How to Get the Perfect Shave

For most guys, shaving is considered a dreaded utilitarian chore.  When done improperly it can also lead to nicks and cuts, razor burn, bumps and missed hairs. 

The good news is this doesn’t have to be the case!  Shaving can become an enjoyable part of your daily routine.  Think of it as a little spa time each morning! 

Here is a routine for the perfect shave:

Preparation is key!

No, the shampoo running down from your hair and the bar of soap you just used to clean your nether regions are not a substitute for a facial cleanser. 

Washing your face with an appropriate, ph-balanced cleanser will help remove oil, dirt and impurities from the skin. 

Recommendation: Hydra Refine Cleansing Mousse  

This cleanser washes deep down, and helps eliminate pore-clogging oil. This soap free formula contains Marine Seaweed with astringent Lemongrass and fresh, cooling Cucumber.

Exfoliate before you shave.

Exfoliating prior to shaving will help remove built-up dead surface skin cells that can clog your razor. 

It also deep cleans and removes excess oil, softens the beard and allows for the closest shave possible.

Recommendation: One-Minute Exfoliating Mask

This quick mask exfoliates with tiny spheres of rice bran wax and lactic acid. With a special Seaweed, Lemongrass and Cucumber blend, it leaves your skin feeling clean and smooth.

Apply your shaving cream like a king!

Nothing feels more elegant and regal than applying shaving cream with a shaving brush. 

Prepare the brush by heating it under hot water.  Apply a few dabs of your favorite shaving gel and work it into the face and neck in a circular motion. 

This lifts the hairs enabling the blade to catch the base for a close shave.

Let’s do this!

For a good shave, nothing is more important than a clean, fresh razor. A disposable razor blade should only be used for no more than 10 shaves before being … disposed. 

Shave in long, even strokes in the direction for of the hair growth.  If you want to do a second pass against the grain, be sure to reapply the shaving cream between strokes.

Use an after shave after shaving.

This seems logical enough, yet so many guys leave out this important step. 

An appropriate aftershave works as an astringent to close the pores and remove any trace remnants of shaving cream. This will also help reduce the appearance of redness or oily/problem areas.

Recommendation: Herbal Astringent Pore Perfecting Solution

The Seaweed, Willow Bark and seven natural herbs’ extracts in this astringent help to deep cleanse and refresh your skin, while also helping to absorb excess oil and reducing the appearance of shine.

Another post-shave recommendation: Essential Oil of Seaweed

This oil is rich in Vitamin E and natural Seaweed and feels amazing on your skin! It's also a perfect beard oil for those still sporting some beard! It nourishes the skin and won’t clog your pores.

If you can commit to a regimen and use quality products, you will find that shaving will become some “you time” that you actually enjoy!

*Originally published in OutClique Magazine January 2019

About the author: Brian David Douglas is a dual licensed esthetician and massage therapist, focusing on anti-aging services utilizing the Repêchage line of treatments and retail products as well as advancing services. Brian has over ten years of experience providing massage therapy for post-operative and oncology care in clinical hospital setting and teaches massage therapy at the American Institute of Wellness and Beauty in Margate, FL. Douglas is an International Educator for Repechage and was named the "Rising Star" in skin care at the 19th International Congress.