Decide on your style. Designer stubble is 'in' and a couple of days growth not only defines your jaw line it also protects your young skin from excess damage from razors. Shaving doesn't have to be a pain in the neck so every three to four days follow these tips for a smooth shave or you'll end up with a beard and/or no boys!
Take your time
It's worth taking a bit of time over your shave and picking the right time to shave. Shaving in the morning when your skin hasn't had time to rehydrate after sleeping and not softening the bristles long enough because you're in a rush is going to leave your face scratched and sensitive. Shaving in the bath or after a shower at night is the best time to shave.
First thing you should do is exfoliate or better still find a dermabrasion scrub. Exfoliating removes dead and dry skin from your face. Exfoliating will also gently lift up any ingrown hairs. If you find you still have them hiding under your skin use a clean pair of tweezers to gently lift them up and pull out. Try T-Zone Face Scrub for exfoliating your skin. If you're feeling more flush Organics Modern Friction (£27.50) is natures dermabrasion which sandblasts the skin removing almost a layer of skin. It really works too! Furrows, uneven skin are removed and balanced. If you're going to apply a splash of fake tan after your shave this is the route your should pick.
Wet or dry?
WET! Stay away from electric dry shavers. They're limited in use and won't give you a smooth clean shave. Try the new Gillette Fusion Razor (£7.49). It's a neat gadget that combines the comfort of 5 blades that are spaced closer together to reduce the shaving force across the bladed for real comfort. Flip it over and on the back the single blade Precision Trimmer makes it ideal for trimming sideburns and under the nose or if you're feeling creative shaping your designer stubble.
Mot gay boys know how to lube up. Your face is just the same and requires just as much attention. Make sure you've cleansed your face first with your chosen exfoliator and that you've splashed plenty of warm water over your face. This will soften the stubble and make it much easier to slice away with a single swipe. Use a shaving foam that is right for your skin. The Gillette Fusion Hydra Gel offers lube for Sensitive Skin with Aloe and Vitamin E. Tough Beard boys with Aloe and Cocoa Butter and Ultra Protection with Aloe and Glycerin all at £3.99.
Avoiding razor burn
Now comes the shaving action itself. It's common for lads to pull the skin taut and make long, sweeping passes with the razor, against the grain. This flattens the hairs against the skin and makes razor burn much more likely. Try shaving a small area at a time, with the skin pushed rather than pulled, so that the hairs stand up. Use lots of gentle, quick, tiny strokes, with the grain. Don't press the razor against your skin to get a closer shave; if the blade is sharp, it shouldn't be necessary.
Look what you're doing
it sounds obvious, but don't even shave without a mirror. Shaving by braille means you'll miss bits and might even shave some unwanted tram lines into your do. Don't forget to double check with your fingers for missed patches, particularly at the side of the neck, on your chin and most crucially, that little dent between your nose and your upper lip.
If you have cuts don't put little squares of toilet roll on them. You will forget to take them off, we promise. Instead gently mop up the blood, and apply your favourite moisturiser or after shave balm. The Fusion range includes 2 variants, the HydraCool Gel or HydraSoothe Balm leaving your face cooled and moisturised. Stay away from products containing alcohol, you'll age quicker than your apple in your lunch box.
Final touches - Looking Fabulous!
Always finish off by moisturising your face and neck. Allow to dry for a couple of minutes and if you're feeling washed out, use a little fake tan. L'Oreal's Men Anti-Dull Skin Tanning Moisturiser works wonders. Apply evenly over your face before bedtime, and you'll wake up with a couple of days sun colour on your face. Don't forget to look after your skin between shave days with daily cleansing, moisturising and adding a splash of tan. Not too much, you'll go orange!
The Gillette Fusion range is available from Boots and leading pharmacies.
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