Natural Born Groomers - [ be irresistably magnetic ]

Ever been told “you’re no oil painting”? Well now you have the ultimate reply. Yes, your face could actually become a work of art. I thought I would throw a lifeline to those of you who have read my posts on grooming and thought “Bugger this, it’s all too hard, I’ll just grow a beard instead. I will save on razors, shave cremes, after shave balms, face moisturisers, and be out of the bathroom in record time!”.

So today I thought I would give you my full support on your decision and just to show you there are no hard feelings. I’ve supplied a few photos for inspiration below, however, it seems it actually costs you more and takes even longer to manage than being maintaining the Mr Smooth Face. To me, it seems equivalent of looking after a pet animal! Make your own decision and good luck!

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Ok, I think it’s safe to say that we all know that the red itchy and horrendous looking rash on our faces some mornings is not really a result of any over-enthusiasm under the sheets the night before. Therefore I thought I better provide a more acceptable reason as to why some of us suffer the dreaded “I’ve just stuck my face in a boiling pot of water” look than others. The truth is anyone can suffer “Shaving Rash” regardless of skin type, but those of us who were born with rather sensitive skin, obviously are at the front of the queue. I see you are nodding in agreement!

However, you may well be asking yourself “How the hell after a 5 min shave, do I end up looking like I’ve had my face toasted in a sandwich maker!”  Well, here are a few things to ponder.

1. Your skin has not been warmed up and softened enough prior to using your razor.
2. You must soak your face & neck with warm water first, either in the shower or with a face cloth. This helps lift the hair follicles out ready for an easier smoother shave.
3. Make sure your razor is always sharp. Don’t try and use that rusty looking blade because you can’t be bothered to go and buy a new one.
4. Always rinse your blade under hot water after each stroke. This both helps it cut easier and keeps the blade sharp, preventing those nasty nicks.
5. Do not push your blade too hard against your skin. Relax and do several lighter shorter strokes and slow down, it’s better to miss the bus than cut your throat and bleed to death (ok that’s an obvious over-exaggeration)
6. Do not yell at the kids, or wife whilst having the blade at your throat. Shaving should be a man’s morning quiet time. Even dare I say it, an enjoyable experience?
7. Do not shave against the direction your facial hair grows. Make sure you check all sides of your face as it will vary and the same with your neck.
8. Do not apply any alcohol based Colognes on any shaved area of your face or neck, this will only aggravate and inflame any existing irritation.
9. Immediately rinse your shaved face with cool water, pat dry, and then apply a soothing, cooling and calming balm. Make sure its natural, with no artificial colours or fragrances as these will increase redness and inflammation. Any balm with Aloe Vera is good as this helps to soothe and heal.
10. Lastly. Don’t rush! Allow a little more time and follow these hints and you will be able to  walk proud each morning with your head (Face) held high, rather than hiding behind your morning newspaper on the bus or train, hoping the hot blonde opposite hasn’t noticed that your face looks like you tripped and fell on your sanding machine

Here’s to a great Shave every day! Did someone mention a Brazilian? I’m out of here!

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Sounds like a recipe book, but alas, the subject today is ‘what is the best product to shave with?’ OK, let’s start with what’s not best to use. Although multi million dollar advertising campaigns will try and convince you otherwise, I argue that the use of foaming shave gels and crèmes are not in your skin’s best interest. If you suffer shaving rash or have sensitive skin or dry skin, stay well clear from shaving foams.

Why is this so? Because they contain alcohol (amongst other harsh chemicals) and this only further dehydrates your skin, making it feel dry. They also contain artificial fragrances and colours that inflame your shaved skin, causing shave rash and redness. They do not provide enough of a barrier to the skin’s surface, hence after a few strokes, you end up dragging your blade across unprotected skin, again causing irritation and inflammation!

Foams feel and look great, but do not offer you the smoothest and razor -burn free shave we all want and deserve! The answer to this is to use any of the following options:

Shave Oil
Usually 100% natural and provides excellent lubrication and protection. Shave oils soften the beard growth before shaving, as they usually contain skin warming ingredients. Shave oils are normally water soluble so easily rinse out of your razor. They can also be used under a gel or crème for more comfort if you have a coarser thicker beard growth.

Shave Crème
Easy to apply, provides a better protection barrier on skin, rinses out easy and moisturises the skin at the same time.

Shave Gel
Clear coverage is suited for those who may have acne, moles or skin problems where it helps to see where you need to shave around. Perfect also for those who want to design their own Beards, Goatees or side boards.

So my recommendation is to leave the ‘foam’ for your glass of beer and try any of the others for a rash free and smoother shave, improved looking skin, and before you know it, your face will be smoother than a baby’s bottom! Cheers.

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For many guys it is definitely right up there. However, it shouldn’t need to be the daily dreaded chore. Nor should we have to race out the door with pieces of toilet paper stuck to our face, or looking like we have spilled our morning cup of coffee over our neck. If we can put Mankind on the moon, surely we can remove our morning facial hair without creating world war 3 on ourselves!

As boys growing into men, no one teaches us or tells us how to do the one thing that after sleeping would be required almost everyday of our lives. The following pearls of wisdom may not save the planet, but may possible save you a lifetime of facial torture. Take note!

Shave after you shower: Apply a Shave oil first for extra lubrication: Only use a sharp razor: Rinse your blade in hot water only: First Shave with the direction then across your hair follicles, which do vary , so analyse your whole facial beard growth: Use a clear Gel if you have problem skin or cream if normal. Do not use alcohol based foaming gels. Do not shave backwards against hair growth. As this only causes ingrown hairs. Use a Face scrub once a week to exfoliate and prevent blackheads or ingrown hairs. Rinse face after shaving with cold water. Apply a soothing natural Shave Balm to soothe and calm irritated skin. Do not apply an Alcohol Cologne to any recently shaved skin area (face or neck) Make these changes and you may actually find shaving becomes an enjoyable experience rather than a X-Men nightmare. Just to keep you motivated, recent surveys’ stated that 99.8% of females preferred their man to be clean and smoothly shaven, so forget any ideas about the Miami Vice look!

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