women at that, we have to admit that we love scruff! But, sometimes, we don’t love what comes after scruff. If you’re looking to appease your lady, get ready for a big day, or simply want that clean-shaven feel, there’s no substitute for a fresh, close shave.
While we ladies don’t have to shave our faces (just everywhere else), we are familiar with the annoying bumps, knicks, and cuts that come along with shaving. With all the shaving products on the market, all claiming to give you the best shave, you’d think there would be a one-way-fits-all to get a smooth shave every time. Of course, this is reality, so we know that shaving is different for everyone; but if you need some tips and tricks for the best shave of your life, read on gentlemen!
After talking to some of my male friends and family about their shaving routines, I learned that many men don’t particularly address the needs of their skin before shaving. Even though a man’s skincare routine is most likely much less intensive than a woman’s seemingly endless regimen, it’s still important to incorporate some skincare into your everyday routine. After all, even small preparations can make a great impact on your end result!
Using a gentle cleanser will remove any dirt and oil from the day, and even if you don’t think your face needs a wash, we promise it does. We get all kinds of buildup on our face from our phones, hands, clothes, pillows, among other things, and cleansing will allow a clean canvas for shaving. Warm water also opens up your pores, helping to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn.
A good exfoliating face scrub will lift away any dead skin cells, giving your razor a smooth surface to glide across. You don’t want to exfoliate everyday though, as it can damage the skin. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week and follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Moisturizer brings back all the moisture to your skin, and brownie points if you have a moisturizer with SPF! This can help with sun exposure, skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps.
A pre-shave oil creates a protective layer on the skin and makes the shaving process much smoother. A quality oil is your secret weapon when getting a close shave, so look for oils with ingredients that will lubricate and moisturize your skin. Ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil are signs of a good face oil.
When choosing a shaving cream, avoid any products with parabens that strip your skin of essential oils. Instead, look for ingredients like Vitamin E, aloe vera, and argan oil. When applying your shaving cream, apply in an upward motion to lift the hairs away from your face for a more precise shave. Apply generously and get ready for a smooth shave.
During your shave, use a clean, sharp blade and go with the grain, rinsing with warm water between passes. We cannot stress a sharp blade enough, as the number one enemy of a clean shave is dull blades. It’s recommended to keep your blade at a 30 degree angle to minimize the risk of cutting yourself while shaving, and always remember to take your time!
The options are endless when it comes to types and brands of razors, from classic straight razors to self-cleaning electric razors. While the type of razor you choose can impact the quality of your shave, the most important factors to keep in mind are stretching the skin for a tight surface and heat for less irritation.
With freshly vulnerable skin, finish up your shaving routine by splashing your face with cold water and pat your skin dry. Apply an aftershave balm or lotion containing soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and eucalyptus oil.
