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Tips For A Closer Shave

by Roberta Angela Dee

Electric Razor Users : Use a good facial scrub, then let face dry prior to using an electric razor.

Facial Scrub: A good quality facial scrub will help free ingrown hairs, and help prevent new ones from forming.

Clean Skin: Wash with a quality cleanser to remove surface oil so water can penetrate facial hair.

Skin Type: Depending on your skin type and formula preference, apply Cream Shave (drier skins) or oil-free M Shave Aloe Gel (oilier skins).

Shave Twice: Shave with light, short strokes in the direction of hair growth. Shaving with the grain helps prevent ingrown hairs, razor burn, and cuts. Instead of shaving against the grain to get a close shave, shave twice.

Shaving Order: Shave smooth areas (cheeks) first, saving the chin and upper lip (which have the highest concentration of tough hairs) for last, so these whiskers have longer to soften. Shave from the base of the neck up to the jaw, then back down again, since neck hair grows in both directions.

Sideburns: Pay special attention to sideburns: right-handed men tend to shave their left sideburn shorter — vice versa for lefties.

Direction: Never shave against the grain. Shaving against the grain can trigger ingrown hairs and razor burn. If ingrown hairs are a problem, help them with good quality facial scrub. A floating-blade razor won't disturb shaving bumps. For extra glide, lather with Clinique's M Lotion and let set before applying Cream Shave.

Tough Beards: Shave in or after shower to allow steam and moderately hot water to soften beard. Always use a sharp, clean razor. Change blades after every third use. Rinse often with hot water to prevent razor clogging.

Razor Burn: The easiest thing I have found for shaving is to apply a light oil, (try Aveda's Calming Nutrients), and put a few drops on damp skin before shaving. The oil helps protect the skin from razor burn, and the blade sticks to the skin better, thus preventing nicks and cuts. And, it is a great moisturizing treat at the same time.

Highly Recommended Shaving Products:


Decleor shaving foam — Karite butter and glycerine moisturize all day.

Kiehl's aftershave moisturizer — Delivers its promise to keep your skin soft.

Aveda aftershave balm — With mint, chamomile, and bergamot.

Georgette Klinger two-step restorative — From the doyenne of skin care.

Philosophy shaving gel — With silicone, for heavy beards.

Kiss My Face anti-bacterial shave creams — Olive oil, and a twist-top that's ideal for travel.

The Body Shop for Men shaving cream — The fragrance is sandalwood.

Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet aftershave — A scent favored by Churchill.

Nickel Contre Feu — Relieves razor burn, true to its name.

Geo F. Trumper shaving cream — Sublimely soothing, and violet-scented.

© 1998, Roberta Angela Dee
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